Kid-Friendly Food in Korea: No Kids’ Menus But Lots Of Food
If you’re planning a trip to Korea or have recently moved here with your little ones, you might be wondering: Do kids’ menus exist at restaurants in Korea? Whether you’re visiting Korea or living in Korea, so much of the experience is about eating out. There are a ton of awesome things to do with kids in Seoul but dining out with children in Korea can seem daunting.
If you don’t have much experience with Korean menus or kid-friendly Korean food, I’ll try to provide some guidance to help you with your kids or just picky eaters in general.
Korea is known for its rich culinary traditions, which can be both exciting and intimidating when dining out with children. Rest assured, there are ways to ensure that your little ones have a delightful dining experience while exploring the unique flavors of Korean cuisine.
I also recommend joining a cooking class in Seoul with your kiddos if you have time. Getting them in the kitchen to see the ingredients, touch them, and help prepare them is a great way to capture their interest and show them the foods they are seeing are the same as they eat just prepared differently.
If you’ll be headed to Korea with kids and you’re wondering what they can eat, you’ve come to the right spot. They don’t have kids menus in Korea, but they have plenty of delicious food!
- Do kids’ menus exist in Korean restaurants?
- Korean dishes that are kid-friendly
- Phrases to help you in a Korean restaurant with kids
- Can kids use chopsticks?
- Tips for a smooth dining experience with kids in Korea
- Common questions
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Do kids’ menus exist in Korean restaurants?
In many Western countries, you’ll find dedicated kids’ menus at restaurants, featuring familiar items like chicken nuggets, hamburgers, and mac ‘n’ cheese. In Korea, however, the concept of a separate kids’ menu is not as common. But don’t worry; this doesn’t mean your child won’t find something delicious to eat!
Korean dishes that are kid-friendly
Korean food is already quite kid-friendly in a number of ways and in Korea, there isn’t this concept of kids eating something completely different from parents unless the food is truly too spicy for kids. As food is generally meant to be eaten communally, it’s how kids learn to partake together I imagine.
This doesn’t mean kids are eating exactly what parents are eating but it is REALLY close. Wonder what Koreans feed their kids then? They eat what is on the table… but maybe slightly watered down.
You’ll notice that Korean parents often ‘wash off’ kimchi before giving it to their kids, for example. It’s still the kimchi on the table, but they’ve dunked it in water a bit so it’s not as spicy. This helps kids grow their tolerance for spicy kimchi, but doesn’t push them off a cliff trying it as is.
When they’re really young, instead of eating the soup and rice separate like parents, the hot soup is poured on the rice to create a kind of porridge that is easier for them to eat, but it’s the same soup and rice. Restaurant owners and staff are always very aware when there’s a child at the table and if they deem the broth too spicy, don’t be surprised if they bring an extra bowl of just a simple broth out for the child free of charge.
Here is a list of foods that are generally considered kid-friendly and some personal tips to help you when ordering and eating in Korea with kids. Just a note that Koreans eat rice and soup for every meal of the day so breakfast isn’t a separate eggs/cereal meal. What you see below is what you can expect to find throughout the day.
Rice Dishes
Korean cuisine is rice-centric and there are always side dishes, or banchan (반찬), on the table. Some of these may be too spicy or unfamiliar to children, so don’t hesitate to ask for milder options like pickled vegetables or plain steamed broccoli and be sure to try each dish yourself first to make sure.
Also, eating the dishes yourself will show your child they’re edible and good even though they might not recognize the dish.
What’s great about always finding rice and side dishes everywhere is that even if you’re at a restaurant where the mains are spicy, you’ll always be able to get plain rice and vegetable side dishes and probably a soup that is kid friendly.
- Another dish called bibimbap (비빔밥) is a good option on the table as well. Bibimbap is rice mixed with vegetables, meat, and a spicy sauce but usually the spicy sauce comes separate for you to add yourself so when it comes to kids, just don’t add it. In my experience, one bibimbap is bigger than just my daughter can eat so I get one, order an extra bowl of rice (공기밥) and then make her a smaller version of bibimbap taking off some of the vegetables from mine.
