Whether you’re a K-pop fan, K-drama addict or just a curious foodie, there’s no denying that Korean cuisine has taken the world by storm. With its bold flavors, colorful ingredients and iconic dishes, K-food is more than just a trend, it’s a cultural experience.
Here are 5 Korean dishes and snacks that you might know… but have you actually tried them?
Bibimbap (비빔밥) – Mixed Rice
If there’s one Korean dish that’s as Instagrammable as it is delicious, it’s bibimbap. The name literally means “mixed rice,” and that’s exactly what it is — a warm bowl of rice topped with sautéed veggies, sliced meat, a fried egg, and a generous spoonful of gochujang (Korean chili paste).
You mix everything together before eating, creating a perfectly balanced bite every time. Some versions are served in a hot stone bowl (dolsot), giving the rice at the bottom a satisfying crispy texture.
Gotgam (곶감) – Dried Persimmon
Gotgam are dried persimmons. Chewy, naturally sweet, and packed with flavor. Traditionally, Koreans would hang strings of persimmons to dry in the winter sun, creating a snack that was tasty, nutritious, and could last all season long.
Nowadays, gotgam has made a bit of a gourmet comeback. One popular twist? Gotgam filled with cream cheese, rolled up like a dessert sushi, and paired with a glass of wine. Sweet, salty, creamy — it’s surprisingly addictive.
Samgyeopsal (삼겹살) – Korean BBQ Classic
Think Korean BBQ, and chances are you’re thinking of samgyeopsal. Thick slices of pork belly, grilled right at the table. It’s a social dish, meant to be shared with friends, soju, and laughter.
Each bite is usually wrapped in a fresh lettuce leaf with rice, garlic, chili paste and kimchi. The combination of textures and flavors is unreal. Pro tip: samgyeopsal and soju are a match made in Korean food heaven.
Kimchi (김치)
You’ve probably heard of kimchi, and there’s a good chance you’ve already tried it. This spicy, fermented vegetable side dish is a staple at almost every Korean meal, and arguably the most iconic food Korea has to offer.
Usually made from napa cabbage or radish, kimchi is seasoned with garlic, ginger, and of course gochugaru (Korean chili flakes). But it’s more than just a side dish. Kimchi is a tradition, a science, and even a health food, packed with natural probiotics. It can be spicy, sour, crunchy, or even a little sweet, and nearly every Korean family has their own version.
Tteokbokki (떡볶이)
Soft, chewy rice cakes swimming in a thick, spicy-sweet red sauce. Tteokbokki is Korean comfort food at its best. You’ll often find it in street markets or snack stalls, served piping hot and often alongside fish cakes or boiled eggs.
It’s fiery, it’s rich, and it’s strangely comforting, like a warm hug with a chili kick.
At the previous edition of Heroes Made in Asia, our Korean chef Hanwool Kim brought this dish to life on stage during his cooking demonstration in the Food Theater.
Just a Taste of What Korean Cuisine Has to Offer
Of course, these five dishes are just the tip of the iceberg. Korean cuisine is incredibly diverse, ranging from bubbling stews and cold noodle dishes to regional specialties you won’t find outside Korea. Some of these dishes or ingredients might even feel familiar, rice bowls, grilled meat, fermented veggies, and that’s no coincidence. Many Asian cuisines share techniques, flavors and ingredients.
What makes Korean food stand out is the way these elements are combined and seasoned, often using bold spices, fermented sauces and vibrant presentation. So even if something doesn’t seem uniquely Korean at first glance, the taste usually tells a different story.
Feeling hungry?
Then mark your calendar for March 21 & 22, 2026, and join us at Heroes Made in Asia in Jaarbeurs Utrecht! During the event, you can not only grab delicious bites at the Food Market, but also catch live cooking demos in the brand-new Food Theater.
Learn how to make sushi, discover tasty Asian snacks, and get insider tips straight from expert chefs. Taste, learn, and experience it all. You don’t want to miss this!
