In this article, I will introduce you to a variety of delicious local foods in Busan, along with some of the city’s notable eateries.
Index
- Delicious Local Foods in Busan ① Seafood:
- Delicious Local Foods in Busan ② Dwaeji Gukbap (Pork Rice Soup):
- Delicious Local Foods in Busan ③ Milmyeon (Wheat Noodles):
- Delicious Local Foods in Busan ④ Dongnae Pajeon (Green Onion Pancake):
- Delicious Local Foods in Busan ⑤ Naengchae Jokbal (Cold Salad Pig’s Feet):
- Delicious Local Foods in Busan ⑥ Daegutang (Codfish Soup):
- Delicious Local Foods in Busan ⑦ Bokguk (Ginseng Chicken Soup):
- Delicious Local Foods in Busan ⑧ Seed Hotteok (Sweet Pancake with Seeds)
- Recommended readings
From fresh seafood to hearty pork rice soup, Busan offers a diverse culinary scene that is sure to satisfy any food lover. We’ll guide you through the must-try dishes such as grilled eel, clam barbecue, and traditional milmyeon (wheat noodle soup), as well as introduce you to popular restaurants where you can indulge in these delectable treats.
Additionally, we’ll provide a list of recommended tours and festivals in Busan, allowing you to make the most of your visit to this vibrant coastal city. So, let’s embark on a flavorful journey and explore the culinary delights of Busan!
Before reading this article, I would like to recommend the previous article to you.
Delicious Local Foods in Busan ① Seafood:
As a city with the largest port in South Korea, Busan is famous for its various fresh seafood. Particularly, grilled clams, grilled hagfish, and grilled eel are well-known. You can easily find raw fish dishes (회) in Busan.
Grilled Hagfish: Jagalchi Market
Grilled Clams: Taejongdae, Cheongsapo, Amnam Park
Grilled Eel: Cheongsapo, Gijang County
You can enjoy fresh and reasonably priced seafood in Busan almost anywhere compared to inland areas.
Delicious Local Foods in Busan ② Dwaeji Gukbap (Pork Rice Soup):
Dwaeji Gukbap is the first local dish that comes to mind when you think of Busan. It’s a hearty soup with pork, onions, green chili peppers, soybean paste, garlic, kkakdugi (cubed radish kimchi), and kimchi. Although there are exceptional places, you can find decent Dwaeji Gukbap in most restaurants. However, since taste is subjective, it’s recommended to explore places near your travel location for the best experience.
Delicious Local Foods in Busan ③ Milmyeon (Wheat Noodles):
Milmyeon is another representative local dish of Busan. It consists of chewy wheat noodles in a refreshing broth. However, to truly satisfy your taste buds, it’s recommended to visit specialized Milmyeon restaurants.
Some famous Milmyeon restaurants in Busan include Jin-gu Chunha Chudong Milmyeon, Jin-gu Gaegum Milmyeon, Jung-gu Halmae Gaya Milmyeon, and Yeonje-gu Gukje Milmyeon. Keep in mind that the “Three Famous Milmyeon” may vary depending on individual preferences.
Delicious Local Foods in Busan ④ Dongnae Pajeon (Green Onion Pancake):
Dongnae Pajeon is a pancake made with seafood, green onions, and batter. There is a famous 100-year-old restaurant called Dongnae Halmae Pajeon, but since the prices there can be quite expensive, opinions about it vary. However, if you visit Dongnae Market, you can find various places selling Pajeon.
Delicious Local Foods in Busan ⑤ Naengchae Jokbal (Cold Salad Pig’s Feet):
Naengchae Jokbal is a local Busan dish where thinly sliced pig’s feet are served with various vegetables, seaweed, and mustard sauce. The combination of the refreshing vegetables, mustard sauce, and the texture of the pig’s feet makes it a clean and refreshing dish.
Although Bupyeong Jokbal Alley is famous, all Jokbal restaurants in Busan serve Naengchae Jokbal, and it’s hard to find a place with bad taste. Since the key is to boil the pig’s feet well and prepare the sauce, it’s consistently delicious.
Delicious Local Foods in Busan ⑥ Daegutang (Codfish Soup):
Daegutang is a refreshing soup with plump and clear broth. There are several famous Daegutang restaurants, especially in Haeundae. If you had a heavy drinking session the night before, it’s recommended to have Daegutang as a hangover remedy.
Famous Daegutang restaurants include Haeundae Giwajip Daegutang and Ahjussi Daegutang.
Delicious Local Foods in Busan ⑦ Bokguk (Ginseng Chicken Soup):
Busan is where Bokguk (ginseng chicken soup) originated in Korea, so there are various Bokguk restaurants available.
Delicious Local Foods in Busan ⑧ Seed Hotteok (Sweet Pancake with Seeds)
In the streets of Nampo-dong, there’s a type of hotteok (Korean sweet pancake) being sold that has seeds inside. It’s a unique taste with seeds inside the hotteok.
To conclude, Busan’s culinary offerings are a feast for the senses, showcasing the city’s rich coastal heritage and vibrant food culture. From the abundance of fresh seafood to the comforting flavors of pork rice soup, there is something to satisfy every palate. Whether you indulge in the grilled eel at Jagalchi Market, savor the milmyeon at a specialized noodle restaurant, or treat yourself to a plate of savory seafood pancake in Dongnae Market, Busan’s food scene will leave you craving for more.
In addition to the delectable dishes, Busan also offers a range of tours and festivals that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the city’s unique charm. From the Busan City Tour Bus that takes you to the major attractions, to the Taehwagang River Eco Tour for a closer look at the city’s natural wonders, there are plenty of ways to explore and experience Busan’s beauty.
So, whether you’re a seafood lover, a fan of hearty soups, or simply an adventurous foodie, Busan promises a culinary adventure that will delight your taste buds and create lasting memories. Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in these local delicacies and immerse yourself in the vibrant food culture of Busan on your next visit to this remarkable city.
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Recommended readings
6 Must-Visit Attractions in Busan, South Korea (Link)