By Honorary Reporter Rumeysa Zeynep Yildirim from Turkiye (Turkey)

Photos = Rumeysa Zeynep Yildirim

While watching K-dramas, I found the Korean food appearing in them diverse and delicious. The growth of the cuisine's popularity has led to the setup of many Korean restaurants in Turkiye (Turkey). As a lover of Korean food, I noticed that it has several dishes similar to those of Turkish food. From the use of spices to meat dishes, the following are five examples of similar dishes from both countries. 

Rice and noodles

Both Korean and Turkish cuisine offer a variety of rice and noodle dishes. Bibimbap is a Korean rice bowl with mixed vegetables and japchae is a stir-fried dish made with glass noodles. Turkish cuisine includes pilav (rice), manti (dumplings) and soup with rice or noodles. The incorporation of rice and noodles adds texture and flavor to dishes of both cuisines.

On the left is the Turkish rice pilav and on the right is Korean bibimbap (rice with spicy red pepper paste, meat and vegetables).

Meat dishes

Meat is prominent in both cuisines. Bulgogi (marinated grilled beef), galbi (grilled ribs) and chicken are among Korea's most popular dishes in this category. The Turkish selection includes kebab, doner, kofte (meatball dish) and meat stew. 

On the right is a Turkish kebab and on the right is bulgogi (marinated grilled beef).

Spices

Korean cuisine typically uses chili pepper, garlic, ginger and soy sauce to add flavor while that of Turkiye features spices such as red pepper flakes, cumin, thyme, black pepper and coriander. These spices also help create unique tastes. 

The Turkish food on the left is manti (dumplings) and on the right is the Korean equivalent mandu.

Fermented food

Fermented food is a staple in Korean cuisine but also common in Turkish. Kimchi, pickles and gochujang (spicy red pepper paste) are examples of popular fermented foods in Korea. Turkish cuisine also incorporates fermented foods such as pickles, yogurt, vinegar and cheese. Such foods in both cuisines also have health benefits.

Turkish tursu (pickles) are on the left and Korean kimchi is on the right. 

Desserts

Popular Korean desserts include bingsu (shaved ice with frozen milk with a variety of toppings) and tteok (rice cake). In Turkiye, baklava (layered pastry dessert) and sekerpare (soft balls of almond-based pastry) are among the most popular. 

The Turkish dessert sekerpare is on the left and the Korean treat yakgwa (traditional honey cookie) is on the right. 

While both cuisines have their own unique dishes, they also feature similar flavors and foods. Though I enjoy finding similarities between the two, their vast differences in taste have made me more interested in Korean food.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.