Eating Korean food with dietary needs
Korean food can work for vegetarians and for people who avoid pork, beef or seafood — once you know where meat and seafood tend to hide.
What our diet labels mean
| Label | What it means |
|---|---|
| Vegetarian option | The dish is meat-free, or a meat-free version is commonly served. Still check the broth and sauces. |
| Contains pork | Pork is a standard ingredient. |
| Contains beef | Beef or beef stock is a standard ingredient. |
| Contains seafood | Fish, shellfish, fish sauce, salted seafood (jeotgal) or anchovy stock is a standard ingredient. |
Labels cover each dish as it is usually served, including its broth and the sides that come with it. They are not a full allergen list, and a dish without a label can still contain chicken or other ingredients you avoid. Restaurants vary, so always ask if it matters to you.
Where meat and seafood hide
- Most kimchi is made with fish sauce or salted seafood.
- Many soups and stews start from anchovy, beef or pork stock.
- Tteokbokki sauce is often made with anchovy stock and served with fish cakes.
- Some side dishes are made with small dried fish or salted shrimp.
Phrases you can show the staff
| In English | In Korean (romanized) |
|---|---|
| I'm vegetarian. | 저는 채식주의자예요. (jeoneun chaesikjuuijayeyo) |
| Please leave out the meat. | 고기 빼 주세요. (gogi ppae juseyo) |
| I don't eat pork. | 돼지고기 안 먹어요. (dwaejigogi an meogeoyo) |
| I'm allergic to seafood. | 해산물 알레르기가 있어요. (haesanmul allereugiga isseoyo) |
| Is there meat in this? | 이거 고기 들어가요? (igeo gogi deureogayo?) |
Halal and other religious diets
We don't label dishes as halal. Halal depends on how ingredients are sourced and prepared, and avoiding pork is not the same thing. Look for restaurants that show halal certification.
Common questions
Is bibimbap vegetarian?
It can be. Many restaurants will leave out the beef if you ask, but the soup on the side is often made with beef or anchovy stock.
Is kimchi vegan?
Usually not. Most kimchi is made with fish sauce or salted seafood, though some restaurants make kimchi without them.
Which dishes are easiest for vegetarians?
Start with the dishes labeled Vegetarian option, and ask about the broth for anything served in soup.
Not sure about a dish?
Every dish page lists its standard ingredients and diet labels.