Good Food In Incheon

The Ultimate Guide to Incheon’s Best Eats

🍴Discover the delicious food scene in Incheon, South Korea. From traditional Korean cuisine to international flavors, Incheon has something to offer for every taste bud. Here’s our guide to the best eats in the city.

Prologue

South Korea is known for its exceptional food culture, and Incheon is no exception. Located on the western coast of the country, Incheon is a bustling city with a rich history and a diverse culinary scene. From street food to fine dining, the city has plenty to offer for foodies and adventurers alike.

Whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor, this guide will help you discover the best eats in Incheon. We’ve compiled a list of must-try dishes, hidden gems, and popular restaurants in the city. So, grab your chopsticks and get ready to explore the flavors of Incheon.

Introduction

1. What is Incheon known for?

Incheon is known for its bustling port, international airport, and historical sites such as Chinatown and Wolmido Island. However, the city is also famous for its food scene, which ranges from traditional Korean cuisine to fusion dishes that incorporate global flavors.

2. What are the must-try dishes in Incheon?

Some of the must-try dishes in Incheon include dakgalbi (spicy grilled chicken), jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles), and haemul pajeon (seafood pancake). In addition, Incheon is known for its fresh seafood, which can be enjoyed at seafood markets and restaurants throughout the city.

3. How diverse is Incheon’s food scene?

Incheon’s food scene is incredibly diverse, with a range of Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and Western restaurants throughout the city. In addition, there are many fusion restaurants that blend different flavors and techniques to create unique dishes.

4. What are some popular areas for food in Incheon?

Some popular areas for food in Incheon include Chinatown, which is known for its Chinese-Korean cuisine, and Songdo International Business District, which has a range of international restaurants and cafes. In addition, Incheon’s traditional markets, such as Jung-gu Market and Sinpo Market, are great places to discover local flavors and street food.

5. What is the best time to visit Incheon for food?

Incheon’s food scene is vibrant year-round, but some of the best times to visit are during food festivals and events, such as the Incheon Fish Cake Festival and the Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival. In addition, the city’s seafood is at its freshest during the summer months.

6. What is the dining culture like in Incheon?

Incheon’s dining culture is social and communal, with many dishes designed for sharing. In addition, it is common to drink alcohol with meals, especially beer and soju (a Korean distilled beverage).

7. How can I navigate the food scene in Incheon as a non-Korean speaker?

Many restaurants in Incheon have English menus and staff who speak basic English. In addition, it is helpful to learn some basic Korean phrases, such as hello (annyeonghaseyo) and thank you (kamsahamnida).

Good Food In Incheon

Incheon’s food scene is diverse and exciting, with a range of dishes and flavors to explore. Here are some of the best eats in the city:

1. Jjajangmyeon at Gonghwachun

🍝Jjajangmyeon is a popular Korean-Chinese noodle dish that features thick, chewy noodles in a savory black bean sauce. Gonghwachun is a famous restaurant in Incheon’s Chinatown that is known for its delicious jjajangmyeon.

The restaurant has been in business for over 70 years and uses a secret recipe for its sauce. The noodles are cooked to perfection and the sauce is rich and flavorful. Be sure to try their tangsuyuk (sweet and sour pork) as well.

2. Dakgalbi at Nolboo

🍗Dakgalbi is a spicy grilled chicken dish that is a popular comfort food in Korea. Nolboo is a chain restaurant that serves delicious dakgalbi in Incheon.

The chicken is marinated in a spicy sauce and grilled with vegetables such as cabbage, sweet potato, and onion. The dish is served with rice, noodles, and cheese, which is melted over the chicken and vegetables. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for sharing with friends.

3. Haemul Pajeon at Sinpo Market

🍤Haemul pajeon is a savory Korean pancake that is filled with seafood such as shrimp, squid, and octopus. Sinpo Market is a traditional market in Incheon that is famous for its delicious haemul pajeon.

The pancake is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a generous amount of seafood in every bite. It’s a tasty and affordable snack that can be enjoyed with a cold beer or soju.

4. Seafood at Jjambbong Alley

🦐Jjambbong is a spicy seafood noodle soup that is a popular dish in Korea and China. Incheon’s Jjambbong Alley is a street lined with restaurants that specialize in this delicious dish.

The soup is filled with seafood such as shrimp, mussels, and squid, as well as vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, and onions. The noodles are chewy and the broth is spicy and flavorful. It’s a perfect meal for a chilly day.

5. Korean BBQ at Daedo Sikdang

🥩Korean BBQ is a popular dining experience in Korea, where diners grill their own meat at the table. Daedo Sikdang is a famous Korean BBQ restaurant in Incheon that serves high-quality beef and pork.

The meat is served with a variety of side dishes such as kimchi, pickled vegetables, and rice. The restaurant has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends and family.

6. Bibimbap at Gaehwaok

🍲Bibimbap is a Korean rice dish that is topped with vegetables, meat, and a fried egg. Gaehwaok is a popular restaurant in Incheon that serves delicious bibimbap.

The restaurant uses high-quality ingredients and traditional techniques to create a flavorful and satisfying dish. The bibimbap is served in a hot stone bowl, which keeps the rice crispy and the ingredients warm.

7. Korean Fried Chicken at Kyochon

🍗Korean fried chicken is a popular dish in Korea that is crispy, flavorful, and addictive. Kyochon is a chain restaurant that serves some of the best Korean fried chicken in Incheon.

The chicken is fried twice to make it extra crispy and juicy, and is served with a variety of sauces such as soy garlic and spicy. It’s a great snack to enjoy with friends and a cold beer or soju.

FAQ

1. Is Korean food spicy?

Some Korean dishes are spicy, but not all. Many Korean dishes are savory or sweet, and can be customized to your preference.

2. What is the difference between Korean cuisine and Chinese cuisine?

While there are similarities between Korean and Chinese cuisine, such as the use of rice and noodles, there are also distinct differences in flavors and techniques. Korean cuisine tends to be more spicy and fermented, while Chinese cuisine is known for its varied regional styles and use of sauces.

3. What is the best seafood to try in Incheon?

Some of the best seafood to try in Incheon includes jangeo (eel), gaejang (raw crab marinated in soy sauce), and honghap (mussels).

4. Is it rude to leave food on your plate in Korea?

In Korea, it is considered polite to finish all the food on your plate.

5. Do Korean restaurants serve vegetarian dishes?

While Korean cuisine tends to incorporate meat and seafood, there are also many vegetarian dishes available such as bibimbap, japchae (stir-fried glass noodles), and kimchi pancakes.

6. What is makgeolli?

Makgeolli is a traditional Korean rice wine that is slightly sweet and fizzy. It is often served with Korean pancakes or spicy dishes.

7. Is street food safe to eat in Incheon?

Street food in Incheon