Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Daegu, Daegu, Korea, South
1. Daegwongsan Tteokgalbi (댕깡산 ök갈비)
Tteokgalbi is a spicy pork rib dish made from ground and formed into small cakes. It's a must-try in Daegu, especially at Daegwongsan Street where the restaurants have been serving it for decades.
- Historic Restaurants: Several historic tteokgalbi restaurants with long histories serve this dish.
- Unique Preparation: Tteokgalbi is unique in its preparation and presentation as small cakes rather than ribs.
- Spicy Level Adjustment: Restaurants often let you adjust the spiciness level to your preference.
2. Manduguk (만두국)
Manduguk is a spicy dumpling soup dish. The dumplings are filled with minced pork and vegetables, served in a savory broth.
- Spicy Broth: The unique feature is the flavorful and spicy broth that enhances the dish.
- Handmade Dumplings: Dumplings are often handmade, ensuring a fresh and tasty experience.
- Customizable: Many restaurants offer customization options such as adding more vegetables or choosing the level of spiciness.
3. Dakgangjeong (닭강정)
Dakgangjeong is a sweet and crispy fried chicken dish coated with a sticky, tangy sauce made from gochujang (Korean red pepper paste).
- Unique Sauce: The distinctive sauce gives Dakgangjeong its signature taste.
- Crispy Texture: The crispy texture contrasts with the tender chicken inside.
- Social Dish: Dakgangjeong is a popular social dish enjoyed by friends and family in Korea.
4. Chodang Gamja Tang (초당감자탕)
Chodang Gamja Tang is a hearty pork bone and potato stew served in a large earthenware pot.
- Traditional Cooking Method: The dish is cooked using traditional methods and an earthenware pot for added flavor.
- Warm and Comforting: It's a warm and comforting dish perfect for cold winter days.
- Versatile Ingredients: Vegetables, tofu, and rice cakes can often be added to customize the dish.
5. Bunpunggalchi Guksu (분풍갈치국수)
Bunpunggalchi Guksu is a cold noodle dish made with buckwheat noodles and thinly sliced beef, served with a dipping sauce.
- Cold Noodle Specialty: Bunpunggalchi Guksu is a popular cold noodle dish in Daegu.
- Refreshing and Light: The dish is refreshing, light, and perfect for hot summer days.
- Thinly Sliced Beef: The thinly sliced beef adds a flavorful touch to the noodles.
6. Namgang Jeotgal (낭강젓갈)
Namgang Jeotgal is a fermented seafood dish made with anchovies, salted shrimp, and squid. It's served with rice or used as a side dish.
- Fermented Seafood: Namgang Jeotgal is a traditional fermented seafood dish unique to Daegu.
- Health Benefits: It's believed to have various health benefits due to the fermentation process.
- Versatile Use: The Namgang Jeotgal can be used as a side dish or added to other dishes for extra flavor.
7. Dakjaegalbi (닭쟁갈비)
Dakjaegalbi is a spicy stir-fried chicken dish made with dakgalbi sauce and various vegetables.
- Stir-Fried Preparation: The dish is prepared by stir-frying the ingredients together, giving it a unique texture.
- Customizable: Restaurants offer customization options such as choosing the level of spiciness and adding extra vegetables.
- Social Dish: Dakjaegalbi is a popular social dish enjoyed by friends and family in Korea.
8. Hodduk (호떡)
Hodduk is a Korean pancake made with glutinous rice flour, filled with sweet red bean paste or savory fillings like cheese.
- Sweet and Savory Options: Hodduk is available in both sweet red bean paste and savory fillings, catering to different tastes.
- Crispy Exterior: The crispy exterior contrasts with the gooey interior of the filling.
- Street Food: Hodduk is a popular street food in Daegu and can be found at markets and street food stalls.
9. Gomtang (곰탱)
Gomtang is a beef bone soup made with thinly sliced beef and ox bones. It's often served with Korean radish kimchi and rice.
- Healing Properties: Gomtang is believed to have healing properties due to the beef bone marrow.
- Rich Broth: The rich and flavorful broth is a standout feature of Gomtang.
- Customizable: Restaurants offer customization options such as adding more vegetables or choosing the level of spiciness.
10. Dakdoritang (닭도리탕)
Dakdoritang is a spicy chicken stew made with diced chicken, potatoes, and carrots in a flavorful broth.
- Chunky Ingredients: The chunky ingredients give Dakdoritang its unique texture.
- Spicy Level Adjustment: Restaurants often let you adjust the spiciness level to your preference.
- Versatile Ingredients: Vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, and zucchini can be added to customize the dish.
11. Kongguksu (콩국수)
Kongguksu is a cold soybean noodle soup dish served with sliced cucumbers and boiled egg.
- Cold Noodle Specialty: Kongguksu is a popular cold noodle dish in Daegu.
- Refreshing and Light: The dish is refreshing, light, and perfect for hot summer days.
- Soothing Broth: The soybean broth is soothing and gives Kongguksu its unique flavor.
12. Yukhoe (육회)
Yukhoe is a raw beef dish served with garlic, sesame oil, and pear. It's often enjoyed as an appetizer or snack.
- Raw Beef Dish: Yukhoe is a unique raw beef dish, unlike many other Korean dishes.
- Fresh and Tasty: The freshness of the ingredients makes Yukhoe a delicious treat.
- Popular Appetizer or Snack: Yukhoe is commonly enjoyed as an appetizer or snack in Korea.
13. Bab (배배)
Bab is a rice cake dish made with glutinous rice flour and filled with sweet red bean paste or savory fillings like cheese.
- Sweet and Savory Options: Bab is available in both sweet red bean paste and savory fillings, catering to different tastes.
- Soft Texture: The soft and chewy texture of Bab makes it a popular choice.
- Street Food: Bab is a popular street food in Daegu and can be found at markets and street food stalls.
14. Jjolmyeon (절면)
Jjolmyeon is a cold noodle dish made with thin wheat flour noodles, served with various vegetables and a vinegar-based dipping sauce.
- Cold Noodle Specialty: Jjolmyeon is a popular cold noodle dish in Daegu.
- Refreshing and Light: The dish is refreshing, light, and perfect for hot summer days.
- Versatile Toppings: Jjolmyeon can be topped with a variety of ingredients like cucumbers, sesame leaves, and boiled egg.
15. Galmaegisal (갈매기살)
Galmaegisal is grilled squab (young domestic pigeon) served with salt or a dipping sauce.
- Unique Protein Source: Galmaegisal is a unique protein source and a delicacy in Korean cuisine.
- Tender and Flavorful: The meat is tender and flavorful, making it a popular choice for food enthusiasts.
- Grilled Preparation: Galmaegisal is often grilled over charcoal, enhancing its flavor.