What do Korean eat for breakfast? When it comes to breakfast, different cultures have their unique cuisine choices. Korean breakfast is no exception. If you’re a lover of Korean food and curious about what the South Koreans eat for breakfast, then this article is for you. From traditional dishes to modern breakfast items, there is a wide range of options available to start the day in Korea. So, let’s delve into what Koreans eat for breakfast and learn more about their unique breakfast culture.
10 Traditional Korean Breakfasts You Must Try
Korean cuisine is known for its unique flavors and health benefits. Though Koreans enjoy a variety of food for breakfast, traditional Korean breakfasts are often simple and wholesome. Here are ten traditional Korean breakfasts that you cannot miss:
Guk at every breakfast
Guk, or soup, is an essential part of every Korean meal, including breakfast. Most Koreans start their day with a hot bowl of guk, usually made with vegetables or seafood. A popular breakfast guk is miyeok-guk, made with seaweed and served with rice.
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Kimchi with everything
Kimchi is a staple in every Korean meal, and breakfast is no exception. Koreans use kimchi as a side dish or add it to other dishes for taste. A traditional Korean breakfast includes a small plate of kimchi, pickled vegetables, and soybean paste.
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Jjim and Bap
Jjim, or steam-cooked dishes, are often eaten for breakfast in Korea. A popular jjim is galbijjim, a stew made with beef short ribs, soy sauce, and vegetables. Jjim is served with bap or rice.
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Bibimbap and Gyeran Mari
Bibimbap, a bowl of rice mixed with vegetables, meat, eggs, and gochujang (a Korean chili paste), is a popular breakfast option. Koreans also enjoy gyeran mari, a rolled egg omelet filled with vegetables.
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Jeon and Makgeolli
Jeon, or Korean pancakes, are a popular breakfast option. Koreans make jeon with various ingredients, from kimchi to potatoes, and they are often served with makgeolli, a Korean rice wine.
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Hoeddeok and Milk
Hoeddeok, a sweet Korean pancake filled with cinnamon and brown sugar, is a favorite breakfast option. Koreans often enjoy hoeddeok with a glass of milk.
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Haemul Pajeon and Soy Milk
Haemul Pajeon, a seafood pancake made with scallions and seafood, is another popular breakfast option. Koreans often pair haemul pajeon with soy milk, a healthier alternative to regular milk.
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Korean Fried Chicken and Beer
Though not a traditional breakfast option, Koreans love to indulge in Korean fried chicken paired with beer. This combo is often enjoyed late night or on special occasions.
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Saeujeot Rice Porridge
Saeujeot or salted shrimp rice porridge is a comforting breakfast dish that Koreans enjoy, especially during the cold months. Saeujeot rice porridge is made with rice, water, shrimp, and salt.
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Bungeoppang and Coffee
Bungeoppang, or fish-shaped waffle cakes filled with sweet bean paste, is a popular Korean street food that Koreans love to have for breakfast. They are often sold with coffee or tea from street vendors.
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In conclusion, Koreans enjoy a variety of breakfast options, from traditional dishes to street foods, and everything in between. Why not try some of these traditional Korean breakfasts and discover a new favorite?
10 Traditional Korean Breakfast Dishes
Korean cuisine is renowned for its diverse range of flavors, and breakfast is no exception. From savory soups to sweet pancakes, these traditional Korean breakfast dishes are sure to satisfy your taste buds.
1. Juk (Rice Porridge)
Juk, also known as congee or rice porridge, is a staple breakfast dish in Korea. It is made by simmering rice in water or broth until it becomes thick and creamy. Juk is typically served with various toppings such as meat, vegetables, and eggs.
2. Gyeran Mari (Rolled Omelette)
Gyeran Mari is a rolled omelette made with eggs, chopped vegetables, and sometimes ham or cheese. It is a popular Korean breakfast dish that can be eaten on its own or as a side dish.
3. Bindae-Tteok (Mung Bean Pancake)
Bindae-Tteok is a savory pancake made with ground mung beans, vegetables, and sometimes meat. It is a common Korean street food that is also popular as a breakfast dish.
4. Tteokguk (Rice Cake Soup)
Tteokguk is a soup made with sliced rice cakes, beef, and vegetables. It is a traditional Korean dish that is often eaten on New Year’s Day for good luck.
5. Haemul Pajeon (Seafood Scallion Pancake)
Haemul Pajeon is a savory pancake made with scallions and seafood such as shrimp or squid. It is a popular Korean dish that is often eaten as a snack or for breakfast.
6. Kongguksu (Cold Soybean Soup)
Kongguksu is a cold soup made with ground soybeans, noodles, and vegetables. It is a refreshing Korean dish that is perfect for hot summer mornings.
7. Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew)
Kimchi Jjigae is a spicy stew made with fermented kimchi, pork, and tofu. It is a staple Korean dish that can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
8. Hobakjuk (Pumpkin Porridge)
Hobakjuk is a sweet porridge made with pumpkin, rice flour, and sugar. It is a popular Korean breakfast dish that is often served with rice cakes.
9. Mandu Guk (Dumpling Soup)
Mandu Guk is a soup made with dumplings and vegetables. It is a comforting Korean breakfast dish that is perfect for cold winter mornings.
10. Patbingsu (Shaved Ice with Sweet Red Beans)
Patbingsu is a popular Korean dessert made with shaved ice, sweet red beans, fruit, and condensed milk. It is a refreshing and sweet breakfast dish that is perfect for hot summer days.
Popular Korean Breakfast Dishes
Now that we have explored the staple foods for breakfast in Korea, let’s take a look at some of the most popular breakfast dishes that Koreans enjoy. These dishes may not be a part of every Korean household’s breakfast routine but are commonly found in restaurants and cafes across the country.
1. Gyeranppang (Egg Bread)
Gyeranppang is a delightful concoction that contains a fluffy, sweet bread that is stuffed with a freshly cracked raw egg. This dish is usually enjoyed as a quick on-the-go breakfast, as it is easy to hold and eat. With a perfect balance of sweet bread and savory egg, this dish is a crowd-pleaser among people of all ages and is a Korean breakfast food favorite.
2. Juk (Korean Porridge)
Juk is the Korean version of porridge, and it comes in many variations. Some of the most popular juk in Korea include pumpkin, red bean, and chicken. This dish is perfect for those who want a warm and comforting breakfast in the colder months. One of the most traditional ways of making juk involves boiling rice with water until it turns into a smooth and creamy texture. It is often paired with savory side dishes such as grilled meat and kimchi.
3. Kimbap (Korean Sushi Rolls)
Kimbap is the Korean version of sushi rolls, and it is often enjoyed as a light breakfast. This dish consists of steamed white rice, vegetables, and various proteins rolled in seasoned seaweed. Kimbap comes in all sorts of creative shapes and sizes, and it is an excellent way to start your day with some healthy carbohydrates and proteins.
4. Haejangguk (Hangover Soup)
Haejangguk, also known as hangover soup, is a popular Korean breakfast dish that is often enjoyed after a long night of drinking. This noodle soup contains radish, vegetables, and various cuts of meat such as pork or beef. Many Koreans believe that the soup helps with their hangover, and it is a must-have breakfast meal for those who enjoy a night out.
5. Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)
Tteokbokki is a popular Korean street food that is often enjoyed as a breakfast meal. This dish consists of cylindrical rice cakes that are smothered in a sweet and spicy gochujang sauce. Topped with scallions and fish cakes, this dish is full of flavors that will wake up your taste buds. Many Koreans enjoy tteokbokki with a cup of warm broth on the side.
| Dish | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Gyeranppang | Sweet Bread, Fresh Egg |
| Juk | Rice, Water, Various Proteins like chicken, Pork, Red Bean, or Pumpkin |
| Kimbap | Rice, Vegetables, Seasoned Seaweed, Various Proteins |
| Haejangguk | Radish, Vegetables, Pork or Beef |
| Tteokbokki | Rice Cakes, Sweet and Spicy Gochujang sauce, Scallions, Fish Cakes |
In conclusion, the Korean breakfast dishes are diverse and full of flavor, with options ranging from simple to elaborate. Whether you are in a hurry and need a quick bite or want to sit down to a leisurely meal with your family, there is a Korean breakfast dish for everyone.
Here are some relevant links for “What do Korean eat for breakfast?”:
1. Get some inspiration for your morning meal by checking out the diverse array of dishes featured in Korean Bapsang’s article on 10 easy Korean breakfast ideas.
2. Learn about the cultural significance of breakfast in Korea and find out what typical morning meals consist of by reading Migrationology’s post on Korean breakfast food.
3. For a visual guide to Korean breakfast dishes, check out Ever in Transit’s article, complete with mouth-watering photos of hotteok, jook, and more.
4. Discover the health benefits of traditional Korean breakfast foods, such as fermented dishes and protein-packed soups, with Food Network’s rundown of Korean breakfast foods to try.
5. If you’re curious about how to make some of these dishes yourself, Maangchi’s recipe collection offers step-by-step instructions for dishes like bindaetteok and hobakjuk.
Thanks for Joining Us at the Breakfast Table!
Now that you know what Koreans like to eat for breakfast, why not try incorporating some of these delicious dishes into your own morning routine? We hope that this article has given you some insights into Korean culture and cuisine. If you enjoyed reading this article, be sure to visit us again soon for more exciting content. Until then, happy eating!
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