For you Korean drama and food lovers, let’s take a close look at the dishes featured in some of the popular K-dramas. This first of my K-drama food series is Itaewon Class!
Have you indulged in a Korean drama yet? Or, are you a K-drama addict like me? Korean dramas have taken the world by a storm, especially during the pandemic. These highly addictive TV series, without fail, draw you into the dramatic twists and turns, leaving you laughing, crying, angry, happy, swooning and hungry. They are masterfully crafted to elicit emotions about love, family, wealth, crime, culture and yes FOOD!
Every single K-drama is peppered with scenes of eating. You’ll definitely see Koreans’ love for food and gathering around the table with family and friends. To me, it’s always the icing on the cake when my favorite dramas are loaded with mouth-watering food scenes.
As you watch the dramas, you will inevitably be left with hunger pains and massive cravings. If you’ve watched a few, you probably even recognize some recurring dishes such as instant ramyeon noodles, jajangmyeon, kimbap, chimaek, and samgyupsal.
In my new Korean drama series, we’ll take a close look at the dishes featured in some of the popular dramas, one at a time. Let’s start with the award-winning series, Itaewon Class!
ITAEWON CLASS
This popular K-drama is about an ex-con who sets out to conquer the trendy night food scene and avenge his father’s death by opening a pub (pocha, 포차 in Korean) called Danbam (meaning sweet night). Of course, this is a gross oversimplification of the multiple story lines that drive this series.
Aside from food, which is the natural backdrop to this story, this award winning series intertwines family strife, death, vengeance, comedy and love. If that’s not enough of a reason to watch, this k-drama has received many accolades for breaking stigmatized barriers and distinguishing itself from other k-dramas by tackling difficult topics with complex and interesting characters.
Here is the list of “food” characters that make a meaningful appearance in Itaewon Class. I know you’ll be inspired to make some of these dishes after watching the drama.
Fried Rice – Episode 1
Saeroyi (the main character who’s a high school kid at this point) prepares breakfast for himself and his father. The presence and importance of food in this drama series starts early. Saeroyi uses bell peppers, onions, zucchini, carrots and Spam to make his fried rice.
This is a great dish to improvise with whatever hearty vegetables you have in the fridge. Saeroyi cuts his vegetables and Spam into small dices, stir-fry them before adding rice. If you need more on the basic techniques for making fried rice, see my Omurice, Kimchi Fried Rice, and Egg Fried Rice.
The fried rice is complemented by Kongnamul Guk (soybean sprout soup). Saeroyi receives praise for his culinary skills in making the fried rice but his father has a very humorous comment for his Kongnamul Guk.
As a side note, Yeonguen Jorim and Maneul Jangajji appear as extras on this breakfast table.
Sundubu Jjigae –Episode 5, 7 and 16
This dish is a prominent one in this series. It makes an appearance during some of the most pivotal scenes in the drama, especially the ending, which I won’t give away.
In episode 5, the pub staff eat Saeroyi’s Sundubu Jjigae after the close of business. One of his employees makes a comment it’s the best sundubu he’s ever had.
Sundubu Jjigae makes a star appearance in Episode 7 and 16 which symbolically is the beginning and the end. The second scene is so riveting it will be hard to pull your eyes away even if you have not seen the entire series. I guarantee after watching this scene you will want to go back and watch the whole series.
Saeroyi describes sundubu as a dish that on a cold day spreads warmth throughout the body. Next time it’s a cool night try making Sundubu Jjigae to warm your body and your soul. Then again, this bubbling hot, deliciously comforting food is good any time of year.
Sukju samgyup bokkeum (Stir fried pork belly with bean sprouts) – Episode 7
In Episode 7, Saeroyi’s rival makes an unexpected visit to Danbam and asks for the restaurant’s best stew and best stir fried dish. Sundubu jigae is presented along with Sukju samgyup bokkeum (Stir fried pork belly with bean sprouts).
The stir-fried pork belly with bean sprouts is popular as anju (drinking snack) in Korea. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s equally great as a side or main dish. I’ll share my recipe soon. Meanwhile, jeyuk bokkeum (spicy stir-fried pork) is also on Danbam’s menu, which appears in Episode 5.
Saeroyi serves these two dishes with kongjang (braised black soybeans) and stir-fried julienned potato side dishes.
