Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Pyongyang, Korea, North
1. Kimchi (Kimchi Jangsu)
Traditional fermented cabbage dish, served with rice or as a side dish. Experience the spicy kick unique to North Korean kimchi.
- Authenticity: Taste the traditional version of kimchi, made according to North Korean recipes
- Spiciness Level: Adjust spiciness level to your preference in restaurants catering to foreign visitors
- Freshness: Enjoy freshly made kimchi, as it's typically served within a day of preparation
2. Pyongyang Cold Noodles (Naengmyeon)
Cold buckwheat noodles served in a chilled broth with slices of beef and vegetables. A refreshing dish popular during summer.
- Local Specialty: Savor the iconic Pyongyang cold noodles, a must-try culinary experience
- Seasonality: Experience this dish at its best during hot summer days
- Broth Options: Choose from various broth flavors such as beef, chicken, or vegetable
3. Bibimbap at the Grand People's Study House
Rice bowl mixed with an assortment of vegetables, meat, and a spicy chili pepper paste. Try this popular Korean dish with a view of Pyongyang from the study house.
- Unique Setting: Savor bibimbap while enjoying views of Pyongyang at one of North Korea's most famous landmarks
- Customization: Add or remove ingredients based on your personal preferences
- Heat Level: Adjust the spiciness of the dish to suit your taste
4. Korean-style Pancake (Jeon)
Thin pancakes filled with a variety of ingredients like vegetables, seafood, or meat. Delicious when dipped in soy sauce.
- Versatility: Taste numerous versions of jeon, each featuring different ingredients
- Flavor Profiles: Discover various flavor combinations that make each jeon unique
- Local Ingredients: Sample locally sourced ingredients in the jeons you try
5. Duck BBQ at the Taedongang Restaurant
Barbecued duck cooked to perfection on a tabletop grill. Savor this popular dish in a luxurious restaurant offering stunning city views.
- Upscale Dining Experience: Savor the duck BBQ in a high-end restaurant, perfect for special occasions
- Tabletop Cooking: Experience the interactive process of cooking your own duck at the table
- Accompaniments: Enjoy various side dishes and sauces, complementing the flavorful duck
6. Korean Soup (Mul Naengguk)
Refreshing summer soup made with water, cucumber, and fish or beef broth. A light and cooling dish perfect for hot days.
- Seasonal Delight: Savor this refreshing soup during Pyongyang's hot summer months
- Broth Flavors: Choose from fish or beef broth, both showcasing distinct flavors
- Spiciness Level: Adjust spiciness to your preference by adding chili pepper flakes
7. Korean Sushi (Pyongyang Style)
Sushi rolls filled with rice, vegetables, and seafood. Try this unique variation of sushi that's popular in Pyongyang.
- Local Twist: Experience a distinctly North Korean style of sushi, with its own flavor profile
- Seafood Quality: Taste fresh seafood sourced from the nearby coastline
- Presentation: Enjoy the artistic presentation of Pyongyang-style sushi rolls
8. Mungbean Pancake (Bindaetteok)
Savory pancake made with mungbeans, ground meat, and vegetables. A popular street food in Pyongyang.
- Street Food Experience: Taste this delicious street food at vibrant markets or food stalls
- Versatility: Find different variations of bindaetteok, each with unique ingredients
- Accompaniments: Enjoy side dishes like kimchi or pickled radish, which enhance the flavor of the pancake
9. Korean-style Stew (Jjigae)
Hearty stew made with vegetables, tofu, and meat or seafood. A comforting dish perfect for cold winter nights.
- Warmth and Comfort: Enjoy a warming bowl of jjigae during chilly Pyongyang winters
- Versatility: Discover various types of jjigae, each featuring different ingredients and flavors
- Spiciness Level: Adjust spiciness to your liking by adding chili pepper paste or flakes
10. Steamed Fish at the Rimyongsu Water Park
Delicious steamed fish served with vegetables and dipping sauces. Enjoy this dish while relaxing at Pyongyang's famous water park.
- Relaxing Setting: Savor steamed fish in a serene setting, surrounded by the beauty of Rimyongsu Water Park
- Fresh Seafood: Taste fresh and succulent seafood caught locally
- Dipping Sauces: Experiment with various dipping sauces, enhancing the flavor of your fish
11. Tofu Hot Pot (Doenjang Jjigae)
Spicy soybean paste stew with tofu and vegetables. A hearty and flavorful dish enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
- Local Flavor: Taste the unique spiciness of North Korean soybean paste in this popular hot pot
- Warmth and Comfort: Enjoy a warming bowl of tofu hot pot on chilly Pyongyang evenings
- Customization: Add or remove ingredients based on your personal preferences
12. Barbecued Corn (Maeari) at Taesongsan Scenic Area
Grilled corn on the cob, seasoned with salt and butter. A tasty snack perfect for enjoying while taking in the beautiful views of Pyongyang from Taesongsan.
- Scenic Location: Savor this tasty snack while admiring breathtaking views of Pyongyang at Taesongsan
- Freshness: Experience the freshness and juiciness of locally grown corn
- Simple Pleasure: Indulge in a simple, yet satisfying treat while exploring Pyongyang's scenic spots
13. Korean Pancake with Scallions (Haemul Pajeon)
Savory pancake filled with scallions and seafood. A popular dish enjoyed by locals and visitors in Pyongyang.
- Versatility: Discover different versions of haemul pajeon, each with unique flavors
- Seafood Quality: Taste fresh seafood in this delicious dish
- Accompaniments: Enjoy side dishes like kimchi or pickled radish, which complement the flavor of the pancake
14. Korean-style Pizza (Pyongyang Pizza)
Thin crust pizza topped with vegetables, cheese, and your choice of meat. A fun twist on a classic dish popular in Pyongyang.
- Local Adaptation: Experience a unique North Korean take on pizza, featuring local ingredients
- Customization: Choose from various toppings and sauces to create your perfect pizza
- Value for Money: Enjoy a filling meal at affordable prices in Pyongyang pizzerias
15. Sweet Rice Cake (Songpyeon)
Steamed rice cake stuffed with sweet bean paste or chestnuts. A traditional Korean dessert enjoyed during Chuseok, the Korean harvest festival.
- Cultural Experience: Taste this traditional dessert and learn about Korean culture during Chuseok celebrations
- Variety of Fillings: Discover different fillings like sweet bean paste or chestnuts, each offering a unique flavor
- Sweet Treat: Indulge in a delightful and traditional dessert to conclude your Pyongyang dining experience