- FYI, when it comes to bibimbap, there are two options, a “cold” version where it’s just the rice that is warm. This is the regular bibimbap. There is another hot-pot bibimbap called dolsot bibimbap (돌솥비빔밥), this one is a little less kid friendly as you won’t want little hands to touch the bowl because it’s HOT! Of course, if you’ll be making a separate bowl for your child and eating the rest yourself, this would be fine. You keep the hot pot.
- Gimbap (김밥) is a rice roll with vegetables and/or meat inside that is wrapped with seaweed. These dishes are customizable, so you can ask for milder flavors or leave out ingredients your child may not prefer. Tuna gimbap is popular and delicious and just plain gimbap is a good option too and is quite mild. Chungmu kimbap is also a great option. It’s just plain rice wrapped in seaweed. It is served with kimchi and spicy radish, but it’s on the side. Bonus: You can pick these up easily and eat on the go from places like Kimbap Cheonguk.
- Omurice (오무라이스): I haven’t had this in ages, but it was one of the first Korean dishes I was given when I was learning to eat Korean food too. It’s basically just a rice omelette.
Korean Soups
There are SO many soups that are kid-friendly and not super strong tasting but delicious. I could create a rather substantial list, but I’d say if you see a picture of the soup and it’s not red, then it’s probably not spicy so you’re good there. There are a lot of delicious beef broth soups and radish soups so look out for those.
Korean Porridge
There are a number of Korean porridges that are kid and adult-friendly and make for great breakfast options too. A personal favorite is pumpkin porridge (호박죽). There are whole porridge shops an, you can find this in traditional markets like Gwangjang Market too.
Dumplings
Mandu (만두) are Korean dumplings which can either come steamed or fried. They’re usually filled with minced tofu or pork, and vegetables. These are always a popular dish with kids. Mandu might be too large for your child so just request a pair of scissors and cut them in half.
My daughter loves the process of dipping in the soy sauce and eating as well. Just be careful not to order the kimchi mandu as these tend to be spicier.
Noodles
Noodle dishes and soups are a common item on Korean restaurant menus and there are a lot that are not spicy at all. Some of my daughter’s favorite dishes are Korean noodle dishes. Here are a few that are usually a hit with kids in Korea.
- Janchiguksu (잔치국수): This is usually a home meal but can often be found at traditional markets like Gwangjang Market downtown. It’s made with a simple broth, thin noodles, and then has just a bit of cucumber, carrots, and maybe a bit of kimchi on top. Just take off the kimchi and it’s very kid-friendly.
- Japchae (잡채): This glass noodle dish usually served with vegetables like carrots, spinach, bell pepper, mushroom, and strips of meat.
- Jjajangmyeon (짜장면): There’s just something about this black bean sauce noodle dish that kids love. While it’s not necessarily a recognizable dish to many kids, it’s a delicious one they tend to love. These dishes come in large portions usually so be prepared to eat some yourself.
Korean BBQ
Many restaurants offer Korean BBQ, a fun and interactive dining experience. Notice that you will have a grill in the middle of your table so just make sure your kids understand where they can touch and where they can’t touch.
While the spicy marinades might be too much for little ones, just request the plain cuts of meat or ask for them to be grilled without seasoning. There will be lettuce leaves on the table to create wraps and side dishes, too. You can order rice (공기밥) and a soup for the table as well.
Don’t know how to order? Check out this guide for how to eat Korean barbecue which includes all of the meat cut vocabulary you should know before you visit a Korean BBQ restaurant in Korea.
Korean Pancakes
Jeon (전) is a kind of Korean pancake that is made with vegetables or seafood, and even kimchi. When you look at the menu, you can decide what kind of jeon is best for you. Common types of Korean jeon include:
- Pajeon (파전): This is Korean scallion pancake. It’s a pretty simple option when it comes to jeon.
- Gamjajeon (감자전): Potato jeon is a great option because everyone loves potatoes.
- Haemul Pajeon (해물파전): If your kids like seafood, this is the one for them. Made with squid and shrimp and maybe clams or oysters as well.
- Kimchijeon (김치전): Obviously the spicier option as it has kimchi. I wanted to keep it on the list as it’s a common option, but is probably too spicy for kids.
- Yachaejeon (야채전): Vegetable pancake is a good option if you’ve got meat-averse kids. It usually has zucchini, mushrooms, eggplant, and/or perilla leaves.