Jjamppong (Spicy Seafood Noodle Soup) — Episode 5 and 7
Ma Hyun-yi is hired as the chef at Danbam but fails with her mediocre food that leaves Danbam in danger of losing business. Instead of firing her, Saeroyi gives her a chance to prove herself, despite receiving opposition from Danbam’s manager. In this scene, the viewer starts to understand that Saeroyi wants to give opportunities to individuals who don’t always get a fair chance.
Hyun-yi makes several rounds of Jjamppong (also spelled jjambbong) before finally receiving acknowledgement from the same manager who wanted her to be fired.
The final bowl of Jjamppong is filled with fresh seafood and is drool worthy. You don’t have to go through as many rounds as Hyun-yi did to make a perfect bowl of Jjambbong because I’ve made a recipe that anyone can follow!
Are you inspired to make some of these dishes appeared in Itaewon Class or watch the drama if you haven’t? I’d love to hear what you think of this inaugural Korean food drama series post.
Mallory says
So excited to find this! I always crave the delicious food I see in dramas. 🙂
Jackie says
Thanks for the new Korean movie ideas. I have enjoyed the comedies like ‘Never Give Up’ and many others. I love seeing the Korean food and getting new ideas. I enjoy your movie picks.
Natahn says
Watching Korean drama makes me cry everytime. Sometimes from laughing too much or the storyline makes my eyes sweat a lot..haha..K-drama is always great to watch. Historical or any genre. I have so many…my always go to are the historical kinds like: Jumong, Emperor of the sea,and more.
I just started to learn how to make a few korean dishes and thanks to “Korean Babsang” i am learning and loving it more and more.
Thank you. Cheers
Hyosun says
Haha I’m a big fan of Korean drama as well, so I know what you’re talking about. xoxo
Rachel S says
I just started Itaewon Class and absolutely love it! Also waiting for more episodes of Hometown Cha Cha Cha. Have you seen it? There’s a ton of eating in that K drama as well!
Hyosun says
Oh yes I’m enjoying it very much! Adding to the list!
Jenni says
I love this and am looking forward to more recipes for foods from my favorite shows! I’d love to see Hospital + Playlist since it is our current favorite (we have watched so many thru the pandemic, haha), but I’ll be following each of your KDrama posts!
Cellyn says
Hi Hyosun,
Could you please make a recipe for Kdrama food from Nevertheless ?
Shawna says
This is great! I love Kdrama and Korean Bapsang!
Carolteach says
Loved Itawon Class!
I’m so happy I found your blog.
I’m looking forward to learning with you.
I don’t really like spicy food, but most Korean recipes can be adapted to mild spicy. I know; some would call that sacrilege. 😁
I’ve been making Paejon- although I guess it not technically Paejon. I use lots of other veggies and a mild kimchi I bought at Costco besides green onions.
I’m looking forward to your posts.
Rachel says
What a fun post! Loved Itaewon Class and Sundubu jjigae is my favorite food! My very first K drama was “Let’s Eat”. I quickly fell in love with Shim Hyung Tak, Korean dramas, and all the Korean food. This show (and all the many dramas and variety shows I’ve been hooked on since) opened up a whole new world to me! I’ve learned (and eaten) so much since then.
I’ve made many of your recipes and I look forward to your next post ☺️
JEC says
Oh good golly, this is soooooo much fun, why? Cos…..I love K-Dramas and I love Korean food.
True story, I started watching K dramas in 1988…….I was dating a wonderful Korean woman on Oahu, though I lived on Kauai. Great memories.
Bottom line, nobody does movies and Dramas like the Koreans!!!!! “My wife is a Gangster, My Boss My Hero, Sex is Zero” the list is endless…..written by an old Irish guy.
Aloha,
J
K says
I love kdramas and truly enjoy watching all the mouth-watering dishes playing on the screen. I am hooked onto trying to learn new Korean recipes since my family enjoys them so much. Great ideas to bring those on-screen dishes right into our kitchen…thank you so much! My first kdrama with foods was Let’s Eat Season 1 and I hope those dishes will also be featured in your future episodes.
Anna Leon says
Hello Hyosan! I’ve been following you for a long time now but haven’t commented in a while. Recipes and talk about and from K-dramas sounds like so much fun! I’ve watched so many now and wait each week for a new episode from Hospital Playlist. I’m going to try a few recipes you listed from Itaewon Class (loved that series) and look forward to the rest of your upcoming columns. Thank you for all the time you spend on sharing your expertise and for this new topic (K-drama food) you have planned. It’s exciting!
