Vegetarian in Korea: the hidden ingredients to ask about

Vegetarian and vegan travellers often say Korea is doable but trickier than it looks, because many dishes that seem vegetable-only are not.

Hidden ingredients people warn about

• Anchovy or meat stock in soups, stews and noodle broths.

• Fish sauce or salted seafood in most kimchi.

• Small bits of meat or ham in fried rice, kimbap and japchae.

• Egg in many pancakes and batters.

Places that tend to be easier

• Temple food restaurants, based on Buddhist cooking without meat or fish.

• Vegan cafés and restaurants, which have grown in Seoul neighbourhoods like Itaewon, Hongdae and Seongsu.

• Bibimbap without meat or egg, if the kitchen agrees.

Phrases and tools travellers use

• “고기 빼 주세요” (please leave out the meat).

• “멸치 육수 들어가요?” (is there anchovy stock in it?).

• A printed card in Korean listing what you don't eat is a common tip, and some people search the map apps for “비건” (vegan).

Vegetarians who have been: which dish or place turned out easiest, and which caught you out?

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