Gondrae bap

Gondrae Bap: a taste of Korea’s mountain cuisine

Gondrae bap, also known as gondre namul bap, is a traditional Korean rice dish closely connected to the mountainous regions of Gangwon Province. It features gondre (Cirsium setidens), a wild Korean thistle valued for its mild, nutty flavor and nutritional benefits.

Harvested from clean, high-altitude areas, gondre has long been an important ingredient in temple cuisine, where food is prepared with an emphasis on balance, simplicity, and harmony with nature. The greens are carefully prepared and cooked together with short-grain rice, allowing their natural aroma and earthy taste to infuse the dish.

Typically served with a light soy-based sauce or a spoonful of gochujang (Korean chili paste), gondrae bap offers a wholesome and satisfying meal. It reflects the essence of Korean culinary philosophy—respect for natural ingredients, clean flavors, and nourishing simplicity.