Taste of Seoul: Local Cuisine for Corporate Event Catering
by Akshayaa RaniM, 26 July 2024![Taste of Seoul: Local Cuisine for Corporate Event Catering](https://eventflare.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/eventflare.io/cbc7240da6c7886b8b0c8b0e177e8add.png?updated_at=2024-07-11T08:38:16.963Z)
Korean cuisine has taken the world by storm, adding a delicious new flavour to global food culture. More than just a passing trend, this culinary phenomenon has been influenced by the growing popularity of K-dramas.
These addictive shows have not only introduced international audiences to the tantalising flavours of Korean cuisine but also painted a vivid picture of its cultural significance. Scenes of characters sharing meals at bustling street markets, cosy family dinners, and trendy urban eateries have sparked curiosity and a desire to experience these culinary delights first-hand.
This connection has led to a significant increase in the number of Korean restaurants and cooking classes around the world. People are looking to recreate the dishes they've seen on screen. Korean cuisine is all about balance, fermentation, and bold, spicy flavours. It redefined culinary adventures and inspired food lovers to explore and embrace the delicious diversity it offers. Thanks to K-dramas, the world has discovered that Korean food is not just a meal but an experience, rich in culture, tradition and flavour.
That’s why, when you’re hosting an event in Seoul, it’s a great idea to bring the flavours of the city to your event catering. People expect it, and more importantly, Korean food is delicious. Here are some ideas for local dishes you've got to try when putting together your corporate event catering menu.
1. A Traditional Korean Food for Catering: Bibimbap
![A traditional Korean food for catering - bibimbap via Pixabay.jpg](https://eventflare.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/eventflare.io/0085276152145ac6ccfb7feac0aa9366.jpg)
The traditional Korean rice bowl dish,bibimbap, is an absolute winner at corporate events because it combines individuality, health, and cultural richness in one hearty and delicious bowl.
The dish's vibrant choice of ingredients allows each guest to create their own unique meal, catering for a variety of dietary preferences. Whether someone is vegetarian, vegan, or a meat lover, they can mix and match fresh vegetables, savoury meats, and a perfectly fried egg to their liking. This inclusivity ensures that everyone feels satisfied and part of the experience.
The health benefits ofbibimbap are another big plus. Packed with nutrient-rich vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, it provides a nutritious meal that keeps energy levels high without making event attendees feel the post-lunch sluggishness, helping them stay alert even in afternoon sessions. The spicygochujangsauce adds an extra layer of flavour and fun, encouraging lively conversation and interaction as colleagues mix their bowls together.
As well as being delicious and healthy,bibimbap brings a touch of Korean culture to your event. It is a fantastic conversation starter, allowing participants to bond over their culinary creations and share their own food experiences. This cultural element promotes team building and camaraderie, making the event more memorable and engaging.
The visual appeal ofbibimbap should not be overlooked. The colourful presentation of ingredients creates a feast for the eyes, perfect for social media moments. The excitement of sharing beautifully crafted bowls online highlights the vibrant and inclusive nature of the event.
With its combination of taste, nutrition and cultural richness,bibimbap is a fantastic choice for any corporate event.
2. Korean Catering Services for Corporate Events: A Traditional Korean BBQ Experience
![Korean catering services for corporate events - A traditional Korean BBQ experience via Pixabay.jpg](https://eventflare.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/eventflare.io/1593921959b60bc6f6a1c87ff49c62c4.jpg)
Korean BBQ, also known asgogigui, is a popular dining experience in Seoul where various types of meat, mainly beef, pork and chicken, are grilled at the table. Typically, a grill is placed in the middle of the dining table, allowing guests to cook their own food to their liking. Meats are often marinated in tasty sauces that enhance their flavour and make every bite a delicious experience.
However, in an event setting, you can arrange for professional chefs to grill the meat in a live session for your attendees. This interactive element sets Korean BBQ apart from other dining styles and creates a more engaging and participatory meal.
The grilled meat is accompanied by a range of traditional Korean side dishes calledbanchan. These small dishes, which can includekimchi, pickled vegetables, seasoned spinach and more, offer a variety of flavours and textures that complement the barbecued items. They are usually served in generous portions and are meant to be shared between diners, adding to the communal dining experience.
Dipping sauces and condiments are another highlight of Korean BBQ. Event attendees can customise their bites with a range of sauces such as sesame oil with salt and pepper, spicygochujang, and savoury soy sauce blends, adding an extra layer of flavour to the meal.
Choosing Korean BBQ for a corporate event brings this exciting communal dining experience to the forefront. In addition to being a feast for the senses, it encourages teamwork and interaction between colleagues. The lively atmosphere, delicious food and shared barbecuing activity make for a unique event catering experience that's genuinely Korean.
