Incheon, a bustling port city in South Korea, is known for its diverse culinary traditions shaped by its history as an international trade hub. Influences from Chinese, Japanese, and Western cuisines have melded with Korean flavors to create unique local dishes. With its proximity to the Yellow Sea, Incheon's diet historically features a variety of seafood, as well as other staples like kimchi and rice. Jjajangmyeon, a Korean-Chinese noodle dish with black bean sauce, is notably popular and is often associated with Incheon due to the city's Chinatown, the largest in South Korea. Over the years, Incheon has cultivated its food identity, embracing both traditional Korean delicacies and international culinary influences.
1. Jjajangmyeon (Non-veg): A Korean-Chinese noodle dish with thick black bean sauce, typically served with vegetables and seafood or pork.
2. Samgyetang (Non-veg): A comforting Korean chicken soup made with a whole young chicken filled with ginseng, rice, and garlic.
3. Bindaetteok (Veg): A mung bean pancake that is pan-fried and can be filled with vegetables making it a satisfying vegetarian option.
4. Kimchi (Veg): An essential Korean side dish made from fermented cabbage and other vegetables, seasoned with chili peppers and spices.
5. Haemul Pajeon (Non-veg): A savory seafood pancake filled with green onions and various seafood, perfect as a snack or appetizer.
6. Sundubu-jjigae (Can be veg or non-veg): A spicy stew made with uncurdled tofu, vegetables, sometimes seafood or meat, and gochugaru (chili powder).
7. Tteokbokki (Can be veg or non-veg): Spicy and sweet rice cakes that are stir-fried in gochujang sauce, often accompanied by fish cakes and boiled eggs.
8. Gimbap (Can be veg or non-veg): Seaweed rice rolls filled with a variety of fillings such as vegetables, egg, or seafood.
9. Yukgaejang (Non-veg): A hearty and spicy beef soup made with shredded beef, scallions, and bean sprouts, known for its invigorating properties.
10. Bibimbap (Can be veg or non-veg): A mixed rice dish topped with assorted vegetables, beef (optional), a fried egg, and spicy gochujang sauce.
Gaetmaeul Restaurant
Address: 12-6 Hang-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon
Famous Food: Haemul Pajeon (Non-veg)
Jayuon Kimbab
Address: 223-17 Yeonan-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon
Famous Food: Kimchi Bibimbap (Can be made veg)
Sinpo Woori Mandu
Address: 11-5 Uhyeon-ro 49beon-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon
Famous Food: Kimchi Mandu (Can be veg or non-veg)
Yejeon
Address: 309 Art Center-daero, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon
Famous Food: Sundubu-jjigae (Can be made veg)
Gonghwachun
Address: 56-14 Chinatown-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon
Famous Food: Jjajangmyeon (Non-veg)
Obaltan
Address: 48 Art Center-daero 97beon-gil, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon
Famous Food: Samgyetang (Non-veg)
Hanyang Jokbal
Address: 12-3 Gwangyo-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon
Famous Food: Jokbal (Non-veg) - Note: Although Jokbal is a pork dish, I have included the restaurant as it is renowned, but travelers seeking no pork should consider an alternative dish here.
