Korean Food Pairings And Where To Enjoy Them In New York City

Korean cuisine packs a punch with unfamiliar and unconventional flavors, but properly complemented foods and drinks make up some stellar dishes. It’s become the cultural norm for certain flavors to be paired together, so don’t spend any more time trying to decipher menus. We profile 10 popular Korean food pairings and let you know where to find them in New York City.

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Naeng Myun And Kalbi (Cold Noodles And Korean Barbecue)

Head to Flushing’s Murray Hill for some cold noodles and Korean barbecue at Han Joo Chik Naeng Myun & BBQ. ‘Cold’ flour noodles are served in an icy, tangy broth with cucumbers and a boiled egg on top. The classic way to enjoy this pairing is to start with beef short ribs and use the cold noodles as a means of cutting the grease. This hole-in-the-wall restaurant offers this delicious combination and provides a totally new experience with a crystal grill.

Pahjeon (scallion pancakes) and makgeolli (rice wine) serve as another classic food-and-drink pairing that’s lasted through the generations. In fact, a Korean saying exclaims, ‘When it rains, it’s pahjeon and makgeolli time!’ Because of its incredible simplicity, this is a common combination to make at home. But if you’re in the mood to dine out, Soju Haus is a delicious alternative. You can find this combination in almost any barbecue/traditional Korean restaurant, but if you’re feeling adventurous, here’s a recipe to try for yourself.

Dakgalbi And Makguksu (Spicy Marinated Chicken And Chilled Buckwheat Noodles)

Chuncheon, Korea is famous for their chilled buckwheat noodle dish makguksu (think the cold noodle’s cousin), which pairs perfectly with dakgalbi. Dakgalbi is essentially a stew of marinated chicken, cabbage, and rice cakes. The best place to find this unbeatable pairing in New York City is Doraon 1.5 Dak Galbi, which translates to ‘the return of marinated chicken 1.5.’ Take the Q13 from Flushing Main Street Station and take a peak at the lesser-known side of Flushing on Northern Boulevard before settling down for a filling and flavorful meal.

Jokbal And Bossam (Pigs’ Feet And Boiled Pork Belly)

Korean cuisine involves a lot of boiled meats, and jokbal (pigs’ feet) paired with bossam (boiled pork belly) is a favorite. The meats are wrapped in cabbage or perilla leaves with garlic, onions, kimchi, and sauce to create a ssam (wrap) at Tang. Tang is an authentic Korean restaurant on Northern Boulevard that not only offers this pork pairing but also has a wealth of Korean and Asian dishes on their menu.

Jjajangmyeon, Mandu And Tangsuyuk (Black Bean Noodles, Dumplings And Sweet & Sour Meat)

Korean-Chinese food is the popular choice for Korean celebrations such as moving house or graduating. Jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles), mandu (dumplings) and tangsuyuk (sweet & sour fried meat) is a popular trio at Korean-Chinese restaurants. Try this culinary favorite in Bayside’s You Jjajang, Me Jjamppong (jjamppong is a spicy, seafood noodle soup).

Kim Ddeok Sun (Rice Rolls, Spicy Rice Cakes And Blood Sausages)

Say ‘Kim ddeok sun’ to any Korean, and you’ll have an instant connection. Kimbap, ddeokbbokki, soondae is the quintessential Korean snack and a crowd favorite amongst both kids and adults. If you haven’t tried ddeokbbokki yet, chances are you’ve seen it on a Korean menu. For an authentic Kim Ddeok Sun, head to Chung Moo Rollrice & Dongas on Main Street, Flushing. Locals call this restaurant their ‘grandma’s house’ because of its friendly operation and delicious, home-style Korean cooking.

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