📚 K-drama recipe series (5 episodes in total)
Recreate the dishes that have captivated the world at home!
Part 1 Itaewon Class 'Jjampongtang' - The first step in the recipe for a global hit drama
Part 2 Kimchi Jjim - A North Korean Korean Recipe Reimagined
Part 3 Hotel Del Luna 'Han Sangchae Rim' - A blend of tradition and fusion ← Current post
Part 4 Squid Game 'Dalgona' - the dessert that took the world by storm
Part 5 The youngest son of a chaebol's 'beef and wakame seaweed soup' - an emotionally charged recipe
Bottom line: Recreate the mystique of the drama Hotel Del Luna at home! From 1300 years of courtly cuisine to social media selfies, here's the complete guide for global K-food fans.
>1. What was the food at Hotel Del Luna actually like?
🌙 Jiang Manchu's table secrets: After living for 1300 years, the food served by Zhang Manwol isn't just a soap opera prop - it's actually historical dishes prepared by real Joseon Dynasty court chefs and Korean food researchers!
In the 2019 tvN drama Hotel Del Luna, IU's (Jang Man-wol) Hanseang attire is a modernized version of real Korean court and banquet food. The food consultant in the drama is from the Korean Institute of Palace Food, and the dishes have been thoroughly researched.
📌 Breaking down the signature dishes in the show
🥘 Jang Man Moon's Special Short Ribs
Physical model: Late Joseon Court 'Galbi Jjim' + Modern Sous Vide Technique
Features: 48 hours marinating and 6 hours cooking at low temperature
Modern interpretation: Use natural sweeteners like pears, dates, and chestnuts
🍚 Del Luna for 12
Physical model: Joseon Dynasty Sura Statue + Van Gogh's Gyoza Statue
Configuration: Rice, soup, kimchi, miso + 8 seasonal greens
Placement: Apply traditional table setting principles based on the yin and yang zodiac signs
1) Specialties for Ghost Guests → Advanced versions of ritual food (tang, red, herbs)
2) Seasonal dining → Use seasonal ingredients for the 24 seasons
3) Fresh furnaces and hotpots → Modern recreations of haute cuisine for courtly banquets
Behind the scenes of a drama: For the actual shoot, they used a special warming device to keep the food from getting cold, and IU even learned table manners from a court chef before the shoot!
2. 5 Del Luna-Style Recipes You Can Make at Home
We've broken down the show's sumptuous dishes into easy-to-make steps so you can recreate Del Luna's elegance at home - no special ingredients required!
🌟 Recipe 1: Braised Del Luna Short Ribs (4 servings, 3 hours)
📝 Materials
Main ingredient: 2 kg LA short ribs, 1 pear, 1 onion, 300 g radishes
Fruits/Nuts: 15 dates, 10 chestnuts, 1 carrot, 5 shiitake mushrooms
Marinade: 1 cup soy sauce, 4 Tablespoons sugar, 1/2 cup pear juice, 2 Tablespoons garlic, 1 Tablespoon ginger, 3 Tablespoons sesame oil
How to create 👩🍳
Step 1: Soak ribs in cold water for 3 hours to remove all blood
Step two: Grate pear and onion to make marinade and marinate chops for 2 hours
Step three: Place the ribs and veggies in the pressure cooker and cook for 40 minutes, then remove the lid to reduce the broth
Step four: Add 3 tablespoons of honey and sesame oil at the end for a glossy finish
🥗 Recipe 2: Moonlight Herb Trio (15 minutes each)
Spinach sprouts: Blanched spinach + garlic + sesame oil + sesame salt
Sprouts: Boiled bean sprouts + scallions + sesame oil + salt
Bellflower: We use bellflower + gochujang + sugar + sesame oil
🍲 Recipe 3: Courtly Miso Stew (30 minutes)
Unlike regular miso stew, the broth is boiled and the miso is strained through a sieve for a clear, clean flavor.
🥢 Recipe 4: Courtly Egg Rolls (20 minutes)
Add 8 eggs + carrots + scallions and roll slowly over low heat until tender and moist.
🌶️ Recipe 5: Del Luna Kimchi (Instant Version 20 minutes)
Salt the cabbage and season it with chili powder, garlic, ginger, and shrimp paste for a ready-to-eat crust.
3. How to get Korean ingredients abroad (+ substitutions)
A practical shopping guide for those living abroad or trying K-Food for the first time. For each ingredient, we'll show you where to buy it, along with local alternatives.
🌍 Global Korean food trends: As of 2025, the popularity of Korean dramas on Netflix has increased sales of Korean food ingredients by 3001 TP3T in 70 countries around the world. You can now find basic Korean food ingredients in most large grocery stores!
