Ever wondered what Koreans eat every single day? As we hop from one cuisine to another, it can be fascinating to learn what people in their countries enjoy from breakfast all the way to supper, not forgetting dessert. While many of us are familiar with the classics in Korean cuisine, you might be surprised by some of the foods they eat every day.
Take a virtual taste here, and maybe you’ll be inspired to try them yourself—whether it means purchasing a plane ticket to thousands of miles away from home or taking a quick trip to Hanjip Korean Grill House. We have selections to fill up any meal of the day!
Breakfast (아침 Achim)
This might be a disappointment to people who live and breathe breakfast, but Koreans don’t have a dedicated breakfast menu. Historically, breakfast in Korea consists of steamed rice and a few side dishes, which is really a stripped-down version of lunch or dinner. However, these meals tend to share the common trait of being lighter, served in smaller portions, and featuring flavours that are easier on the stomach.
Therefore, the side dishes known as banchan familiar to many of us are a recurring star. These include staples like kimchi, kongnamul (bean sprouts), and jeon (savoury pancakes). They’re often paired with soups and stews, such as galbitang (beef short rib soup), as well as proteins like jeyuk bokkeum (spicy stir-fried pork)—which you’ll realise are frequently leftovers from last night’s dinner.
In today’s Korea, modern breakfast options are often quicker, more convenient and Western, with choices from convenience stores and bakeries such as sandwiches, kimbap, and various café offerings.
Lunch (점심 Jeomsim)
Lunch in Korea offers more room for variety. After all, it is the heaviest meal of the day, letting people enjoy a balanced mix-and-match of rice, protein and vegetables. For many working Koreans, lunch is often eaten out, meaning it’s less likely to be home-cooked. Establishments range from street vendors to traditional home-made style eateries that are more hole-in-the-wall.
Bibimbap stands out as a well-rounded choice for lunch, ticking all the boxes for nutrition and taste. This mixed rice dish is generously topped with an assortment of vegetables, meat (usually beef), and a fried egg, all tossed in gochujang (red chili paste) for a balanced bite with flavours that seem to explode in your mouth.
For noodle lovers, jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles) is a popular, affordable and filling option, while naengmyeon (cold noodles) offers a refreshing choice, especially great for beating the heat during warmer weather. Sundaegukbap, a soup containing pork blood sausage and rice, emerges as a comfort food unique to Korea that is difficult to find elsewhere. Not to its original standard, anyway.
Dinner (저녁 Jeonyeok)
Korean dinners are considered more communal compared to other meals of the day. There is a stronger emphasis on shared dishes that can be enjoyed by everyone at the table, creating a collective experience with family and friends. In many households, the whole family eats together at home, although sometimes people choose to dine out for dinner with colleagues or friends, usually conveniently over some beer or soju.
That said, the options for dinner are virtually endless. While rice and banchan are must-haves, it’s with the meats and vegetables that one can truly get creative. It’s not uncommon for larger groups to order a wide spread, with every element imaginable—soups and stews included. This means way more banchan (refillable too), a big bowl of soup, proteins such as bulgogi (grilled marinated beef) and dak-galbi (spicy stir-fried chicken), and even seafood options like grilled mackerel or haemul pajeon (seafood pancake).
It is here that Korean barbecue comes into the picture as an exciting and interactive feast. Allowing diners to tuck into a large array of meats, complemented by refreshing side dishes and the foundation of rice, KBBQ encourages camaraderie and shared experiences.
Supper (야식 Yasik)
Snacks or even full-blown meals late at night aren’t a foreign concept in Korea. Some of them have even been popularised by Korean dramas and mukbangs, which are broadcasts where a host consumes a large amount of food.
Korean instant noodles, called ramyeon, are one such indulgence perfect for late nights. While there are instant noodle cups, many veer towards the packets which allow them to incorporate all sorts of ingredients like egg, veggies, processed meats, or even cheese. Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) are also very popular, mixed with fish cakes and cheese in a red, spicy broth.
Korean fried chicken, or “KFC”, is another late-night crowd favourite. Known for its crispy coating and juicy meat, it’s often enjoyed with a cold drink, making it the perfect comfort food after a long day.
Dessert (디저트 Dijeoteu)
In Korea, desserts oftentimes are light and refreshing, perfect for wrapping up a meal. Popular selections include patbingsu, a shaved ice dessert with sweet red beans and toppings like fruit, ice cream and countless others—a life-saver in summer one never tires of. Hotteok, warm pancakes filled with brown sugar and cinnamon, are a hot pick in the colder months, while tteok (rice cakes) come in all kinds of sweet variations. If you’re in the mood for something simple, fresh fruit like melon or pears also makes for a sweet and healthy finish.
Final Thoughts
Korean meals are a fun adventure from dawn to dusk. From the light and fuss-free breakfast to the hearty, communal dinner (where everyone gathers around and digs in), and even the late-night cravings that seem to pop up out of nowhere—Korean food celebrates variety, balance and sharing. Whether you’re thinking about your next Korean food fix or planning a full-on foodie trip, there’s always something exciting and tasty to try, with healthy options available whenever you seek them. Thankfully, for those who don’t want to part from convenience in Singapore, Hanjip Korean Grill House stands as a prime spot for authentic Korean cuisine.
Explore our convenient delivery and takeaway options for a taste of Korea right here at home. Or, make a reservation at our restaurant to enjoy beloved Korean signatures and sizzling KBBQ with friends and family!
