Korean food is gaining popularity by the day, and tens of thousands of people want to know where you can get the best Korean food in Los Angeles or NYC. But the truth is you can enjoy amazing Korean cuisine from the comfort of your home—and here’s why.
Korean food is the best food on this planet, no matter how you spin it or where it’s from.
And I’m not just talking about Korean BBQ or bibimbap. Here are 5 reasons why Korean food is hands down the best cuisine on this planet.
1. Korean cuisine presents some of the healthiest dishes on earth (it even rivals the Mediterranean diet)
Wonder why Koreans generally appear slim, fit, clear-skinned, and healthy? It’s the food.
Many could do well with this advice: eat more vegetables. And you can achieve that easily by enjoying the Korean food, best when served fresh with plenty of fresh veggies.
Most Korean dishes maintain a healthy balance between carbs, protein, and nutritious non-starchy vegetables. Rich in fiber and antioxidants (I’m looking at you, kimchi), Korean cuisine is not just delicious—it leaves you feeling full and satisfied, which can even aid in weight loss.
If that’s not enough to convince you that Korean food really is the best in the world, keep reading! 😊
2. Korean food is unique
Korean food is distinct from other cuisines. What else can make seaweed soup, acorn jelly, roasted black beans and hundreds of leafy vegetables delicious? None!
It’s a totally different experience than having Japanese or Chinese food.
Not convinced yet? You’ll just have to try it for yourself.
3. Side dishes are non-negotiable
One of the things that makes Korean food the best is the presence of side dishes or banchan. If you’ve ever eaten at a Korean restaurant, you know that the sides are generally brought out first, and they come free with the meal—like bread at an Italian place.
That’s because side dishes are essential for a Korean meal.
Of course, you’ll need some kimchi. And it’s common to have several different types of kimchi, including summer kimchi, which is one of my personal favorites.
Although the list of banchan is nearly endless, some examples include a fresh salad, seaweed, fried zucchini, spinach, various tofu dishes, and sweet roasted black beans (another favorite).
If you’re someone who loves to order appetizers and sides, just go eat at a Korean restaurant. You can thank me later!
Complete list of Koreatowns in North America
4. Balance is core to Korean cuisine
We already covered how Korean food maintains a healthy balance between the essential foods you want in your diet—but the type of balance I’m talking about now is all about flavor and experience.
Yes, experience.
Korean food focuses on all sorts of things many other cuisines do not, such as temperature, color, texture, flavor, presentation, and spiciness.
Consider a traditional bowl of sundubu jjigae or spicy soft tofu soup (which is yet another favorite of mine). Served in a hot stone pot (you don’t even want to think about touching it with your bare hands) with a raw egg, you must crack the egg directly into the soup.
As the soup cools, your egg cooks right in front of your eyes.
You might be more familiar with Korean BBQ, where you enjoy freshly cooked meats made directly on your dinner table. These experiences are well-curated to deliver a balanced meal that’s memorable and delicious.
5. It’s easy-to-make
You don’t need a culinary degree or even a measuring cup to make good, authentic Korean food at home. Many of the dishes call for just 5 ingredients (don’t skimp on the garlic!) and a few steps.
Korean ajumma are known to cook by feel and rarely, if ever, go by the recipe. In fact, some could probably cook blindfolded!
It’s the combination of delicious and savory flavors that make Korean cuisine the powerhouse it is.
Bonus reason: Gochujang!
Ah, gochujang. This spicy pepper paste is another example of Korean cuisine with a delicate balance that delivers unique flavors.
Gochujang is a staple of Korean cooking, and if you can’t find the iconic little red tub in your fridge right now, I recommend getting one. It’s like magic.
