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Kimbap vs Sushi: Hard choice, both are delicious – Which came first?

Sushi (寿司 or 鮨) is the most famous Japanese cuisine, whereas Kimbap (김밥) is a Korean dish that is similar to sushi, but with a Korean twist. Kimbap translates to seaweed (“kim”) rice (“bap”), while the term Sushi literally means “sour-tasting”. People are lot more perplexed when it comes to sushi and kimbap. Let’s explore the primary distinction between sushi and kimbap.

7 facts between Japanese Sushi vs Korean Kimbap

1. Origin: Kimbap is a traditional Korean dish, while sushi is a Japanese dish that has become popular around the world. People often call kimbap as Korean sushi or Korean sushi roll, but we prefer it to be called by the Korean name, “kimbap (김밥)“.

2. Rice: Both kimbap and sushi are made with sushi rice, which is a short-grain rice that is sticky when cooked. However, the rice used in kimbap is seasoned with sesame oil and salt, while sushi rice is seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. This gives the two dishes different flavor profiles. Many think kimbap and sushi might be the same, but there is a big difference in terms of the use of rice and the fillings.

3. Seaweed: Both kimbap and sushi are wrapped in seaweed, but the type of seaweed used is different. Kimbap is wrapped in dried laver (nori) which has a slightly chewy texture and a subtle flavor. Sushi is typically wrapped in a type of seaweed called “hoshi nori,” which is thinner and has a crisper texture.

Korean Kimbap (김밥)

4. Fillings: Kimbap and sushi fillings differ in both type and preparation. Kimbap fillings typically include cooked vegetables, egg, and meat, such as beef or tuna, and are often seasoned with soy sauce and sugar. Even contains light lunch along with danmuji (yellow pickled radish) and kimchi. On the otherside, Sushi fillings can include raw fish, cooked seafood, vegetables, and egg, and are typically seasoned with wasabi, soy sauce, and pickled ginger. The seasoning gives sushi its distinct tangy flavor, while kimbap has a more neutral flavor that allows the fillings to stand out.

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5. Shape: Kimbap is typically rolled into a cylindrical shape, while sushi can be made into a variety of shapes, including rolls, nigiri, and cones or triangles.

Japanese cuisine Sushi (寿司 or 鮨)

6. Size: Kimbap is usually larger in size than sushi rolls, and is often sliced into larger pieces. Sushi rolls, on the other hand, are typically smaller and sliced into bite-sized pieces.

7. Varieties: There are several different types of kimbap, including Samgak, Tuna, Classic, Kimchi, Chungmu, and Mayak. The five most well known sushi varieties are nigiri, sashimi, maki, uramaki, and temari.

From my personal opinion, I have tried both. Undoubtedly, the Shushi is a good option for those who enjoy the taste of raw fish with wasabi. Kimbap is an alternative option if you don't like such flavors. So, it is neutral to claim that each item has a distinct taste.

Finally – If you want to learn more about the best Korean traditional foods, check out this blog:

Kimbap(김밥),Bibimbap (비빔밥),Khimchi (김치),Tokbokki (떡볶이),Dosirak (도시락)- Korean Dishes in Seoul

From Khimchi to Kimbap: Exploring the Best 5 Delicious Korean Food in Seoul

Savoring the Top 5 Must-Try Korean Dishes in Seoul

Kimbap (김밥)

Kimbap (김밥) - Traditional Cheap Korean Food in Seoul

Kimbap is simply Korean sushi but with a Korean twist. It is usually made by rolling steamed rice and various fillings wrapped in seaweed. The fillers can vary but typically include, for example, shrimp, carrot, radish, egg, sauce, spinach, beef ham or tuna, etc. Kimbap is often served with a side of spicy gochujang sauce for dipping. Prices are cheap and yummy prices. Also, vegetarians can eat it. Around 2-3$ rolled at any store will get this. Usually, I eat it in the morning and afternoon. Try it today if you want great satisfaction at a low price.

Kimbap (김밥) - Delicious Korean Food near Seoul

Bibimbap (비빔밥)

Bibimbap is a very delicious Korean dish. It consists of raw eggs, vegetables, beef or chicken, carrots, and soybeans with a small amount of rice. The ingredients are usually arranged in separate piles on top of the rice. The ingredients are mixed before eating, along with a spicy gochujang sauce. This mixing process is called “bi bim,” which is where the dish gets its name. Bibimbap is a popular Korean comfort food that can be served hot or cold. Some variations of bibimbap include dolsot bibimbap, served in a hot stone bowl that crisps the rice, and hwae bibimbap, made with raw fish instead of meat. Depending on the size, the price will be between 3-5$, enough for dinner/lunch. It is a perfect nutritious package for lunch and dinner. Those who are vegetarian can also eat it by skipping the meat part.

Bibimbap (비빔밥)- Traditional Cheap Korean Food in Seoul

Khimchi (김치)

No one has not heard of Korean Kimchi. Kimchi is fermented napa cabbage with a little Korean amount of radish. It is mainly eaten as a side dish. It is trendy among Korean side dishes. You can also buy it from any mart or convenience store. It looks very spicy, but honestly, most of the food is not spicy. You can get this from any restaurant or buy any mart or convenience store with the range of price 2-5$. If the amount of kimchi is more, the price will also be higher.

Would you like to try Korean coffee? Then this is the article for you:

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Khimchi (김치) - Traditional Best Korean Food in Seoul

Tokbokki (떡볶이)

Takbakki is a very delicious and spicy Korean dish. It’s made with cylindrical-shaped rice cakes, called tteok, that are chewy and slightly sweet. It is usually served in a spicy sauce made with gochujang (red chilli pepper paste), soy sauce, and sugar and often includes other ingredients such as fish cakes, boiled eggs, and scallions. If you love Korean street food, you’ll love this fantastic homemade tteokbokki recipe! It’s cheap to make, flavorful, and deliciously filling, perfect as a spicy meal for lunch, dinner, or as a quick and easy snack. I suggest you try once the cheese takbakki; that’s amazing. It is mainly made of chewy rice and fish cakes or boiled eggs. Even vegetarians can devour it. Its price is about 3-5$ may be a little more based on quantity.

Dosirak (도시락)

A packed lunch box designed for a complete dinner with rice and a few side dishes is called “dosirak” in Korean. Other words like egg-coated spam, fried egg, kimchi and onion, and roasted seaweed. It is a convenient and economical way to have a complete meal on the go. Dosirak is a popular meal option in Korea and can be found in convenience stores, train stations, and food courts; you can get it in most convenience stores or marts. The price is about 4-6$. It is also a very satisfying meal at a low price. Dosirak is a reflection of Korean culture, emphasizing the importance of a balanced and healthy meal with a variety of different flavours and textures. It is also a nostalgic meal for many Koreans, bringing back memories of childhood and family traditions.

Dosirak (도시락) - Top 5 Korean Food in Seoul