Recent Popular RecipesNowadays, foods made of ingredients unique to Jeju are getting popular on the island. This section introduces Jeju’s recipes that are enticing Koreans’ taste buds, as well as those throughout the world.Jeju Black Cattle, Korea’s Iconic Beef TasteJeju’s Black Cattle used to be deemed as a precious food source that was served to the Kings of Korea in olden times. The Black Cattle has high historical and cultural value as it was recorded in several ancient documents such as Joseon wangjo sillok (Annals of the Joseon Dynasty), Tamna sullyeokdo (Paintings of the Inspection Tour of Jejudo Island), and Tamna ginyeon (History of Jejudo Island) as produce offered to the kings and for religious rituals. The Jungjong sillok (Annals of King Jungjong) recorded, “The Black Cattle are scarce, but Yellow Cattle are readily available.” The Secretary's Diary stated, “There are not enough Jeju Black Cattle to hold the royal ancestral ritual, so ask the Governor of Chungcheong-do to gather Black Cattle and send it to the central government.” The biggest misunderstanding about Black Cattle is that Japanese Wagyu is the origin of Jeju’s Black Cattle, but the Black Cattle is Jeju’s pure native species that was deprived during the Japanese occupation of Korea. Black Cattle was designated as Natural Monument No. 546 on July 22, 2013 and are being bred to several hundred through a joint effort by the Livestock Promotion Institute, Nanji Agricultural Research Center, and livestock farmers. Black Cattle do not get as fat as other breeds even after being fed with the same amount of fodder, and due to a long breeding period, they are evaluated as having low economic value, so they are not bred popularly, but the meat is tender and juicy and has amazing flavor that is incomparable to other beef.
Grilled Black BeefThe best way to enjoy beef is grilling it over a charcoal fire. Grilling only the outside produces delicious juice when biting into the meat. Black beef has very little fat, but the meat is tender and has a nice flavor compared to general Korean cow meat. The residual flavor of its nutty, buttery taste is excellent as well.
Grilled Black Beef Rib PattiesThis dish allows for enjoying black beef more easily. The sweet flavor of the patty attracts everybody’s taste buds. The tender meat softly melts in the mouth. At the 13th Seoul International Food & Tableware Expo’s ‘Seoul International Food Grand Prix,’ this dish received the Grand Prize in the category of Creative Korean Food.
Grilled Black Beef, Black Beef Rib Patties | Geomeunshoe Mologooneun | Address | 27, Sindae-ro 20-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do | Contact | +82-64-712-1692 |
Prickly Pear, Delicious Taste and HealthyPrickly pear is a cactus, resembling the shape of the palm. It is getting a lot of attention as a healthy food that can be added to various recipes. It is called Baengnyeoncho in Korean (meaning ‘100-year plant’) because it lives for more than 100 years or treats 100 kinds of diseases, and it symbolizes longevity. It is a native plant of Mexico and it began to be cultivated in Jeju as food from the early 1990s. Prickly pear is usually processed into powder, instead of eating raw, and it adds a refreshing flavor to food, attracting gourmands. It is rich in dietary fiber, calcium, flavonoids and minerals and it is good for constipation and dieting.
Prickly Pear NoodlesThe refreshing flavor of tender noodles containing prickly pear powder that are served in prickly pear water kimchi captivates anyone who eats this dish. After savoring this dish by slurping up all the soup, you will surely feel healthier.
Prickly Pear HamburgerThis dish will dispel preconceptions about hamburgers as fast food. It is made of hamburger bread containing prickly pear extract and delicious Jeju’s black pork patty. The bread feels softer as it is fermented longer than general bread and the patty containing prickly pear extract tastes moist and juicy and has that distinct aroma.
Prickly Pear Noodles | Donhyanggi | Address | 30, Gwandeok-ro 15-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, | Contact | +82-64-724-0228 (Offered as dessert) |
| Seoninjang Sikdang | Address | 14, Wollyeongan-gil, Hallim-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do | Contact | No TEL |
Prickly Pear Hamburgers | Shin’s Burger | Address | 42, Hallim-ro, Hallim-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do | Contact | +82-10-3777-5574 |
