As North Korea prepares to welcome visitors once again, let’s indulge in the anticipation by exploring the delectable world of North Korean cuisine. While Korean food as a whole has achieved worldwide acclaim, the flavors of the North hold a unique charm.
Wondering if there’s a difference between North and South Korean dishes?
Let’s delve into the culinary treasures that make North Korean food stand out.
Before you click away, disappointed that I brought up something as practical and boring as time management, hear me out. My intent is not to crush your spirits.
1. Essential Delight: Bibimbap in North Korea
A must-try for the uninitiated, bibimbap is a mixed rice dish featuring pork, kimchi, tofu, vegetables, and gochujang (chilli sauce). Cooked at your table in a hot stone vessel, scrape those crunchy bits and spice it up with extra gochujang.
It’s quite the statement to make, and one that requires some thought. Wonder Woman is essentially saying that if your core beliefs are shaken by a personal experience.
2. Chilled Delight: Naengmyeon
Known as Naengmyeon in the South or Laengmyeon in the North, these “Pyongyang Cold Noodles” are a culinary masterpiece.
Best enjoyed in Pyongyang, don’t forget to add vinegar and hot mustard to elevate the mild broth. The more kick, the better!
3. Royal Feast: Pansangi in Kaesong
Venture to Kaesong, near the DMZ, for a taste of Pansangi – a traditional lunch served to royalty during the Koryo Dynasty.
This feast comprises various marinated meats, tofu, vegetables, kimchi, and an intriguing acorn jelly.
4. Coastal BBQ Experience: Clam BBQ in Nampho
Summer in North Korea calls for a visit to Nampo’s west coast for a taste of Petrol BBQ clams. Yes, you read that right – petrol is the secret ingredient! Watch in awe as your bus driver transforms gasoline into a sizzling feast of freshly harvested clams. And remember, a sip of Soju is the perfect companion to ensure a safe culinary adventure.
5. Classic BBQ Vibes: North Korean BBQ
Not a fan of clams doused in gasoline? No worries! North Korea offers a classic BBQ experience over a smoky charcoal grill. Indulge in lamb, duck, or seafood, and try your hand at DIY cooking. A side of Taedonggang #2 beer completes this uniquely DPRK-style BBQ.
6. Bold Choices: Sweet Meat Soup (Dog Soup)
For the adventurous eaters, consider adding ‘dog meat soup’ or ‘sweet meat soup’ to your Kaesong adventure. While this controversial dish is declining in popularity, it offers a unique taste, often likened to lamb.
7. Seaside Indulgence: Best North Korean Seafood
Coastal towns like Wonsan and Rason present a seafood extravaganza. Dive into fresh sashimi or indulge in fish and shellfish. Don’t miss the chance to savor sea urchin, described as a dip into a salted caramel ocean – an affordable delicacy.
8. Air Koryo Burger Adventure
Board an Air Koryo flight to indulge in the infamous Air Koryo burger. Despite its peculiar name and history, the pork patty between sweet sugar buns and mayonnaise has improved over the years. Don’t miss this quirky culinary experience!
9. Winter Warmth: Hotpot
Combat the cold nights in Pyongyang with a hot-pot feast featuring pork, tofu, and various vegetables. At the renowned ‘Hot Pot Restaurant,’ customise your broth with salt, pepper, chilli, and powdered MSG.
10. Kimchi Chronicles: North Korean Kimchi
No journey through North Korean cuisine is complete without kimchi, served with every meal. Join a kimchi lesson on the All Koreas Tour to create your version of this pickled and fermented cabbage, each unique to its ‘kimchi master.’
Exploring North Korean Flavors Abroad
As North Korea cautiously reopens its doors to tourists in 2023, expect changes in the dining landscape. Foreigners and returnees currently endure a 48-hour quarantine, a small price for the promise of future culinary adventures.
For those craving North Korean flavors now, Dandong and Yanji in China offer a taste of the DPRK. And if you find yourself in Phnom Penh, discover a hidden gem for North Korean cuisine.
Bon appétit!