🛒 A guide to buying Korean food ingredients by country
🇺🇸 United States (USA)
Offline: H-Mart, 99 Ranch Market, Whole Foods (Asian section)
Online: Amazon Fresh, Weee!, Instacart
Major cities: LA, New York, Chicago, and Seattle have a number of Koreatown Marts
🇬🇧 United Kingdom (UK)
Offline: Wing Yip, Korea Foods, Tesco (World Food section)
Online: Seoul Plaza, Korea Center, Amazon UK
Features: Concentration of Korean grocery stores in London's Newmolden neighborhood
🇩🇪 Germany (Germany)
Offline: Asia-Markt, Go Asia, EDEKA (Asian Corner)
Online: Asiafoodland.de, Kokku.de
🔄 A guide to substituting local ingredients
Basic Seasoning Substitutions
Gochujang → Gochujang Sriracha + Miso + Sugar Blend
Miso → Miso Miso paste (Japanese miso paste)
Sesame oil → Sesame oil Sesame oil (available in Middle Eastern/Indian grocery stores)
Kelp → Kelp Kelp, Seaweed (Health Food Store)
Veggie alternatives
Chinese cabbage → Cabbage Napa cabbage, Chinese cabbage
nothing → nothing Daikon radish, White radish
Sesame Leaf → Basil leaves (different flavor, but similar aroma)
Chili Pepper → Korean chili flakes or Paprika powder
💡 Shopping tips: Save money by buying in bulk and freezing it all at once! Condiments like gochujang and miso will keep for over a year in the fridge once opened.
4. A Simple Look in 30 Minutes
This time-saving recipe is the perfect way to create an elegant, Del Luna-style meal on the go. The simultaneous cooking and make-ahead tips make it easy for everyone!
⏰ Time allocation strategy: 10 minutes prep + 15 minutes cooking + 5 minutes plating = 30 minutes total!
🚀 30-minute dress-up timeline
0-10 minutes: Concurrent preparation phase
1 minute: Start rice in the rice cooker (use pre-soaked rice)
2 minutes: Start boiling stock for miso stew
3-5 minutes: Blanch spinach + boil sprouts (in parallel)
6-8 minutes: Preparing kimchi and miso (using commercially available products)
9-10 minutes: Prepare your omelet ingredients
10-25 minutes: Full cooking phase
10-15 minutes: Finish the miso stew + chop the namul
15-20 minutes: Make an Egg Roll + Prepare a Simple Side Dish
20-25 minutes: Finish the main dish (mini braised short ribs or bulgogi)
25-30 minutes: Finish plating
25-27 minutes: Place settings (applying traditional principles)
27-29 minutes: Raise + Finish Garnish
29-30 minutes: Cutlery in place + ready to shoot!
⚡ Configure the SuperSpeed menu
Stocks: Electric Rice Cooker Rice + Instant Miso Stew (Upgraded Version)
4 side dishes: Spinach sprouts, bean sprouts, fried egg, kimchi
Main: Simple grilled or broiled fish
Jangryu: Miso, gochujang (in small bowls, serve pretty)
🎯 How to prepare for the weekend: Make three batches of sprouts on Sunday, refrigerate them, and on weekdays, you'll have a meal ready in 15 minutes! The sprouts will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
5. How to take beautiful Instagrams of your Del Luna table setting
Here's how to take Del Luna-style food photos that are trending on social media! We've broken down the secrets of professional food photographers into easy-to-follow steps for everyone.
📸 Basic shooting settings
💡 Mastering Lighting
Golden time: 10am-12pm, 2pm-4pm (optimal hours for natural light)
Window settings: 1-2 meters away from windows and out of direct sunlight
Auxiliary lighting: Mitigate shadows with white paper or a mirror on the opposite side
Interior lighting: Use an LED ring light + diffuser (3000K recommended)
📐 Angles and composition
Flatlay: 90-degree view from the top (showing the whole outfit)
45-degree angle: To highlight the main dish, add dimension
Side shot: Detail shots of tall food (stews, braised ribs)
Close-up: Focus on one special dish, emphasize texture
🎨 Styling points
How to use props
Background: Wooden table, Hanji paper, bamboo mat
Chopsticks: Wooden chopsticks > Stainless steel (warm)
Bowls: White porcelain, Buncheong ware (traditional feel)
Decorations: Small flowers, leaves (to create a sense of seasonality)
📱 Smartphone photography tips: Turn on the grid feature + set a timer for 2 seconds + shoot continuously to get the perfect shake-free photo!
