Must-Try Foods In Pyongyang (North Korea) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Pyongyang, North Korea

Pyongyang, the capital city of North Korea, has a culinary history that is deeply rooted in Korean traditions and the country's sociopolitical context. Traditional Korean cuisine in Pyongyang often features rice, vegetables, and different types of kimchi, a staple side dish made with fermented vegetables. With the seasons influencing the food availability, people have learned various preservation methods, including pickling and fermenting, to ensure a supply of food throughout the year. Influences from neighboring countries over centuries have also contributed to the development of Pyongyang's cuisine. However, due to the closed nature of North Korea, the food culture within Pyongyang has evolved somewhat differently from that of South Korea, with its own unique flavors and dishes.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Pyongyang, North Korea

When visiting Pyongyang, tourists can taste a variety of traditional dishes, many of which are centered around local agricultural produce and seafood. Here are the top 10 must-try dishes:

1. Kimchi - Non-veg/Veg (traditional kimchi often has a fish sauce or shrimp paste, but vegetarian versions are available)
2. Raengmyeon - Non-veg (cold noodles usually served in a tangy broth with beef)
3. Naengmyeon - Non-veg (cold buckwheat noodles served with slices of meat and pickled vegetables)
4. Tteokbokki - Veg (spicy stir-fried rice cakes, sometimes with fish cakes added)
5. Bibimbap - Veg/Non-veg (mixed rice with vegetables and egg, sometimes served with meat)
6. Japchae - Veg/Non-veg (stir-fried glass noodles with vegetables, sometimes with added meat)
7. Bindaetteok - Veg (mung bean pancakes)
8. Sundubu-jjigae - Veg (soft tofu stew, often with seafood or meat but can be made vegetarian)
9. Bungeoppang - Veg (fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet red bean paste)
10. Hotteok - Veg (sweet pancakes filled with sugar, nuts, and cinnamon)

Top Famous Restaurants in Pyongyang, North Korea

• Okryu-gwan
  
  Changgwang Street, Central District, Pyongyang, North Korea
  
  Famous Food: Raengmyeon - Non-veg
• Chongryu Hotpot Restaurant
  
  Chongryu Street, Pyongyang, North Korea
  
  Famous Food: Chongryu Hotpot - Non-veg
• Koryo Hotel’s revolving restaurant
  
  Koryo Hotel, Pyongyang, North Korea
  
  Famous Food: Various traditional dishes - Veg/Non-veg
• Pyongyang Soondae Restaurant
  
  Sosong District, Pyongyang, North Korea
  
  Famous Food: Soondae - Non-veg (Korean sausage, typically made with pork)
• Ryugyong Kimchi Restaurant
  
  Pyongyang, North Korea
  
  Famous Food: Various types of Kimchi - Non-veg/Veg

Please note that while vegetarian options are mentioned, vegetarians traveling to Pyongyang should be aware that vegetarianism is not widespread in North Korea, and it is advised to communicate dietary restrictions clearly when ordering food.