4 Korean Breakfast Ideas to Start Your Morning

If you want to branch out from your usual breakfast of cornflakes or buttered toast, delving into a range of traditional dishes from other countries is a great way to diversify your first meal of the day!

For those who are partial to Korean cuisine, why not start the day off right with a delicious traditional dish? We give some ideas on where to begin. If you’re tempted by anything we mention, check out our Korean online store in the UK to find authentic products and ingredients.

What is a Typical Korean Breakfast?

In the West, we are used to a sweeter start to the day, with many of us eating sugary cereals, toast covered in jam or fruit for breakfast.

In Korea, a traditional breakfast is much like any other meal of the day, if somewhat lighter. Korean ‘breakfast’ dishes are typically not reserved for the beginning of the day and are just as frequently enjoyed for lunch and dinner.

A traditional Korean breakfast may consist of:

• Soups and stews
• Meat-based dishes
• Banchan/side dishes

These will usually be served with classic white rice.

But, what are some of the best dishes to try when making a Korean-inspired breakfast?

Kimchi Bokkeumbap (Korean Kimchi Fried Rice)

Kimchi fried rice is a staple in Korea - thanks to its simplicity, it makes the perfect breakfast option when you just want to roll out of bed and break your fast with something delicious. The most basic recipe includes leftover rice combined with kimchi; but, to make it into a breakfast feast, you can easily add a fried egg and strips of bacon.

Discover our easy kimchi fried rice recipe to make this dish at home.

Gyeran Mari (Korean Rolled Omelette)

This is a kind of egg roll, often likened to an omelette or Japanese tamagoyaki. It makes for a wonderful light breakfast and is another simple morning go-to.

It is made easily by whisking a couple of eggs together - usually with vegetables like spring onions, mushrooms and carrots - before being cooked and rolled in a pan.

Doenjang Jjigae (Korean Soybean Paste Stew)

The main ingredients in this hearty stew are tofu and soybean paste, making it a great dish for vegetarians. The strong flavours from the fermented soybean paste also make this dish perfect for those who prefer a bold start to the day.

Once loaded up with a range of nutritious vegetables, this stew is sure to set you up for the day.

Gilgeori Toast (Korean Street Toast)

Known as street toast because of its popularity as a quick snack sold by street food vendors, this breakfast option is essentially an egg sandwich. It is usually made by sandwiching an omelette and cabbage filling between two slices of lightly toasted bread.

The salty-sweet taste that this breakfast sandwich provides is a mouthwatering way to kick off the morning.

Trying one of these delicious Korean breakfast dishes is a great way to expand your culinary horizons! If you fancy giving one of these ideas a go at home, remember to check out our range of ingredients here at Oriental Mart.