Introduction: North Korean cuisine
North Korean cuisine is a unique blend of Korean, Chinese, and Russian influences. Due to its geographical location and political isolation, North Korean cuisine has remained a relatively unknown cuisine in the world. The cuisine has been limited to the Korean Peninsula, and even within Korea, North Korean cuisine is relatively unknown outside of the country.
Use of rice as a staple food
Like other Asian countries, rice is the staple food of North Korea. It is served at almost every meal and is used to make various dishes such as rice porridge, rice cakes, and rice dumplings. North Korea is known for producing high-quality rice, and it is an essential ingredient in many dishes. Due to the cold climate, North Korea produces more glutinous rice than non-glutinous rice varieties.
Kimchi, a traditional side dish
Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish made with fermented vegetables, typically cabbage or radish, and a spicy paste made with chili peppers, garlic, and ginger. It is a staple in North Korean cuisine and is served at every meal. There are many variations of kimchi, and each family has its own recipe. Some variations include adding seafood, pear, or even sugar to the paste.
Meat dishes, including dog meat
North Korean cuisine is known for its meat dishes, which include beef, pork, and chicken. However, North Koreans also consume dog meat, which is considered a delicacy in the country. Although the consumption of dog meat is a controversial topic, it is still widely consumed in North Korea. Dog meat dishes are typically served during special occasions, such as weddings or national holidays.
Seafood and salted fish dishes
North Korea’s geographical location, which is surrounded by the sea, offers an abundance of seafood in its cuisine. North Korean cuisine includes various seafood dishes, such as grilled octopus, raw sea urchin, and squid soup. One popular dish is pheasant and seafood soup, which combines pheasant meat and seafood in a flavorful broth. North Korea is also known for its salted fish dishes, which are preserved and served as a side dish.
Lack of international exposure and influence
North Korean cuisine is relatively unknown in the world due to the country’s political isolation. North Korean cuisine has not been exposed to international influences and has remained traditional. The cuisine is not found in many restaurants outside of North Korea, and North Korean chefs are not well-known in the culinary world. However, with the recent opening of the country and the increasing interest in Korean culture, North Korean cuisine is slowly gaining recognition.
