Korean cuisine is characterized by its deep flavors and bold tastes. Eating certain types of dishes can each provide an enjoyable experience. However, you can unlock their full potential only when you discover the foods that pair best with them.
Combining dishes and ensuring they are correctly paired can enhance flavors, introduce new textures, and create a harmonious taste. Whether you’re already a fan of Korean culture or a curious first-timer, these food combinations will help you explore the best flavors that Korean cuisine has to offer:
Korean Scallion Pajeon & Makgeolli
One of the cravings Koreans have on rainy days is pajeon (green onion pancake) and makgeolli (traditional rice wine). The sound of raindrops is said to remind them of the sizzling sound of pancakes frying on a stove. Drinking makgeolli in a bowl alongside pajeon creates a great atmosphere that has become part of local culture. With pajeon’s savory taste and crispy texture, the slightly sweet and tangy flavors of makgeolli are better enjoyed, creating a harmonious set of comfort food.
Grilled Sweet Potatoes & Kimchi
Kimchi is famous for its sour and spicy flavor, which complements dishes such as meat, soup, and fried rice. However, pairing it with a sweet snack like grilled sweet potatoes might be unexpected.
As a popular winter snack, grilled sweet potatoes are loved for their smoky flavor and rich taste that provide warmth to eaters. When combined with kimchi, they gain added nutrients and a refreshing set of flavors. The contrast between kimchi’s distinct taste and the sweetness of sweet potatoes makes this combination enjoyable and easy to prepare.
Samgyupsal & Soju
If you’ve watched K-dramas featuring company dinners or friends drinking together, you’ve likely seen them order samgyupsal (Korean pork belly) along with soju or vice versa. Eating samgyupsal fresh from the grill and wrapping it in lettuce with kimchi is already delicious on its own. But taking a shot of soju afterward makes it even better. A classic combination, soju is the ideal drink for samgyupsal as it helps to cut through the greasiness of the pork.
Tteokbokki & Twigim
When eating twigim (Korean deep-fried foods) and feeling like something is missing, try pairing it with tteokbokki (Korean spicy rice cake). Street foods like fried squid or soondae (Korean blood sausage) are best enjoyed with tteokbokki’s strong flavors. Fried foods take on a new, delicious taste when dipped in tteokbokki’s spicy sauce. Various types of twigim, such as fried vegetables, dumplings, or crispy seaweed noodle rolls, pair well with tteokbokki, creating a crunchy and flavorful combination.
Chicken & Beer
The love Koreans have for fried chicken is no joke, and this is evident from the large number of restaurants in the country dedicated solely to it. Though it’s delicious on its own, Korean fried chicken is often enjoyed with bottled or draft beer.
Known as “chimaek” (short for “chi” from chicken and “maek” from “maekju,” which means beer), this food combination is iconic for pairing crispy and crunchy fried chicken with the refreshing taste and coldness of beer. Popularized by actress Jun Ji Hyun in a scene from “My Love from the Star,” “chimaek” has now become a go-to pairing in Korea.
Just like people or certain things, food can also reach its best when paired with a companion. Hopefully, this list will help you start discovering what goes best together. So, the next time you order these foods, make sure to include their respective partners!
