Is Korean Food Always Spicy? A Czech-Friendly Guide to Spice Levels
- Numaru Prague
- 9. 4.
- Minut čtení: 4
Is Korean Food Always Spicy? A Czech-Friendly Guide to Spice Levels
Curious about Korean food but worried about the spice? Let’s dive into the world of Korean cuisine and break down spice levels, so you can enjoy all the delicious flavours without worrying about a burning mouth!
Spicy or Not?
First, it's important to understand that Korean food is incredibly diverse, so not every dish is spicy. While spicy Korean dishes like kimchi and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) are well-known, there are plenty of milder options available. Korean food is often about balancing flavours – spicy, sweet, sour, and salty – so you can definitely find something that suits your palate.
Understanding Korean spice: Gochujang and Gochugaru
The two primary sources of spice in Korean food are gochujang and gochugaru.
Gochujang is a fermented red chilli paste that’s commonly used in sauces, stews, and marinades. It has a rich, umami flavour with a decent level of heat, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy for most people. It’s a bit like a mix of chilli and miso, offering a deep, savoury spice.
Gochugaru is dried Korean chilli flakes that are often used in dishes like kimchi or sprinkled on top of soups. They give a slightly smokier flavour and are generally milder than gochujang but still pack a punch.
Milder Korean dishes for spice-sensitive eaters
If you're new to Korean food or have a sensitive stomach, there are plenty of dishes on Numaru's menu that are very mild but still full of flavour:
Kimbap (김밥): These seaweed rice rolls are non-spicy and a perfect snack or meal.
Korean BBQ: Grilled meats served with an assortment of side dishes allow you to enjoy the savoury flavours without any heat.
Bulgogi (불고기): Beef marinated in sweet and savoury sauce. While the marinade has a tiny bit of gochujang, it’s still very mild in spice. At Numaru, you can try it as a hotpot or in a ttukbaegi (Korean stone pot).
Jjajang (짜장): A savoury black bean paste-based noodle dish, rich and hearty, and completely non-spicy. It's perfect if you want something filling without the burn.
Galbi Tang (갈비탕): A soothing beef short rib soup that’s mild in flavour with a savoury, broth-based taste. No heat here!
Slightly spicy dishes
If you're ready to dip your toes into a little heat, but not too much, these dishes offer a slight spice without overwhelming your taste buds:
Kimchi Jeon (김치전): A savoury pancake made with kimchi. It has a mild heat that’s not too intense.
Bokkeumbap (볶음밥): Korean fried rice made with gochujang. We serve it with cheese, which helps bring the spice levels down.
Bibimbap (비빔밥): A mixed rice dish with vegetables and your choice of protein, served with gochujang sauce. The amount of spice depends on how much sauce you use, but it’s usually a gentle, balanced heat.
Yangnyeom Chicken (양념 치킨): Korean fried chicken coated in a sticky, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce. It provides a nice balance of heat and sweetness.
Spicy dishes to look out for
If you’re up for a challenge or want to experience the heat, there are some dishes where spice is a key element:
Tteokbokki (떡볶이): Spicy rice cakes that are chewy and coated in a gochujang-based sauce. This iconic dish definitely packs a punch! If you’re used to the heat, give them a try at Numaru, where we make the rice cakes ourselves!
Kimchi Jjigae (김치찌개): A comforting stew made with kimchi, tofu, and (optionally) pork.
It’s hearty and spicy, perfect for those who enjoy heat in their meals.
Jjamppong (짬뽕): A spicy noodle soup with seafood and vegetables. It’s a fiery, flavourful dish that’s not for the faint of heart!
Tips for adjusting spice levels
When dining at Numaru, here are a few ways you can control the spice level:
Ask for less spice: For many of the dishes mentioned, we’ll happily adjust the spice level for you! Just let us know your preference.
Eat with rice: Korean dishes are often eaten with rice, which helps balance out the heat. The mildness of rice makes the spicy dishes more tolerable.
Drink sugary beverages: If the spice level is still too high, ordering a sugary drink, such as sweet iced tea, can help balance out the spiciness. Avoid water, as it can sometimes make the heat feel worse by spreading the spice around!