Daejeon Food: A Local’s Guide to the City’s Top 10 Specialties
I am continually enamored by the depth and diversity of my country’s culinary scene. Of the many cities I’ve explored, the flavors of Daejeon hold a special place in my heart. Today, I invite you to embark on a gastronomic journey as I introduce the top ten food specialties of my beloved city.
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① Gungjung Tteokbokki
Tteokbokki is a popular Korean street food that typically comes in a spicy variety. However, the “Gungjung” (meaning “royal court”) version originates from the Joseon Dynasty and is a less spicy variation. It’s made with rice cakes, soy sauce, various vegetables, and often, beef or other types of protein. This dish is rich in flavor with the umami of the soy sauce, the sweetness from the vegetables, and the savory taste of the protein all coming together to create a mouthwatering experience.
② Gujeuk Dotorimuk
Dotorimuk is a jelly-like dish made from acorn starch. It’s a staple in Korean cuisine due to the abundant oak trees in Korea. This dish from Gujeuk Village uses sliced dotorimuk mixed with kimchi, roasted seaweed, and a homemade beef broth made from dried anchovies and seaweed. This dish presents a unique texture and taste, with the subtle flavor of the acorn jelly complemented by the spicy tang of the kimchi and the deep umami of the seaweed and anchovy broth.
③ Gopchang
Gopchang is not for the faint-hearted but is a favorite among many Korean food enthusiasts due to its unique, chewy texture and rich flavor. Cooks meticulously clean the intestines before marinating and grilling them, often on a table-top grill. They have a distinct, slightly gamey flavor that pairs well with a variety of side dishes and dipping sauces, typically a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, and spices.
④ Daejeon Naengmyeon
Naengmyeon is a cold noodle dish that originated from North Korea. The version from Pyeongyang Sutgol in Daejeon uses a unique mix of buckwheat and wheat flour to make the noodles, giving them a unique texture and flavor. The broth, a combination of chicken and radish kimchi, creates a refreshing taste perfect for hot summer days.
⑤ Daejeon Sungsimdang Bread
Daejeon Sungsimdang is a well-known bakery in Korea, famous for its fusion bread that incorporates traditional Korean ingredients with Western-style bread. The bread is soft and fluffy with various fillings adding a delightful surprise with each bite. The combination of textures from the bread and the fillings, along with the contrasting sweet and savory flavors, makes this a truly unique bread to try.
⑥ Daejeon Kalguksu
Kalguksu is a traditional Korean noodle soup where the noodles are handmade from wheat flour and cut into long strips. The “kal” in Kalguksu means “knife”, signifying the handmade nature of the noodles. In Daejeon, the dish often incorporates a variety of seafood like clams and shrimp, which adds a distinct coastal flavor to the soup. The broth, often made from anchovies, kelp, or a mix of both, pairs well with the smooth and chewy noodles.
⑦ Gomguk
Cooks prepare Gomguk, a traditional Korean soup, by simmering beef bones for several hours to extract their rich flavor. This slow-cooking process dissolves the collagen in the bones, yielding a nourishing and flavor-packed broth. Usually, the serving of this soup includes slices of beef and green onions, making it a popular dish during the chilly winter months.
⑧ Kongnamul Gukbap
Kongnamul gukbap is a simple but nutritious dish, consisting of soybean sprout soup served with rice. The soybean sprouts give the soup a slight crunch and a refreshing flavor, while the anchovy broth adds a depth of savory umami taste. The rice adds a comforting, starchy element that makes this dish satisfyingly filling.
⑨ Daejeon Makchang
Makchang, like Gopchang, refers to grilled pork intestines. Many people enjoy this delicacy in Korean cuisine because of its unique texture and deep, savory flavor. Cooks thoroughly clean the intestines before marinating them in a delightful blend of Korean spices and sauces. They serve it hot off the grill, accompanied by a variety of sides and dipping saucesThe rich flavor and chewy texture make this a must-try for adventurous eaters.
⑩ Pork Bone Soup
Pork Bone Soup is a hearty, spicy soup made from pork bones, potatoes, and various vegetables. The soup is cooked for hours until the pork is tender enough to fall off the bone. The use of spices and herbs adds a depth of flavor that warms you from the inside out. This dish is perfect for cold winter days or when you need a comforting meal.