3. One of the Best Korean Dishes for Corporate Events: Tteokbokki
![One of the best Korean dishes for corporate events - tteokbokki via Pixabay.jpg](https://eventflare.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/eventflare.io/202de0b8bd8727d87869c50488b523a7.jpg)
Tteokbokki, a popular Korean street food, is an exciting addition to any corporate event. With its chewy rice cakes bathed in a spicy and sweet sauce, this dish adds a delightful twist to the usual event fare.Tteokbokki's unique texture and bold flavours will stand out and become a crowd favourite among your event attendees.
What makes tteokbokkiparticularly appealing for corporate events is its versatility. It can be tailored to suit a variety of tastes, from mild to extra spicy, ensuring that attendees will enjoy it. Whether served as a main course or a delicious snack,Tteokbokkifits seamlessly into any event format and adds a touch of excitement to the menu.
On top of that, it’s pretty easy to make and serve, which makes it a great choice for big events. You can cook it in advance and keep it warm, which makes serving it smooth and efficient.
Includingtteokbokki in a corporate event menu introduces attendees to an authentic Korean delicacy, and creates a fun and engaging dining experience, contributing to the event's success.
4. Seoul’s Top Corporate Catering Option: Gimbap
![Seoul’s top corporate catering option - gimbap via Pixabay.jpg](https://eventflare.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/eventflare.io/f8b0c40e60eb6de92b01ef6c9f20ad96.jpg)
Korean sushi, orgimbap, is a delightful twist on traditional Japanese sushi that brings a burst of flavour and a touch of Korean flair to corporate event catering in Seoul.
Colourful, tightly rolled seaweed wraps are filled with a delicious blend of ingredients, including seasoned rice, fresh vegetables, pickled radish and a variety of proteins such asbulgogi, crab or even tuna. Each bite perfectly balances gimbap's versatility of savoury, sweet, and tangy flavours, making it a sensational snack or meal.
Gimbap is a hit at corporate events for good reason. It's convenient to eat, requires no utensils, and can be enjoyed in just a few bites, making it perfect for mingling and networking.
Its vibrant presentation adds a splash of colour to any event, enticing guests with its visual appeal. What's more, the versatility of thegimbap allows for endless customisation, catering to different dietary preferences and ensuring there's something for everyone.
Whether enjoyed at a bustling street market or as the highlight of a corporate event,gimbapoffers an exciting culinary adventure that's as visually appealing as it is delicious, making it a crowd-pleasing favourite.
5. End on a Sweet Note With a Traditional Korean Food for Catering: Hotteok
![End on a sweet note with a traditional Korean food for catering - hotteok via Pixabay.jpg](https://eventflare.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com/eventflare.io/9e2ddffe64699e3a6b47c65e9eb4ca83.jpg)
Hotteokis a crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful blend of sweet and savoury flavours that will leave everyone wanting more.
This popular street food is a Korean pancake filled with a sticky mixture of brown sugar, honey, chopped peanuts, and cinnamon. As it cooks on the griddle, the filling melts and caramelises, creating a delicious contrast between the crispy exterior and the sweet, gooey interior. This combination is a guaranteed hit, appealing to both sweet and savoury snack lovers.
One of the best things about servinghotteok at an event is the interactive element. Setting up a Hoddeok-making station where guests can watch the pancakes being made fresh on-site adds a fun and engaging aspect to the event.
Including hotteokin an event menu is also a wonderful way to introduce guests to Korean culture. This popular street food has a rich history and is a favourite among locals and tourists.
Servinghotteok is not only providing a delicious treat, but also sharing a piece of Seoul's culinary heritage. While the classichoddeok is filled with a sweet mixture, serving variations can cater to different tastes.
Savoury hotteok with fillings such as vegetables, cheese or even spicy bulgogi can add excitement to the menu. This variety ensures that there's something for everyone, making the catering spread even more appealing, whatever the crowd size is.
Wrapping Up
Is it almost time for lunch because these Korean classics have got our stomachs rumbling! We hope these local cuisine ideas for corporate event catering have given you an idea of what to include on your menu. If you need more ideas or just want to chat about Seoul or events, get in touch with our local experts — they’re there to guide you and help you make your event a grand success!
P.S.: You can also check out our event venues in Seoul to get the ball rolling for your event!
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- 1. A Traditional Korean Food for Catering: Bibimbap
- 2. Korean Catering Services for Corporate Events: A Traditional Korean BBQ Experience
- 3. One of the Best Korean Dishes for Corporate Events: Tteokbokki
- 4. Seoul’s Top Corporate Catering Option: Gimbap
- 5. End on a Sweet Note With a Traditional Korean Food for Catering: Hotteok
- Wrapping Up
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