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From unpredictable dramas to fast-moving zombies to infectious music--we just can't get enough of Korean pop culture.

And then there's the food.

Korean food has exploded in popularity around the world over the years. The growing interest in K-pop and K-dramas certainly contributed much to this interest.

Korean cuisine has appealed to a wide audience because of its rich, colorful, and innovative flavors. Its creative combination of ingredients makes it come across as a blend of other Asian cuisines without looking and tasting derivative.

Here in the Philippines, the Korean food craze continues to boom as evidenced by the growing number of restaurants serving the cuisine.

At the moment, the samgyeopsal or pork belly meat cooked on a grill, rules in the hearts and stomachs of many Pinoy Korean food fans.

But Korean cuisine is so diverse and wide-ranging that there are many to taste and discover.

Here are some dishes that are as delicious and flavorful--and they're readily available in your favorite Korean food stops.

We put restaurant recommendations as well to make it easier for you to try these dishes.

Japchae

Source: Wikipedia

This favorite Korean dish is both sweet and spicy. Japchae is composed of glass noodles, mushrooms, vegetables, beef, and sweet potato. The meaning of japchae is mixed vegetables although there is more to this popular holiday dish.

Yedang Korean Restaurant. 264 N. Domingo Street, Brgy. Pasadena, Pasig. Contact: 0917 812 0286

Tteokbokki

Source: Wikipedia

Tteokbokki is a popular street food in Seoul and has endeared itself even to non-Koreans because of its savory goodness. This delicacy is sweet and chewy rice and fish cakes that come with a sauce that is a combination of chili and soybean pastes. Luckily, tteokbokki is readily available in Korean restaurants and you can even purchase an instant version at Korean supermarkets. However, this humble dish is best consumed in restaurants fresh.

Jonglo Korean Restaurant. 1734 J. Bocobo Street, Malate, Manila. Contact: (02) 525 7430

Sundubu-jjigae

Source: Wikipedia

Tofu is a staple in Asian dishes. It's no wonder then that this dish is a favorite among Koreans and non-Koreans who are fond of rich spicy food. This stew delicacy is made up of tofu, seafood, mushrooms, vegetables, beef or pork, and chili paste. Raw egg is commonly added to the dish and to be mixed for added creamy texture.

Masil Charcoal Grill Restaurant. Tiendesitas, Pasig City. Contact: 0917 679 0844

Kimchi jjigae

Source: Wikipedia

If you like your stew strong yet flavorful, then this dish is the perfect meal. From the name itself, you know that kimchi is the primary ingredient here. But what gives it delectable layers of flavor are the added ingredients like onion, diced tofu, scallions, and pork. Kimchi jiigae is one of the popular dishes enjoyed by Koreans of all ages.

Makchang Korean BBQ Restaurant. 1547 M. Adriatico Street, Ermita, Manila. Contact: (02) 3394 8612

Hotteok

Source: Wikipedia

It's hard not to like Asian street food. Speaking of which, this sweet snack is Korea's answer to the Western pancakes. The Koreans though made their version better, stuffing theirs with honey, cinnamon, peanut bits, and brown sugar before cooking the dough on a griddle. The result: a soft and crunchy delicacy oozing with sweet flavors.

Soga Miga Korean Restaurant. Watergarden Festival Supermall Expansion, Alabang, Muntinlupa City. Contact: 0917 807 3008

Bibimbap

Source: Pixabay

Bibimbap is quite popular already even before the rise of the mighty samgyeopsal. Fans of Korean food have surely tried this rice bowl meal early on as it's generally accessible and appealing to all types of palate. So what's in the bowl? Rice, beef, vegetables, fried egg, soy sauce, sesame seeds, and hot chili paste.

Its glorious appearance and delectable flavor made this dish food for royalty in the olden times. But times have changed and common folks can now enjoy this hearty rice meal anytime.

Sariwon Korean Barbecue. C2, Bonifacio High Street Central 7th Avenue corner, 29th St, Taguig. Contact: (02) 7621 3205

Haemul Pajeon

Source: Wikipedia

Best for seafood lovers, this savory pancake is made with rice and egg batter, green onions, plus seafood variety like shrimp, oysters, shellfish, and squid. Haemul pajeon can be eaten as a snack or for lunch, dinner, and even breakfast.

Seoul Train Korean BBQ. 28 Sgt. Esguerra Ave, Diliman, Quezon City. Contact: 0917 772 2203

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