Whereas Korean meals is getting increasingly more well-liked (I’ve even noticed kimchi on the cabinets of my native grocery store not too long ago), it’s simple to be not sure about what to eat in South Korea with children because it’s nonetheless much less acquainted for many households than different Southeast and East Asian cuisines.
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In the event you’ve heard about fiery spice ranges and powerful fermented flavours, you could be questioning if you happen to’ll spend your complete journey looking down plain rice, particularly if you happen to’ve acquired any choosy eaters or completely different dietary necessities.
However South Korea is a really kid-friendly meals vacation spot if you already know what to look out for (or have some adventurous mini gourmets), together with avenue markets and lots for low spice tolerance – the secret’s figuring out what to order, what you would possibly wish to keep away from and methods to ask for issues to be made milder.
Spice – and methods to keep away from it
When Korean menus say one thing is spicy, they imply it – you’ll discover loads of dishes utilizing gochujang (crimson chilli paste) and gochugaru (chilli flakes), and plenty of basic dishes arrive on the desk with an honest kick. However you’ll typically discover these on the aspect so that you can add, so it’s positively doable to benefit from the dish with out additional spice if you happen to’re searching for meals in South Korea with children that’s chilli-free.
In the event you’re consuming in additional touristy areas, you might discover that even spicier dishes have been made milder for non-Korean palates as nicely.
Right here are some things price figuring out earlier than you go:
Be taught the phrase “덜 맵게 해주세요” (deol maepge haejuseyo) – it means “please make it much less spicy” and restaurant workers are typically very pleased to oblige. Or maebji anhda juseyo means ‘not spicy please’ if that’s simpler.
Search for youngsters’s menus (어린이 메뉴 – eolin-i menyu) in household eating places, which normally characteristic milder choices. These aren’t normal although.
Keep on with the much less spicy dishes talked about on this information – I’ve flagged those which are naturally delicate and those the place you would possibly have to ask for changes.
Don’t panic about aspect dishes (banchan) – these small accompaniments arrive routinely with most meals, and whereas some will probably be spicy, others (like steamed egg, spinach/leafy greens or fish cake) are completely child-friendly. You solely pay for the primary dish, so children can style as they please. It’s simple to identify the spicy ones as they’ll be noticeably crimson.
Bibimbap
If I needed to choose one dish to introduce youngsters to Korean meals, it will be bibimbap – additionally one among my very own private favourites. This rice bowl comes with varied greens, typically plus meat or fish, and a fried egg on high, which you then combine all collectively.
Chances are you’ll discover some pickles or kimchi included within the veggies, however you may scoop it out earlier than mixing, though it’s much less spicy as soon as it’s been blended by way of with all the opposite elements anyway. In the event you/your children do like an additional kick, you may all the time add additional gochujang or kimchi, however it’s tremendous to eat it with none additional spice.
The greens will range by restaurant and particular dish however typically embody spinach, bean sprouts, mushrooms, courgette and carrots, all cooked and seasoned individually. Plus there’s bonus enjoyable for youths as you combine every little thing collectively earlier than consuming.
In the event you spot dolsot bibimbap on the menu, that’s the model served in a scorching stone pot, which crisps the rice on the backside right into a scrumptious crust. In the event you’ve acquired youthful children, keep in mind the bowl is extraordinarily sizzling to the touch, however everybody tends to like the scorching (and the crunch).
Child-friendliness ranking: ★★★★★ (simply go simple on the gochujang)
Kimchi
Korea’s most well-known fermented aspect dish, there are round 200 completely different official forms of kimchi, with the most typical recipe utilizing fermented Napa cabbage.
And you’ll encounter kimchi at just about each meal in South Korea with children. It arrives alongside your primary course, it options in soups, stews, fried rice and pancakes, and Koreans eat it for breakfast (although you don’t should).
Kimchi is historically produced from fermented cabbage seasoned with garlic, ginger, fish sauce/fermented shrimp and gochugaru (crimson chilli flakes). It has a robust, typically tangy flavour, though you’ll shortly uncover that every dish will style barely completely different – though sure, it’s normally spicy.
Some youngsters take to it instantly, others are much less satisfied. However it’s simple to attempt a small quantity and straightforward to keep away from in the event that they don’t find it irresistible.
