🍲 How to Read a Korean Menu – Deep Dive Guide

If you're planning to visit Korea or just want to order Korean food confidently, reading a menu is key. This guide is designed to be thorough enough for you to study, remember, and revisit easily. By the end, you'll be able to recognize dishes, ask for adjustments, and feel at home ordering in Korean restaurants!

🌟 Common Menu Categories & Key Terms

Korean	Romanization	English	Tip
국 / 찌개	guk / jjigae	soup / stew	찌개 is thicker with more ingredients
볶음밥	bokkeumbap	fried rice	often includes meat & veggies
비빔밥	bibimbap	mixed rice	fit for vegetarians if no meat
불고기	bulgogi	marinated beef	grilled at the table sometimes
김치찌개	kimchijjigae	kimchi stew	spicy and flavorful
치킨	chikin	fried chicken	so popular, often with beer!
만두	mandu	dumplings	steamed, fried, or in soup
전골	jeongol	hot pot	shared style, ideal for groups

📖 Useful Phrases for Ordering or Adjusting

이거 주세요. – “I’d like this one, please.”
맵지 않게 해 주세요. – “Please make it not spicy.”
물을 더 주세요. – “Please give me more water.”
같이 나눠 먹어요. – “Let’s share it together.”
반찬 리필 가능해요? – “Can I get refills for side dishes?”
추천 메뉴가 뭐예요? – “What do you recommend?”

🗣 Menu Ordering Examples & Pronunciation

Korean	Romanization	English
김치찌개 하나 주세요.	kimchijjigae hana juseyo.	One kimchi stew, please.
불고기 2인분 주세요.	bulgogi du-inbun juseyo.	Two servings of bulgogi, please.
밥 추가해 주세요.	bap chuga hae juseyo.	Please add rice.
맵지 않게 해 주세요.	maepji anke hae juseyo.	Please make it not spicy.
반찬 리필 가능해요?	banchan refill ganeunghaeyo?	Can I get side-dish refill?
추천 메뉴가 뭐예요?	chucheon menyuga mwoyeyo?	What menu do you recommend?

💡 Pro Tips for Real Dining

“정식”(jeongsik) menus often include soup, main dish, and side dishes—great value.
Spice levels: ‘안 매움’(not spicy), ‘보통’(medium), ‘매움’(spicy). Point or ask: “매운 거 OK?”
Extras like rice or noodles (밥, 면) can be added — no extra tax usually.
Drinks are often separate; pair 치킨 with 맥주 (maekju / beer) for a classic combo!

👩‍🏫 Practice With a Tutor on italki

Get confident ordering in restaurants, understanding menus, and adjusting dishes with real-time feedback.

👉 Book my Korean class on italki, where we simulate real restaurant scenarios and practice vocabulary in context. Perfect for travelers and food lovers!

💬 Your turn:
What would you order in Korean? Write a complete sentence below and I’ll help you correct it! 😊

🔗 Keep Learning

Did You Know?

“Did You Know?” In Korea, users often say “정식” to enjoy a full set meal — a cultural habit rooted in tradition. Many restaurants offer these complete sets to provide balanced nutrition and a feeling of hospitality, reflecting the Korean value of abundance and sharing.