Fish/Meat Dishes
Korean bbq is probably the most popular and well-known Korean meat dish for tourists, but there are others that are quite popular with kids as well. Here are a few that are usually a big hit.
- Bulgogi (불고기): Thin slices of beef or pork are marinated in a sweet sauce and then grilled. The sweeter sauce on the meat usually makes it especially yummy for those little kids with you.
- Chicken: Just like back home, you can find a ton of different fried chicken options and there is also baked chicken if you want something a little healthier. Check out this list of Korean chicken chains you should definitely check out in Korea.
- Duck: There are some GREAT Korean duck stews and soups. They tend to be very easy to eat and are so good. Duck stew, or oritang (오리탕), tends to be nice and soupy with plenty of rice and side dishes.
- Fish (물고기): There are great fish options too if your kids like fish. If you go to a fish restaurant, you order fish like cod and then it’s grilled and you get rice and side dishes and a soup to go with it.
Tofu
There are some fabulous tofu (두부) meals in Korea. When we take roadtrips in Korea, we actually tend to opt for tofu restaurants above anything else because they are always safe bets. Basically at a tofu restaurant, you’ll be served a bowl of rice, a bowl of tofu, and then a ton of fresh vegetable side dishes and a soup. It’s basically a build-your-own meal.
You can eat it all separate, put it all into a bowl and create a bibimbap of sorts, or whatever. Our daughter has always found plenty to eat at a tofu restaurant… and so have we!
Street Food
There are a ton of different street food carts and vendors out and about in Seoul and other major cities in Korea, and even more local places too. You can find them a lot in popular areas like Myeongdong and Hongdae, but they’re scattered along streets around Insadong, and other areas too and they often have very kid-friendly options. Keep your eyes peeled because they are fun to stop at and your kids can find food like:
- Corn dogs (감자핫도그): Yes, Koreans love corndogs too! Korean corndogs are bigger than ones I ever saw in the US. Big, delicious, and steamy. Add the ketchup and your kids will feel like they’re eating back at home.
- Egg bread (계란빵): One of my favorites because I can never pass up a good sunny side up egg. Egg bread is a light sweet bread topped with an egg. Straight forward and delicious.
- Hotteok (호떡): Sweet Korean pancake filled with a gooey mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts. This is the perfect dessert to finish up any meal. Kids will LOVE this.
- Mandu (만두): Korean dumplings filled with a mixture of meat and vegetables, usually steamed or fried. I mentioned dumplings above when you head into a restaurant, but they’re also a common street food staple.
- Twigim (튀김): Assorted deep-fried snacks like vegetables, fish cakes, and dumplings, served crispy and hot. My personal favorite are the fried sesame leaves. When you walk up, you’ll be able to see what they have right in front of you.
- Bungeoppang (붕어빵): Fish-shaped pastries filled with sweet red bean paste, a popular Korean street dessert. This is my daughter’s personal favorite when we’re out and about. Best had from a street food stall.
- Corn on the cob (옥수수): Should need no introduction. Sweet corn on the cob is always a winner. Korean sweet corn might be a bit chewier than you expect but this is also a very kid-friendly and recognizable food option.
Rice Cakes
That colorful picture at the top of this post might have pulled you in and for good reason. It’s a kind of delicious ddeok or Korean rice cake. When you walk through traditional markets like Mangwon Market or Tongin Market, you’ll likely spot these little colorful balls. They are rice cakes and they’re usually filled with red bean paste, or honey. They’re just slightly sweet, naturally sweet, but delicious and filling. There are spongy options too that have pink hearts sometimes as well which kids love.
Phrases to help you in a Korean restaurant with kids
Here are a few phrases that you might need that are specific to visiting a restaurant with kids in Korea.
- Ee-geo mae-wo-yo? (이거 매워요?) – Is it spicy? (You should say this while pointing to something.)
- Ka-wee ju-sae-yo. (가위 주세요?) – Give me scissors, please.
- Jeob-she ha-na deo ju-sae-yo. (접시 하나 더 주세요.) – Give me a bowl/plate, please. (The dish you’re usually handed is flat on the bottom with a ridge like a bowl so it’s good for rice or soup.)
