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What Food To Try in Suwon and Food Prices

How much does lunch and dinner cost

Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Suwon for 2024.

National currency: Won, symbol — ₩ (international currency code KRW).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Suwon cafes and restaurants
$6.1 
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $3.8
$36.5 
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $26.59
$4.8 
Combo Meal
Starting from $4.18

What to Try in Suwon

Must-try Dishes
Kimchi Jjigae - Kimchi Stew (hearty stew) - A spicy stew made with kimchi, tofu, and pork, simmered until rich and flavorful. Best enjoyed for breakfast with a bowl of rice, locals often savor it on cold mornings.

Tteokbokki - Spicy Rice Cakes (street food staple) - Chewy rice cakes bathed in a sweet and spicy sauce, often topped with fish cakes. You’ll find it served from food stalls, and it’s perfect for a quick snack, especially after a night out.

Bulgogi - Marinated Beef (savory main course) - Thinly sliced beef marinated in a sweet-soy sauce and grilled to perfection. Families often enjoy this at dinner, cooking it right at the table for a fun dining experience.

Galbi - Grilled Short Ribs (local specialty) - Tender beef short ribs marinated in a savory-sweet sauce and grilled over charcoal. It's a popular dish for celebrations and gatherings, often served with a side of ssam (lettuce wraps) and rice.

Naengmyeon - Cold Noodles (surprising combination) - Thin buckwheat noodles served in a chilled broth, often with sliced beef and pickled radish. Locals love it on hot summer days as a refreshing and satisfying meal.

Beoseot Jeongol - Mushroom Hot Pot (seasonal variation) - A bubbling hot pot filled with an assortment of mushrooms, tofu, and vegetables, simmered in a savory broth. Best enjoyed in autumn, many locals gather to share this warming dish when the first mushrooms appear.

Kongbiji Jjigae - Soybean Pudding Stew (hearty comfort food) - A thick stew made with pureed soybeans and vegetables, cooked until creamy and smooth. It's often ordered for dinner, especially during the colder months when locals crave something wholesome and filling.

Desserts & Drinks
Ginseng Tea - 인삼차 (herbal wellness drink) - A soothing tea made from ginseng roots boiled with honey and water, known for its revitalizing properties. Locals often sip on this warm brew in the winter months, especially during cold snaps to ward off chill, usually while catching up with family or friends.

Rice Wine - 막걸리 (traditional unfiltered wine) - This milky, slightly sweet beverage is brewed from a mix of steamed rice, water, and yeast, with a cloudy appearance that's a hallmark of its natural fermentation. Commonly enjoyed in rustic taverns, it's perfect for sharing over a plate of savory pancakes or during festivals, making it a well-loved staple among locals during celebrations.

Ice Granita - 빙수 (shaved ice dessert) - A refreshing dessert of finely shaved ice topped with sweetened condensed milk, red bean paste, and assorted fruits. It’s an absolute summer favorite, often served at street stalls, and you can savor it while meandering through the busy night markets.

Cherry Blossom Rice Cake - 벚꽃떡 (celebration sweet) - Soft rice cakes subtly infused with cherry blossom essence and filled with sweetened red bean paste, often made during spring. Perfect for festival gatherings, these delicate treats come wrapped in beautiful packaging, making them a popular gift among friends and family during the flowering season.

Pastry - 화과자 (traditional Korean confection) - These bite-sized, artfully crafted pastries are made with a variety of colorful fillings like sweetened bean paste and seasonal fruits, often resembling little pieces of art. They're typically enjoyed during tea ceremonies or special occasions and are great for gifting, especially when crafted with seasonal themes—don't miss them during festive celebrations!

Food and Groceries in Suwon

Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
Bread $3.13
Oranges $3.95
Potatoes $3.93
Apples $7.85
Beverages
Water 1.5L $0.8
0.5L Local Beer $1.84
Imported Beer $2.75
Wine Rating >4.0 $17.19

Various Groceries
Chicken $9.63
Rice $3.7
Local Cheese $11.39

Overview of Cuisine and Specialties

During noon on weekdays, Suwon’s streets bustle with locals heading to nearby eateries for their lunch break. This is a time when office workers and shoppers alike flock to popular dining spots in districts like Haenggung-dong and Ingye-dong, where you can find everything from hearty bibimbap to savory jjigae. The typical lunch ranges from 6,000 to 10,000 KRW, a reasonable price that reflects the quality and freshness of local ingredients.

Suwon has a distinct daily rhythm influenced by its vibrant neighborhoods. In the evening, most families and friends gather for dinner around 6 PM to 8 PM, often enjoying multiple side dishes (banchan) that accompany traditional meals, such as grilled fish or bulgogi. The active dining scene then slows down after 9 PM, especially on weekdays when many restaurants close by 10 PM.

Payment customs are also uniquely local. Most places prefer cash or the ubiquitous Korean banking apps for mobile payments, though credit cards are widely accepted in higher-end restaurants. Oh, and before I forget, it's essential to carry some cash since small street vendors might not accept cards.

An authentic local habit is to enjoy samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) with a side of soju after work hours as a way to unwind, often with coworkers. It's best to avoid visiting during rush hour on weekends, typically between 12 PM and 2 PM, as popular venues can fill up quickly, leading to long waits.

Price-wise, expect higher culinary costs in downtown areas, where lunch dishes can go up to 15,000 KRW. For a solid balance of quality and price, Ingye-dong is often recommended, where value-for-money options abound without compromising on flavor. Seasonal variations can also impact some dishes; hearty soups are comforting in the chilly winter months, making them slightly more expensive, while lighter meals like naengmyeon (cold noodles) can refresh you during the hot summer.

As Suwon develops, there’s a noticeable shift in how younger locals enjoy dining out, leaning towards trendy cafes and fusion cuisine. These establishments often trend on social media, attracting a different crowd compared to traditional dining spots. Keeping an eye on these emerging trends showcases the evolving food culture that reflects both global and historical influences.