Is Korean Food Really Overrated? Debunking Myths and Discovering the True Diverse Cuisine

As someone who appreciates Korean cuisine, I often find myself defending it from the criticism that it is overly focused on spiciness, which might lead some to believe it is overrated. However, Korean food is much more than just spicy kimchi, soondubu, and bulgogi.

The Reality of Korean Cuisine

Many people, particularly food enthusiasts and foodie hipsters, make a lot of noise about the popularity of Korean food. However, suggesting that Korean cuisine is overrated is a common misconception. Just ten years ago, Korean food wasn't as widely known outside of Korea, and most non-Koreans are familiar only with a few dishes, such as kimchi or bulgogi. While it is true that spicy dishes like soondubu and kimchi are popular, the variety of Korean food extends far beyond these spicy favorites.

Myth vs. Reality

Is Korean food primarily about spiciness? This is a common misconception.

While many popular Korean dishes are spicy, these spiciness levels are due to the introduction of peppers from other regions, not an inherent quality of Korean cuisine. In fact, if you visit Korea or explore a broad range of Korean dishes, you'll notice that a vast number of options are not spicy at all. A few examples include:

Bulgogi - This dish features meat, often beef, pork, or chicken, cooked to perfection and served without any spiciness. Kimbap - A rice dish wrapped in chewy Korean seaweed roast with various fillings, typically including meat, vegetables, and seafood. Bibimbap - A mixed rice bowl topped with a variety of vegetables, meat, and a spicy pepper paste, but many restaurants offer a non-spicy version.

The diversity of Korean cuisine is vast and not confined to just spicy flavors. Traditional Korean soups like samgyetang, dwaenjang jjigae, and gamjatang, for example, offer unique and delicious flavors without any spiciness.

The True Flavor of Korean Food

Korean cuisine is known for its balance of flavors, including sweet, sour, salty, and umami, rather than just spiciness. Some popular dishes that showcase these flavors include:

Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup): A comforting winter soup featuring a young chicken stuffed with ginseng, jujubes, and garlic, providing a rich, savory taste. JjimDak (Steamed Chicken): Tender chicken braised in a savory sauce seasoned with soy, ginger, and garlic, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish. Jeon (Korean Pancakes): A broad category encompassing a variety of savory pancakes made with a batter of flour, water, and a range of fillings like seafood, greens, or meat. These are often seasoned with ketchup or kimchi, offering different flavors.

These dishes demonstrate the true flavor and diversity of Korean cuisine, showcasing the use of unique ingredients like ginseng, kimchi, and various spices that contribute to a multi-dimensional taste experience, distinct from spiciness alone.

Conclusion

While the spiciness of Korean cuisine has certainly given it a reputation, it is a misconception to think that all Korean food is about spiciness. The journey to truly enjoying Korean food involves exploring a wide range of dishes, from the spicy to the subtle, and recognizing the depth and significance of its flavors beyond just the heat. If you haven't yet delved into the non-spicy side of Korean cuisine, I encourage you to do so. There is so much more to discover and appreciate when it comes to delighting in the flavors of Korea.