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Do Koreans use cilantro?
Yes, Koreans do use cilantro, but it’s not a staple in traditional Korean cooking the way it is in Mexican, Thai, or Vietnamese cuisine.
In fact, for many older Koreans, cilantro is a controversial herb that they either love or absolutely can’t stand.
If you’ve ever wondered do Koreans use cilantro in their everyday meals, the answer is a bit more nuanced than a simple yes or no.
In this post, we’ll explore how Koreans use cilantro, why it’s divisive in Korean food culture, and where you’ll actually find it in Korean dishes today.
Let’s dig in.
Do Koreans Use Cilantro in Korean Cooking?
Koreans do use cilantro, but its role in Korean cuisine is far smaller than in many other Asian food cultures.
Here’s why cilantro has such a complicated relationship with Korean cooking:
1. It’s Not a Traditional Korean Herb
Traditional Korean cooking relies on herbs like perilla leaves, scallions, garlic, and sesame leaves, not cilantro.
Cilantro, also known as coriander or Chinese parsley, simply wasn’t part of the classic Korean flavor profile for centuries.
That’s why when you ask do Koreans use cilantro, the honest answer is that it’s more of a modern addition than a traditional one.
2. The Soapy Taste Debate
Many Koreans say cilantro tastes like soap, which is actually a genetic trait shared by a percentage of people worldwide.
This soapy taste is caused by specific aldehydes in cilantro that some people’s olfactory receptors detect strongly.
Because of this, cilantro has earned a reputation in Korea as a “love it or hate it” herb.
3. Younger Koreans Are Warming Up to It
Younger generations of Koreans are increasingly using cilantro in fusion dishes and modern Korean recipes.
As Korean food culture becomes more global, cilantro is finding its way onto more plates in Seoul and beyond.
So do Koreans use cilantro more now than before?
Yes, and the trend is only growing.
Where Do Koreans Use Cilantro Today?
Even though cilantro isn’t a classic Korean ingredient, you’ll still find Koreans using cilantro in several modern contexts.
Here’s where it shows up:
1. Vietnamese and Thai Restaurants in Korea
Korean food lovers who enjoy Vietnamese pho or Thai papaya salad often encounter cilantro there.
These restaurants have helped introduce cilantro to Korean palates in a tasty, approachable way.
2. Fusion and Modern Korean Cuisine
Creative Korean chefs are using cilantro in tacos, salads, and even kimchi variations.
This modern twist shows that Koreans do use cilantro when they want to add a fresh, citrusy punch to a dish.
3. Korean-Mexican Fusion Dishes
Korean-Mexican fusion, like kimchi tacos and bulgogi burritos, often features cilantro as a topping.
So if you’re wondering do Koreans use cilantro, this fusion trend is one of the clearest examples.
Why Some Koreans Avoid Cilantro
Even though more Koreans are using cilantro today, plenty still avoid it entirely.
Here’s why:
1. Genetic Sensitivity to Aldehydes
As mentioned, some Koreans carry the gene that makes cilantro taste soapy and unpleasant.
This isn’t just pickiness; it’s biology.
2. Cultural Flavor Preferences
Korean cuisine favors fermented, savory, and spicy flavors over the bright, herbaceous taste of cilantro.
That’s why cilantro has struggled to become a mainstay in traditional Korean dishes.
3. Limited Availability in Traditional Markets
For decades, cilantro was hard to find in traditional Korean markets, which limited its use.
Now that it’s more available, more Koreans are giving cilantro a fair shot.
So, Do Koreans Use Cilantro?
Yes, Koreans do use cilantro, but it’s not a traditional staple in Korean cooking.
It’s more of a modern, fusion-friendly herb that younger Koreans are embracing while older generations often avoid it.
Whether you’re asking do Koreans use cilantro out of curiosity or because you’re cooking Korean food, the answer is that cilantro has a small but growing place in Korean cuisine.
So if you’re wondering do Koreans use cilantro in their daily cooking, the honest answer is: sometimes, and increasingly so.
Give it a try in your next Korean-inspired dish and see for yourself.