Look out for baek kimchi (white kimchi) too, made with out chilli and which has a a lot milder, evenly pickled flavour. It’s much less widespread however price asking for. Alternatively, merely transfer the kimchi to at least one aspect with no fuss – no person will probably be offended.
Child-friendliness ranking: ★★★ (adventurous eaters will find it irresistible; fussier ones can skip it)
In case your children are kimchi converts, you may as well be part of kimchi-making courses or go to the Museum Kimchikan in Seoul, devoted to kimchi, which has its personal courses too
Korean barbecue (bulgogi and galbi)
You’ll discover Korean BBQ eating places in all places, and it’s an expertise that’s as a lot enjoyable for kids as adults whenever you’re searching for meals in South Korea with children. You’ll sit round a desk with a built-in grill, and plates of thinly sliced marinated meat arrive to prepare dinner (or be cooked) proper in entrance of you.
The bonus is that it’s normally simple to maintain this fairly easy for youths, relying which meat choice you go for – we got here throughout smoked duck, for instance, however there’s normally pretty plain beef and pork on supply.
You’ll get an array of aspect dishes, together with lettuce leaf (and you’ll normally order a bowl of rice too) to eat with the meat, so you may stick to easy meat + lettuce/rice combos, or combine it up with sides and spice.
It’s price figuring out that you just normally should order 2 parts, though most households will want that anyway (and if you happen to’re visiting a quieter place or outdoors the busier occasions, it may be extra versatile).
Bulgogi is thinly sliced beef marinated in a candy and savoury sauce of soy, pear, garlic and sesame oil. It’s not spicy – in actual fact, it’s barely candy, so most kids completely find it irresistible. Wrap it within the lettuce plus every other sides you need, after which eat.
Galbi is marinated beef brief ribs – equally candy and tender. Each bulgogi and galbi are naturally delicate and are among the many most secure choices for kids by way of warmth.
Ask the restaurant workers that will help you with the grill if you happen to’re unsure – they’ll typically come over and prepare dinner the meat for you on the desk, which is useful (and reassuring if you happen to’re making an attempt to maintain your eye on little arms close to sizzling surfaces). If workers go away the tongs for you, you’ll be anticipated to show the meat your self; in the event that they hold them, they’ll kind all of it for you
Child-friendliness ranking: ★★★★★ (enjoyable and scrumptious, win win)
Tteokbokki
Tteokbokki is one among South Korea’s basic dishes, and also you’ll discover on sale alongside different avenue meals in markets in addition to eating places.
The usual model is spicy although, with chewy rice cake tubes cooked in a brilliant crimson gochujang sauce. In the event you love your meals to be sizzling, it is best to positively give this a attempt, however it’s going to be spicier than most children can deal with.
In any other case, look out for ganjang tteokbokki (soy sauce tteokbokki), which makes use of a savoury, non-spicy sauce as an alternative – it’s not as extensively out there, however not unimaginable to search out and it’s a strategy to let children benefit from the chewy rice desserts with out the fireplace. I even discovered non-spicy tteokbokki ramen at one level.
Child-friendliness ranking: ★★ (normal model; ganjang model – ★★★★)
We took a Seoul meals tour which was a incredible strategy to attempt a number of completely different conventional Korean dishes with out committing to consuming the entire thing – together with tteokbokki. My daughter managed one mouthful, I managed a bit extra however positively wouldn’t have fancied consuming a complete bowl! Different issues had been much less tempting, whereas for some we virtually cleaned the plate after which hunted it out once more again and again throughout our keep.
Gimbap (or kimbap)
Gimbap in a short time grew to become our go-to snack, excellent for choosing up on the run and it’s an ideal simple choice for meals in South Korea with children. Typically referred to as Korean sushi, because it consists of rice rolled inside seaweed, this makes use of cooked elements which are designed to maintain for longer, slightly than the uncooked fish or different contemporary greens you would possibly count on in Japan.
You’ll discover it bought in stalls within the underground malls, in addition to in comfort shops like 7-Eleven, CU and GS25 too – these typically promote onigiri variations as nicely, principally simply triangular gimbap – plus in eating places.
