Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Sihŭng, Gyeonggi, Korea, South
1. Sihŭng Sundubu-jjigae (SIF-ung SUN-doo-boo-jee-gay)
A spicy soft tofu stew made with seafood and vegetables, known for its unique spiciness level. Try it at Donghak Sundubu-jjigae Alley in Sihŭng.
- Spiciness Level: Sihŭng's sundubu-jjigae is famous for its unique, extra-spicy flavor.
- Seafood Ingredients: The stew features an abundance of fresh seafood such as clams, oysters, and shrimp.
- Authentic Experience: Enjoying sundubu-jjigae at Donghak Sundubu-jjigae Alley provides an authentic taste of Sihŭng cuisine.
2. Gukjeori Mandu (GUCK-yay-oh-ree MAHN-doo)
Famous steamed dumplings filled with vegetables and minced pork, served with a tangy soy dipping sauce. These dumplings are a must-try at Gukjeori Mandu Alley in Sihŭng.
- Unique Dough: Gukjeori Mandu's dough is thinner and more delicate than other mandu varieties.
- Vegetable Filling: The filling consists of a variety of vegetables like cabbage, carrot, and leek.
- Soy Dipping Sauce: The tangy soy dipping sauce adds a unique flavor to the dumplings.
3. Gyeranppang (GYEH-ran-PANG)
Soft bread with an egg yolk filling, cooked to perfection. Visit the Gyeranppang Alley in Sihŭng for this tasty snack.
- Egg Yolk Filling: The bread is filled with a warm, runny egg yolk.
- Soft Texture: Gyeranppang has a soft and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Quick Snack Option: This is an ideal snack to grab on the go when exploring Sihŭng.
4. Baechu-kimchi Bokkeum (BYEH-choo-kim-chee BOCK-kaym)
Stir-fried napa cabbage kimchi served with rice cakes. Visit the local market for this popular dish.
- Fresh Kimchi: The napa cabbage used in Baechu-kimchi Bokkeum is always fresh and locally sourced.
- Rice Cakes: The chewy texture of rice cakes pairs well with the spicy kimchi.
- Versatile Dish: This dish can be enjoyed at any time of the day, making it a convenient meal choice in Sihŭng.
5. Sikhye (SIK-kway)
Sweet rice punch made from glutinous rice and malted barley. Enjoy this traditional beverage at a local teahouse in Sihŭng.
- Unique Taste: Sikhye has a unique, slightly sweet taste that sets it apart from other rice drinks.
- Warm and Comforting: The warm drink is perfect for chilly days in Sihŭng.
- Traditional Beverage: Sikhye is a traditional Korean beverage that offers an authentic taste of Korean culture.
6. Naengguk (NAEHN-gook)
Cold soup made with beef and vegetables, served during the hot summer months. Try it at a local restaurant in Sihŭng.
- Refreshing Coolness: Naengguk is a refreshing dish that helps beat the heat during the summer.
- Beef Ingredients: The soup features thinly sliced beef and various vegetables like cucumber, radish, and watercress.
- Spicy Version Available: For those who enjoy spice, there is a version of Naengguk with chili peppers.
7. Jajangmyeon (JA-jang-myeon)
Black bean sauce noodles served with vegetables and meat. You can find this popular dish at local restaurants in Sihŭng.
- Unique Black Bean Sauce: The black bean sauce used in Jajangmyeon is thicker and less spicy compared to other Korean noodle dishes.
- Versatile Toppings: Jajangmyeon can be customized with various toppings such as pork, shrimp, or vegetables.
- Comfort Food: This dish is a favorite comfort food for many Korean locals and visitors alike.
8. Yukhoe (YOOK-hway)
Raw beef marinated in soy sauce, served with garlic and pear. Try it at a high-end Korean restaurant in Sihŭng.
- Delicate Texture: Yukhoe has a delicate texture that melts in your mouth.
- Unique Garlic and Pear Combo: The combination of garlic and pear adds a unique flavor to the dish.
- Luxurious Dining Experience: Enjoying Yukhoe at a high-end restaurant provides an elegant dining experience in Sihŭng.
9. Haemul Pajeon (HAE-mul PAH-jay-on)
Seafood pancake made with green onions and flour. Try it at a local seafood restaurant in Sihŭng.
- Abundance of Seafood: Haemul Pajeon is loaded with various types of seafood like shrimp, squid, and clams.
- Crispy Texture: The pancake has a crispy exterior and soft interior.
- Perfect as a Sharing Dish: Haemul Pajeon is best enjoyed when shared among friends or family members.
10. Dakgangjeong (DAHK-gahng-jayng)
Sweet and spicy fried chicken coated in a sticky starch batter. Enjoy this popular dish at a local restaurant in Sihŭng.
- Unique Batter Coating: The starch batter used in Dakgangjeong gives the chicken a unique texture.
- Sweet and Spicy Flavor: The dish features both sweet and spicy flavors that complement each other.
- Ideal for Sharing: Dakgangjeong is perfect for sharing with friends or family members.
11. Gomtang (GOHM-tahng)
Beef bone soup made with tendon and tripe. Try it at a local restaurant in Sihŭng for a hearty meal.
- Hearty and Nutritious: Gomtang is a filling dish that's high in protein and nutrients.
- Unique Ingredients: The use of beef tendon and tripe sets Gomtang apart from other Korean soups.
- Spicy Version Available: For those who enjoy spice, there is a version of Gomtang with chili peppers.
12. Ssiat hotteok (SSAH-yut hoh-TAYK)
Sweet and savory pancake filled with brown sugar and nuts or vegetables. Try it at a local street food vendor in Sihŭng.
- Unique Filling Options: Ssiat hotteok can be filled with either sweet brown sugar and nuts, or savory vegetables.
- Crispy Texture: The pancake has a crispy exterior and soft interior.
- Portable Snack Option: Ssiat hotteok is an ideal snack to grab while exploring Sihŭng.
13. Bunja tongdak (BOON-ya ton-DACK)
Barbecued chicken served with a sweet and spicy sauce. Visit a local barbecue restaurant in Sihŭng to try it.
- Unique Sauce: The sweet and spicy sauce used for Bunja tongdak is different from other Korean barbecue sauces.
- Tender Meat: The chicken is tender and juicy, making it a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.
- Social Dining Experience: Bunja tongdak is best enjoyed with friends or family, as barbecuing is a social dining experience in Korea.
14. Chueotang (CHEW-oh-tahng)
Spicy seafood soup made with clams and vegetables. Try it at a local restaurant in Sihŭng for a taste of the sea.
- Abundance of Fresh Seafood: Chueotang is loaded with fresh clams, mussels, and other seafood.
- Spicy Flavor: The spiciness of Chueotang can be adjusted to suit your preference.
- Hearty and Filling: Chueotang is a filling dish that's perfect for a satisfying meal.
15. Sihŭng Jeolpyeon (SIF-huhng JEH-oh-pyay-on)
Seafood jeon (pancake) made with diced seafood and green onions. Try it at a local restaurant in Sihŭng for a taste of the city's specialty.
- Abundance of Seafood: Sihŭng Jeolpyeon is loaded with various types of seafood like shrimp, squid, and clams.
- Crispy Texture: The pancake has a crispy exterior and soft interior.
- Local Specialty: Sihŭng Jeolpyeon is a popular local dish that showcases the city's coastal location.