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4 Korean Dishes for Beginners

a woman cooking food in a bowl

October 5 - Written by Crystal Andino

If you haven't tried Korean food, you're missing out on one of the best lunches in Carmel. Get spicy, sour, sweet, the coveted umami, and salt all in one bite at Pangaea Grill to see why we're a favorite amongst the locals.

The next time you're browsing lunch or dinner spots in Carmel, CA, come on over to our grill house and let our friendly staff give you a delicious tour of Korean cuisine. If you're an early bird, check out our blog post about how Asian fusion restaurants work well for breakfast too.

Here's what we recommend for distinguishing diners:

KIMCHI FRIED RICE

If Korean food were a cake, then kimchi would be the cherry on top. It's pickled Napa cabbage, similar to sauerkraut, but with a much more distinctive flavor palette. It can be added to any dish, as a part of the recipe, or as an accompaniment. When it's fried with rice, it's absolutely food coma worthy.

KOREAN SHORT RIB

One of our most ordered dishes, and every carnivore's dream, this carefully marinated and grilled short rib will have you falling in love with grill house restaurants all over again. When it comes to barbecue, Asian cuisines work magic with generous portions of herbs, sauces, and pastes. The short rib will be happy to testify on our behalf!

SPAM KIMBAP

Here's where you have to trust us; Spam is delicious. Rolled up in a kimbap (seaweed rice rolls) with our special recipe, it's even better. One taste, and you'll find yourself trying to recreate these artful appetizers at home. Sadly, no one does Asian food quite like us because, spoiler alert, the secret ingredient isn't love, it's skill.

The best part is that it's one hundred percent socially acceptable to use your hands eating them whole, one mouthful at a time.

FISH AND EGGS

An ode to a traditional Korean breakfast, this dynamic duo will change everything you thought you knew about flavor combinations. We make it with local sand dabs, eggs your way, and rice. Move over eggs benny, fish, and eggs at this breakfast restaurant are here for the early birds who want a different kind of worm. 

Try it, and if you don't like it, we have over a dozen alternatives (including eggs benedict and crabcake benedict).

If you find yourself suddenly craving short ribs with a side of fried rice, or if you need a new lunch spot, then our Carmel, CA Korean restaurant has a table and a plate for you. At our grill house, there's something for everyone, so bring a date, the family, or drop by on your own. Eating alone might be hard, but this masterful Asian food isn't easy to share. Our staff is committed to providing excellent service, and our chefs know their way around work. Not to brag, but our cocktails will have you sending your compliments to the mixologist.

If you were a foodie before, prepare to expand your horizons, and your trouser size, because Pangaea Grill knows how to stand out amongst the restaurants and bars in Carmel. To book your table now, click here.