Some will include meat, particularly pork and beef (if you happen to’re grabbing some on the go, bear in mind these could be spicy) but additionally tuna mayo, egg or veggie variations. A second phrase of warning; spam is a standard ingredient, and also you’ll typically discover a slice of that in even in any other case vegetarian gimbap, in addition to crab stick showing in fish and veggie rolls (one among many sudden traps for vegetarians/those that don’t eat shellfish/pork in South Korea)
In case your children are aware of sushi, that is going to be a straightforward different – moveable, fuss-free and straightforward to search out, so it’s excellent for lunch on the go. In the event that they aren’t sushi followers, the tuna mayo variations are a straightforward introduction.
Child-friendliness ranking: ★★★★★ (our go-to lunch on the run)
Mandu
Korean dumplings, or mandu, are one other nice, simple choice for youths. They’re not too completely different to Japanese gyoza, in case your children are already aware of these and also you’ll discover each boiled and fried choices.
There are many fillings to select from too – hen, pork and beef are widespread, however you might also come throughout prawn choices, in addition to veggie variations.
They’re not normally spicy both, and you may as well choose up a field of half a dozen at market stalls if you happen to’re searching for a fast lunch or one thing to snack on as you go.
Child-friendliness ranking: ★★★★★
Korean corn canines
In the event you’re questioning what to eat in South Korea with children, hold your eyes peeled for Korean corn canines.
Not like your normal hotdog, you’ll typically discover sausage, however typically mozzarella, normally coated in a chewy batter, rolled in crunchy breadcrumbs (or potato or ramen noodles) after which cooked. The top result’s sizzling, crispy, chewy and is normally a winner with all ages.
The cheese model – the place the mozzarella pulls into lengthy strings as you chew – is spice-free too, and also you’ll discover them throughout Seoul and different main cities, at chains like Myungrang Sizzling Canine and a couple of.0 Corn Canine, but additionally at avenue meals stalls and markets.
Child-friendliness ranking: ★★★★★
Hotteok
This scrumptious heat doughy candy pancake shortly grew to become a giant hit with myself and my daughter. Like a cross between doughnut dough and a thick pancake, it’s filled with brown sugar, cinnamon and (normally) nuts, then pressed flat and cooked till golden and caramelised.
It’s then folded over, and as you chew within the sizzling syrupy filling oozes out in a really satisfying approach (do be cautious of drips, we had been caught out a number of occasions!)
It’s a avenue meals staple, particularly well-liked in winter, and also you’ll odor it earlier than you see it – the scent of caramelised sugar drifting from market stalls is now one thing I can recognise at 10 paces after our time in South Korea. You may additionally discover savoury variations out there, however the candy treats are the one to go for with youngsters.
One phrase of warning: the filling may be extremely popular if it does come straight from the griddle, so let it cool for a minute earlier than biting in if that’s the case.
Child-friendliness ranking: ★★★★★ (utterly scrumptious, my mouth is definitely watering once more as I sort)
Gyeranppang
Gyeranppang interprets actually as “egg bread”, and that’s precisely what it’s: a small, candy bread roll baked with a complete egg inside. It’s bought heat from avenue stalls, significantly within the morning, and it makes an excellent fast breakfast or snack.
The bread itself is barely candy and fluffy – it’s not fairly cake, however it’s positively on the sweeter aspect – and the egg within the centre is baked simply sufficient to be cooked by way of.
It’s delicate, filling, and requires completely no bravery on the a part of fussy eaters. Even youngsters who normally dislike eggs will typically discover gyeranppang completely acceptable, maybe as a result of the candy bread softens the deal.
You’ll discover them at outside markets, close to vacationer points of interest and at avenue meals stalls throughout Seoul. They price little or no and straightforward to eat on the go, making them excellent for preserving small individuals fuelled throughout a busy morning of sightseeing.
Child-friendliness ranking: ★★★★★ (no spice, no fuss, nice snack)
Different South Korean meals for youths
Past the (largely) kid-friendly dishes above, just a few others are nicely price placing in your radar for meals in South Korea with children.
Bindae-tteok – mung bean pancakes. Often made for festivals, this deep-fried pancake is just like a latke or fritter however utilizing beansprouts, and normally comes with a aspect of vinegary onions to assist lower by way of the fried flavour.
Japchae – glass noodles stir-fried with greens in a candy soy sauce. Typically comes with meat, significantly beef, and normally delicate and really slurpable. You’ll typically discover different noodle dishes, together with udon noodles in eating places too.
