Not kimchi? The Korean people’s favorite food revealed in a poll—turns out it’s “this”?

When it comes to Korean food, the first thing that comes to mind for most people is “kimchi.” Kimchi is not only an essential dish on Korean dining tables but was also added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2013. Interestingly, however, according to the latest Korean public poll on favorite foods, daily staple kimchi didn’t even make it to first place—and among the top four, only one dish is actually Korean.

Kimchi is not only an essential dish on Korean dining tables but was also added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2013. (Photo credit: DAZZLE / Shutterstock)

Those familiar with food trends will notice that Korean cuisine has been booming in Taiwan recently. Whether it's fried chicken and beer driven by the popularity of Korean dramas, or barbecued meats, budae jjigae (army stew), and desserts—all have sparked waves of enthusiasm. But what exactly is the Korean people’s favorite food? According to reports by “Otaku News,” a recent online poll initiated in Korean forums aimed to find out what young people today love to eat. Surprisingly, neither kimchi nor kimbap made the list—seems the ever-evolving Korean palate is quite picky when it comes to food!

4th place: Matcha

When you hear “matcha,” most people think of Japan, but actually, Korea—known for its spicy food—also has a deep love for matcha. In the tourist city of Jeju, there’s a “Snowy Green Tea Museum” filled with a wide array of green tea products. Moreover, a recently popular product, “ultra-concentrated matcha milk sauce,” has become a must-buy for matcha enthusiasts.

3rd place: Blood sausage (pork blood sausage, rice sausage)

At the mention of pig’s blood and seeing those long, red tubes, many Taiwanese might recoil—but in Korea, this dish is a common and beloved street food and restaurant offering. Although blood sausage may not be the most visually appealing, it has a strong fan base, and for Koreans, it holds a significant place in their culinary culture. Especially during cold winter days, a bowl of fish cake soup paired with blood sausage is both heartwarming and comforting.

2nd place: Pasta (red sauce flavor preferred)

If you asked Taiwanese kids to name their favorite food, pasta with rich, thick sauces would definitely be on the list. In Korea, “Italian cuisine” is also very popular, especially around student hubs like Hongdae and Ewha Womans University, where there are plenty of well-known Italian restaurants. Interestingly, Korean youngsters prefer pasta with lots of tomato sauce, often paired with creative chef-made dishes that are not only visually appealing but also delicious and healthy.

Recently popular “Korean cheese rice,” where stretchy melted cheese meets perfectly grilled rice—it’s a match made in heaven. (Photo credit: DAZZLE / Shutterstock)

1st place: Cheese

When eating “budae jjigae” in Korea, besides ham and instant noodles, the most important ingredient is a slice of “cheese”! In Korean innovative cuisine, cheese plays a vital role. For example, the currently trendy “Korean cheese rice” features gooey melted cheese paired with perfectly grilled rice—it’s simply perfect. By the way, Seoul has recently seen a rise in cheese-themed restaurants, featuring stylish décor and delicious food, making them a must-try for tourists.