22 Iconic Korean Foods You've Seen in K-Dramas, What's Your Favorite?

CANTIKA.COM, Jakarta - Have you been watching K-dramas and wondered about the Korean foods appearing on screen? Or maybe you want to experience authentic South Korean cuisine firsthand?

K-Culture is not just about fashion or music, it’s also showcased through the delicious variety of foods featured in dramas, many of which have become popular dishes in Indonesia.

Here are 22 iconic Korean foods often seen in K-dramas, from street snacks to traditional and soupy dishes you should try.

1. Tteokbokki

Tteokbokki is the most iconic Korean street food: chewy rice cakes cooked in a spicy-sweet gochujang sauce. In dramas, it often appears as a late-night snack or quick street food.

2. Hotteok

A sweet pancake filled with brown sugar and peanuts, fried to golden perfection. Hotteok is a favorite winter snack and frequently appears as a casual street treat in K-dramas.

3. Gimbap

Often called “Korean sushi,” gimbap is rice rolled in seaweed with vegetables, egg, or meat. It’s commonly seen in dramas during school scenes or picnics.

4. Bulgogi

Thinly marinated beef, grilled or stir-fried to create a sweet, savory, and smoky flavor. Bulgogi is a staple in communal meals and often features as a main dish in K-dramas.

5. Japchae

Sweet potato glass noodles stir-fried with vegetables and sometimes meat. Japchae has a chewy texture and slightly sweet taste, commonly seen in celebrations or family gatherings in dramas.

6. Budae-jjigae

Also called “army stew,” this spicy soup includes sausages, ham, kimchi, and instant noodles. Budae-jjigae is perfect for comforting meals with friends or family.

7. Gukbap

“Soup with rice” poured directly into hot broth for a filling and warm meal, ideal for cold weather or after a long day.

8. Odeng / Eomuk

Fish cake skewers boiled in broth, a classic winter street food often featured in night markets or street stalls in dramas.

9. Mandu (Korean Dumplings)

Mandu are dumplings with meat and vegetable fillings, cooked in various ways—steamed, boiled, or fried. Perfect as snacks or light side dishes.

10. Twigim

Korean-style deep-fried vegetables, seafood, and potatoes, usually served alongside tteokbokki. Popular in school settings in dramas as students share fried snacks after class.

11. Bungeoppang

Fish-shaped pancake with red bean filling, crispy outside, soft inside. Often eaten for breakfast or as a sweet snack.

12. Soondae

Korean blood sausage with pig’s blood, glass noodles, and spices. A traditional street food that offers an authentic taste of Korea.

13. Samgyeopsal

Grilled pork belly eaten with lettuce, kimchi, and sauce. Common in K-dramas during family or colleague meals.

14. Kimchi

The most iconic Korean dish: spicy-sour fermented vegetables served with nearly every meal. Kimchi also appears as an ingredient in many recipes.

15. Bibimbap

Rice topped with vegetables, meat, egg, and gochujang. Mixed before eating, it’s a nutritious and visually appealing dish seen often in K-dramas.

16. Sundubu-jjigae / Kimchi-jjigae

Spicy tofu or kimchi stews are comfort foods in Korea, perfect for winter or rainy nights. Featured frequently in dramas to depict cozy, homey meals.

17. Gogi-guksu

Regional Korean noodle soups with light broth and simple meat toppings, offering a taste of local cuisine rarely highlighted in mainstream K-dramas.

18. Korean Fried Chicken

Crispy fried chicken with sweet-spicy or savory flavor. Often featured as nighttime comfort food or snacks in dramas.

19. Gyeran-mari (Egg Rolls)

Rolled egg dishes, popular as street food or side dishes. Quick, tasty, and suitable for breakfast or light meals.

20. Street-Food Combinations

Tteokbokki, twigim, and odeng are often paired in dramas, representing a typical Korean night-market snack experience.

21. Popular Korean Foods Abroad

In Indonesia, many restaurants offer authentic bulgogi, bibimbap, kimchi, and tteokbokki, making Korean cuisine accessible for fans far from Seoul.

22. Soupy Dishes for Cold Weather

Gukbap, sundubu-jjigae, kimchi-jjigae, and regional noodle soups are perfect for cozy nights watching K-dramas or gathering with friends.

Korean Street Food: Snacks You Can’t Miss

If you’re virtually strolling through K-dramas or planning a trip to Korea, don’t miss tteokbokki, hotteok, odeng/eomuk, twigim, gimbap, mandu, or bindaetteok. These foods highlight Korea’s casual, approachable, and delicious street cuisine.

Many Korean snacks have become popular globally, including in Indonesia, as fans chase authentic flavors even far from Seoul. From spicy street foods to sweet treats, hearty traditional meals, and warming soups, Korean cuisine represents the country’s culinary richness.

Whether you’re a K-drama fan or simply curious about Korean food, these 22 dishes are a great starting point. Don’t just watch! Experience the authentic taste of Korea yourself!

ORIENTAL MART | CREATRIP | VISITKOREA

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