Jeon (Korean pancakes) – savoury pancakes made with spring onion, typically with seafood or kimchi. The plain haemul pajeon (seafood and spring onion) model is delicate and excellent.
Korean fried hen – you’ll discover devoted hen eating places in every single place, with many providing plain buttermilk fried hen (simply a few of the finest you’ll eat). Others will are inclined to have spicier dishes, so simply ensure you know what you’re ordering.
Korean hotpot (jeongol or shabu-shabu) – one other enjoyable choice for households, you’ll prepare dinner your thinly sliced meat, greens and noodles within the sizzling broth on the desk, with an array of aspect dishes to style.
Salt bread – one other of our every day addictions, these are a more moderen addition to Korea’s meals scene, however I’m already impatiently ready for the primary salt bread bakery to seem within the UK. The bread is deliciously buttery (one thing between brioche and croissant in style) and topped with salt.
You’ll discover flavoured variations as nicely, together with ones filled with apple, and so they’re one other simple choice to seize and go.
Samgyetang (ginseng hen soup) – a complete child hen filled with glutinous rice, ginseng and dates is then simmered in a transparent, aromatic broth. The ensuing soup is totally delicate and deeply nourishing, significantly good in sizzling climate (Koreans swear by it for beating the summer season warmth).
Sundubu jjigae (tender tofu stew) – this can be a nice warming bowl for chilly days, in case your children are proud of silky tofu. It’s usually a spicy choice however you may attempt to request a milder model, or look out for white sundubu jjigae – Haemul-sundubu-jjigae – for non-spicy variations
Sensible suggestions for consuming in South Korea with children
A couple of closing issues price figuring out earlier than you head to the desk:
Meals are communal – dishes are sometimes shared within the centre of the desk, which suggests youngsters can attempt a number of completely different tastes (though if you happen to’re having one thing like bibimbap, you’ll get your personal bowl).
Water and tea are normally free – search for the self-service water dispensers widespread in lots of Korean eating places, or simply ask for “mul juseyo”
Chopsticks are steel – you’ll usually solely have a alternative of those and spoons, typically tucked away in a drawer within the desk. Whereas some locations might have forks if you happen to ask, it’s nicely price studying methods to use chopsticks if doable or deliver some disposable forks or picket/coaching chopsticks.
Comfort shops are your folks – GS25 and CU shops are open 24 hours and inventory a outstanding vary of cold and warm meals, from kimbap and egg sandwiches to immediate ramen (which you’ll normally prepare dinner on-site). A real lifesaver for jet-lagged youngsters at odd hours.
Markets make life simple – you’ll discover conventional markets, in addition to avenue meals stalls and markets in locations lik Myeongdong in Seoul or Haeundae in Busan. In addition to loads of conventional dishes, they’ll promote child-friendly choices like hen teriyaki skewers and twister potato that are nice to seize and go, in addition to tanghulu – sugar coated fruit.
Pay attention to opening occasions – a number of locations, together with cafes and occasional outlets, will open later than you would possibly count on if you happen to’re hoping to seize breakfast so it’s all the time price checking. It’s additionally widespread for eating places to shut between 3pm and 5pm, so that you’ll must be seated by 2pm to eat.
Don’t be afraid to ask – Korean restaurant workers are typically very affected person and useful with overseas guests. A translation app in your telephone will go a good distance – we used Google Translate, and the digital camera perform was very helpful when checking elements at comfort shops too.
Portion sizes are beneficiant – plus the banchan (vegetable aspect dishes) that include each meal add up shortly, so you might discover youthful children are tremendous sharing a dish.
Western meals is an choice – whereas it’s nice to attempt the native meals, Seoul and Busan (particularly) are filled with eating places serving each sort of delicacies, so if your loved ones does want a break, you’ll have loads of alternative. There are additionally cafes galore, which frequently have extra Western-style salads and desserts – Twosome Place is in all places and has nice fruit drinks too.
Simply desire a sandwich? – Paris Baguette is likely one of the chains you’ll discover throughout cities like Seoul and Busan, or Egg Drop is an efficient different if you happen to fancy one thing extra Korean (and like eggs). Isaac Toast is one other well-liked place, though an acquired style relying if you happen to just like the sweeter bread.
For extra South Korea journey suggestions, take a look at my information to South Korea with children
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