Lucinda H says
Mmmmm, you mean my husband isn’t the only one who craves your sundubu once a week! Our favourite kdrama (not sure if it counts as a drama) is the Mystic pop up bar. Now we have a new series to look forward to!! Thanks
Pattie Lee says
I’m so excited for this series of yours! I’ve been devouring K-Dramas like crazy. Itaewon Class is one of my favorites.
I want so badly to try some of the foods they mention in the shows, particularly kimchi. But I’m so afraid that it’s going to be too spicy for me. I’m really sensitive to spicy (like even green peppers tend to be too hot for me). Do you have any recommendations on less spicy dishes I could start with?
Cynthia says
Looking forward to the samkyupsal and kongnamul recipe! Looks delicious 🤤
Valerie says
Okay, now I *have* to watch this series! I will have to make a nice batch of sundubu to sit down with it!
Eden Ross says
This is so exciting and I look forward to all the dishes you will talk about. I do have one in mind that I would like to make from Strong Woman Do Bong Soon. I was assuming it was Bibimbap but it looks different from what I’ve seen. It’s the rice dish she makes for her family.
Lori Tonnes says
Hope you feature K dramas Let’s Eat and Let’s Eat 2! 🙂
stephanie says
This is awesome!! I haven’t actually watched any K-Dramas but I always get TV inspired cravings when I watch a show. Now I can have the dishes prepared for maximal dramatic immersion 🙂
Carolteach says
Start watching K-Drama. I’ve been watching since an old girlfriend of mine got me addicted back in 2012. My first drama was Boys Over Flowers -starting Lee Min Ho.
He’s more gorgeous than ever!
My husband and I watch an episode, usually after 9 pm ) most every night. We are currently watching Stranger on Netflix. It’s kind of dark, but it’s a very good story line.
Felisha R. Wilson says
I’m so excited to see this post! I love all things Korean and dying to go just to eat! While waiting to travel I’ve been cooking ALL things I’ve seen that look good in the dramas. When I made Nurungji ….. I thought I’m Korean! Lol 😂 can’t wait to see these post!!
Cat Mack says
Omg i am beyond excited for this series!
K-dramas got me through my 3 months of being hospitalized during my second pregnancy. Being a chef, i so appreciated the cities and the foods featured in the k-dramas.
I started cooking a lot of Korean foods which is how i found your blog! I was so excited to try many of the foods featured even more so when our family traveled to Seoul for our Dongsaeng’s wedding. Korean Hospitality is truly amazing as is the food, and we so look forward to visiting again!
M’Lisa Kelley says
My daughter and I love Iteawon Class. The writing and the music in this Drama is exceptional. The acting as well. I especially loved the actor who played Saeroyi’s father. The joy that this actor exudes in just one episode is amazing and the support that he shows his young son echos my relationship with my daughter.
As a professional chef – I’ve loved exploring the tastes of South Korea. My daughter is learning Korean in a course from Brigham Young University and hopes to attend NYU in 2022 – creating a year abroad in South Korea as part of her studies.
CHARLOTTE TANAKA says
Hyosun, love your flavoring, how come when I make bi bin kook su it doesn’t look
as juicy as yours and in the dramas also?? Also when they mix bi bin pop their’s
look so much better than mine? Do you add more sauce???
Love Korean dramas also I’m into Chinese dramas love those guys with long hair
and clothing. The Chinese dramas don’t have too much dishes except dessert.
The Korean ones first eat a spoonful of rice all the time before attacking main
food. Also everyone dips their utensils into the soup but wouldn’t that spoil
the dish??
Teresa Cook says
I’m so excited that you are doing this Kdrama cooking series!! I am a Kdrama Mama!! Itaewon Class was my first Kdrama and I was hooked!! Love the story and really love the emphasis on food! I have a group of friends that meet twice a month to watch Kdrama and eat!! I have even stretched my cooking skills for my daughters birthday making bibimbap, Beef Bulgogi and Chicken Bulgogi! It was a hit!! A Kdrama near and dear to my heart is Hospital + Playlist! Those Doctor’s love to eat! Looking forward to learning more about Korean cooking and those addictive Kdramas!!
Hyosun says
oh that sounds like a fun group! I really enjoy Hospital Playlist and love those doctors. That’s a lot of food you prepared for your daughter! I’m sure you’re getting quite good at cooking up Korean dishes.
Teresa Cook says
All thanks to you!! I used your recipes and the girls LOVED all the side dishes!! Thank you for inspiring me to stretch beyond my normal daily cooking! Looking forward to more Kdrama cooking!!