- Po-keu ju-sae-yo. (포크 주세요?) – Give me a fork, please. (Staff may bring this out without request when they see you, but just in case you need to ask.)
Can kids use chopsticks?
When you arrive at a Korean restaurant, you’ll notice that the tables are set with a large spoon and a set of chopsticks for everyone. This is not usually super kid-friendly as you can imagine. But every restaurant has sets of little spoons and forks somewhere either at a table for you to grab yourself with plastic dishes as well, or they have it in the back and you can just ask. Often, once they spot the kiddo though, they’ll just bring it out to you anyway.
If you want to practice chopsticks with your kids before you get to Korea though, they have adorable little plastic chopstick sets with loops on them that all Korean kids start learning with. You can get them too.
Tips for a smooth dining experience with kids in Korea
Look at The Pictures: Korean restaurants by and large have pictures of their food somewhere from menus to the walls. It’s easy to spot things even if you don’t know what the names are. Look for the pictures that appeal to you and your child. This is good so you’re not surprised when something arrives at the table.
Share and Explore: Korean dining is communal, and sharing dishes is encouraged. This can be a great way to introduce your child to new flavors and encourage them to try a variety of dishes. When food arrives at the table, try it and show your kids that it’s yummy. Kids mimic us and if they don’t recognize things already, having you be the leader you are and trying things will go a long way in helping them want to dive in too.
Ask For Scissors: Kitchen scissors are common table utensils in Korea. Some restaurants will have them right on the table while others keep them in the back but have them available if requested. If the food comes and it’s too big, like the dumplings, or the noodles are too long, just ask for scissors so you can cut cut cut it down to size.
Opt For A Recognizable Breakfast/Snacks: If you plan to be out and about for most of the day and aren’t sure where or what you’ll be eating, opt for recognizable breakfast options to get your kids started on the right full-belly step. You can find bananas, yogurts, hard-boiled eggs, pastries, and other standard staples at most convenience stores in Korea.
Paris Baguette and Tous Les Jour are also chain bakeries that you can find all over that have a lot more bready options, too. Stock up so they eat when they wake up (which will likely be early if you’ve come from the States as you’ll have jetlag).
Be Flexible: While it’s essential to cater to your child’s preferences, consider encouraging them to try new things. Korean cuisine offers a diverse range of flavors and textures that can be a delightful culinary adventure. On top of that though, because Koreans are used to communal dining, you will be hard pressed to find a place that will just take out onions, for example, if you ask.
It’s very difficult to get a recipe altered in Korea and this isn’t necessarily because Koreans are stubborn but broths often take 10+ hours to stew to be as delicious as they are. Don’t expect the restaurant to cater to you, so be flexible and patient with the food before you and seeing how your child will best enjoy it.
Common questions
Are kids allowed in galbi/Korean bbq restaurants?
You will commonly see families with children in Korean bbq restaurants. In fact, some Korean bbq restaurants are super family friendly and even have little playrooms and jungle gyms inside of the restaurant just for kids to jump and play while the meat is cooking and the parents are chatting.
Are kids allowed in chicken hofs or other pubs in Korea?
When it comes to a hof, or pub, kids aren’t usually as common. If you’re in a super local area where it’s just neighbors, you might see families where everyone knows everyone. But, less likely in some of the more touristy areas. You can totally go into a chicken restaurant though and you can be sure there will be beer though, so there isn’t a HUGE difference if you are looking for that chicken and beer experience.
Do Korean restaurants have booster seats or highchairs for kids?
I had no idea how difficult it would be to find a high chair in Korea until I had a kid. I guess that makes sense. Without one, you’d never look for them. Places may or may not have highchairs. They definitely won’t have booster seats. I’ve never seen them in Korea. I’m not sure if there’s a rule, but in our experience, small spots don’t have high chairs usually, but you will tend to find them at larger restaurants. If they can seat more than 40, you’ll probably be able to see one.
While Korea may not have traditional kids’ menus at every restaurant, there are plenty of delicious and child-friendly options available. Embrace the opportunity to introduce your child to the flavors of Korean cuisine. With a bit of flexibility and a spirit of culinary exploration, dining out with your kids in Korea can be a memorable and enjoyable experience for the whole family. Happy eating!
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