Whether you’re a culinary connoisseur or not, the love for Korean cuisine is no longer an alien concept for us. From the Oscar-award winning movie parasite’s ram-don (jjapaguri) to the popular fire noodles that took the world by storm, the increasing popularity of K-Drama, K-pop, and K-movies have popularised Korean dishes all over the world. While Korean food is all about a balance between sweet and spicy, a traditional Korean meal will always have the main course, side dishes (banchans) and rice. The presentation of Korean food also plays an essential part and represents different values. Here are some of the best Korean dishes for everyone to try.

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Kimchi is the fermented pickle made out of cabbage usually eaten as a side with main. However, it's also popularly used in cooking staples like rice, noodles, strews and so on as a flavouring ingredient. There are several varieties of kimchi ranging from made of cucumbers to green onions to horse radish.

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The unofficial best street food of Korean is tteokbokki or rice cakes cooked in a spicy sauce. It's great when paired with soju. It is the love of all K-drama fanatics.

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An ode to the drinking culture of South Korea, Samgyeopsal is the open meat grilling session paired best with drinks like soju. Grilled meat cut into thin slices are eaten with topping, dipping sauces and rice tucked neatly inside lettuce or perilla leaves.

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Bibimbap is a colourful rice dish which comes with several toppings, ranging from kimchi to barbecued meat to a sunny-side up egg. It's filling and very nutritious.

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Kimbap is the Korean version of sushi, filled with toppings and rolled with seaweed paper. It's best enjoyed with danmuji and kimchi.

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Bulgogi is a spicy marinated meat which is usually beef, barbecued and cut into thin slices. It comes with a thick sauce and hence is great as a side or on its own.

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