Veg-Friendly Seoul Food
It’s been 3 months since I was in Seoul and I think I’ve finally digested all the new eats I got to try there. And by “try” I mean: “eat ten portions of everything.” As someone who’s veg and traveling around, you learn you’ve got to stock up on colorful foods when you can. Otherwise, you’ll be left consuming an exclusive diet of bread and potato chips—with not a vegetable in sight. *cough, cough, @Paris*
Having never visited Asia, I tried all of these dishes for the first time. While I came prepared to carry around granola bars and fruit from local convenience stores, the only thing I ended up carrying was hefty amounts of kimbap and kimchi dumplings in my tummy.
For vegans and some vegetarians, you may find fish ingredients in places you wouldn’t expect. Of course, it’s always great to ask (shout out to my tour guide for expanding her Korean vocabulary before my visit). Plus, you’ll get to talk to a stranger along the way!
In no particular order, here are some highlights of veg-friendly food and drink finds in Seoul.
Tteokbokki
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These rice cakes are like compact, cylindrical little pillows with a bite. They take a while to chew and are quite filling. The sauce they’re typically served in is gochujang-based (like chili paste), giving it a slightly spicy flavor with a hint of sesame. The sauce is a little different anywhere you go, so there’s your excuse to try as many as you can.
Kimchi
Of course. And if the only kimchi you’ve had was the ill-fated version once served at Baker Dining Commons, you’re really missing out. It’s simply fermented vegetables, the most popular being cabbage and or Korean radish seasoned with chili powder, garlic, onions—basically all the things that make food worth eating. It’s served as a side with pretty much any meal but is often the star of the show. Which brings us to…
Kimchi Mandu
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Specifically, the handmade dumplings from the stand at Gwangjang market featured on Netflix’s “Street Food” Seoul episode. They have an almost eggy flavor, which is quite appreciated if that’s a food you miss. And if you’re not into fermented anything, a lot of the acidity seems to go away once these dumplings are boiled. Plus: the woman at the Netflix-featured stand wears this iconic purple linocut beret.
Sundubu-jjigae
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If you’ve caught a cold from traveling or just love extremely spicy food, this stew is for you. While many versions come with meat or seafood in addition to the soft tofu (the restaurant I visited had a bowl full of raw eggs you could crack into your soup), it’s quite possible to order this warming dish with nothing but veggies, kimchi, and a side of rice.
Bindae-tteok
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Another favorite, this dish almost reminds me of the potato pancakes my mother makes around the holidays. It can have tons of different vegetables and/or kimchi in the mix but the mung bean sprouts are what make it. If you’re in the mood for fried food, you really can’t go wrong here.
Gimbap/Kimbap
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Veggie kimbap consists of cooked rice and vegetables wrapped in gim, or dried nori. It’s an easy snack served everywhere. After a little hike, I ate exactly SIX pieces of kimchi (of course) kimbap atop Insubong Peak at Bukhansan National Park. Yes.
Jajangmyeon
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Most commonly found at Korean-style Chinese restaurants, this noodle dish is served with a thick sauce made primarily of black soybean paste and onions. Pork is often included, but omitting meat is usually no problem.
Japchae
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Stir-fried glass/cellophane noodles (made from sweet potatoes!) and vegetables. Perfectly greasy and satisfying.
Hotteok
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Warm pancakes served by street vendors. While these can be filled with anything from honey and chopped peanuts to red bean paste, my favorites were the cinnamon and sugar variety. As far as savory options go, hotteok filled with japchae (pictured) is spectacular.
Goguma Mattang
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Candied sweet potato. Either you’re sold after hearing that or you’re not.
Strawberry Mochi
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Mochi ice cream is quite popular in the U.S. In Seoul, I got to try a version of this Japanese rice cake wrapped around a sweet, fresh strawberry filled with delicious red bean paste.
Patbingsu/Bingsu
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This shaved ice dessert comes with sweet red beans and other toppings like condensed milk (which can be omitted) and various fruits. Flavors get pretty creative, but matcha bingsu is always a favorite.
Soju
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Did you think White Claw was dangerous? That’s cute. Soju varies in ABV levels from 16% to 53% and is insanely cheap. It’s to be consumed neat and comes in a variety of fruit flavors that people swear by.
Honorable Mention: Maru JaYeonSik Kimbap
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This tiny all-vegan restaurant stand in the Insadong neighborhood was absolutely wonderful, with big portions and small prices. While you can find all the classic veg-friendly dishes here, some unique choices were the spicy fried soy chicken and the warm sweet potato rice drink.
If you’re veg and making your way to Seoul, know that there’s so much for you to enjoy in this vibrant city and its many buzzing markets.
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