✨ Calibration and hashtags
📱 Recommended calibration apps
VSCO: HB1, A6 filters (warm tones)
Lightroom: Exposure +0.3, Shadows +30, Saturation +20
Snapseed: Structure +20, HDR +30 (more detail)
🏷️ trending hashtags:
#HotelDeluna #Dining #KFood #Korean #HomeCooking #DelunaRecipes #Korean #Traditional #KoreanFood #HandmadeFood
6. Make vegan/halal versions of K-Food platters
This recipe is customized for our global audience with a variety of dietary restrictions. Create a Del Luna-style feast that respects individual dietary and religious beliefs while maintaining traditional flavors!
🌱 Global trends: As of 2025, 40% of international K-Food fans are vegan or have specific dietary restrictions. With inclusive Korean recipes, more people can enjoy K-Food!
🌿 A vegan version of Del Luna
🥩➜🍄 Main dish substitutions
Braised Short Ribs → Braised Mushroom Short Ribs
Material: 500 g King oyster mushrooms, 200 g Shiitake mushrooms, 200 g Enoki mushrooms
Seasoning: Soy sauce + vegan oyster sauce + maple syrup + garlic
Recipes: Mushrooms are torn into nodules like meat, marinated in spices, and braised.
🐟➜🌊 Cooking stocks and broths
Anchovy Broth → Kombu + Shiitake Mushroom Broth
Material: 10 g kombu kelp, 5 dried shiitake mushrooms, 1/2 onion
Recipes: Bring to a boil in cold water, steep for 30 minutes and strain
Flavor secrets: Add 1/2 tablespoon miso for extra flavor!
🧂 Condiments and seasonings
Salted Fish → Fermented Sauces
Shrimp → Shrimp Kombu Urin water + salt + plum juice
Anchovy Liquid → Shiitake mushrooms: water + soy sauce + miso paste
Oyster Sauce → Gulp Vegan oyster sauce (available at Asian Mart)
🕌 Halal version of deluna and hansangdae
🐷➜🐄 Meat Substitutions
Pork → Halal Beef/Lamb
Bulgogi: Use halal beef sirloin
Grilled Pork Belly → Grilled Pork Belly Halal beef short ribs or lamb
Stir-fry → Stir-fry Halal beef sliced thinly and cooked with the same seasoning
🍷 Alcohol substitutes
Culinary Alcohol → Natural Sweeteners
Cheongju → Cheongju Apple or pear juice (sweet and smooth)
Flavors → Flavors Grape juice + vinegar in a 1:1 ratio
Wines → Wine Grape juice + lemon juice + water
✅ Where to buy halal-certified ingredients
Online: Halal.com, IslamicFinder (search for halal foods)
Offline: Middle Eastern grocery stores, shops near Islamic community centers
Caution: Soy sauce and miso also need to be checked for halal certification
🤝 Inclusive cooking tips: When hosting vegan/halal guests, check dietary restrictions in advance and use separate cooking utensils to avoid cross-contamination. A thoughtful meal is the true K-Food spirit!
7. Frequently Asked Questions - Korean Food Trivia for Foreigners
Q1. Can I eat the whole meal by myself? It seems like too much.
A1. Of course! Traditionally, the Korean hansang was served for two, but nowadays it's also popular for one. It's perfectly normal to cut the portion in half, or to choose only 2-3 side dishes. The most important thing is that you enjoy it!
Q2. I have a hard time using chopsticks, can I use a fork?
A2. In Korea, many restaurants nowadays use both fork and knife, especially for noodles and stew, but spoons are more comfortable, so feel free to use your own.
Q3. Can I enjoy Korean food if I can't eat spicy food at all?
A3. Not all Korean food is spicy! Braised short ribs, miso stew, namul, and egg rolls are not spicy at all - just use soy sauce or miso instead of gochujang for a milder flavor.
Q4. Is there a special order of meals?
A4. There's no particular order! Koreans eat freely, but hot soup or stew should be eaten first, and cool namul or kimchi should be eaten as an appetizer.
Q5. Korean food ingredients are too expensive, is there a way to make them cheaper?
A5. Basic seasonings (soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic) are all you need! You can save a lot of money by using local vegetables instead of expensive ingredients, and by using frozen dumplings or instant kimchi.
Q6. Are there any etiquette rules I should follow when creating an outfit?
A6. In a formal setting, it's polite for the adult to pick up the cutlery first, but if you're a foreigner, don't worry too much about it - enjoying the food is the best form of etiquette.
9. Summary of references
This article is based on the following authoritative sources, each of which have been thoroughly vetted and selected as reliable sources.
📚 Key references
1) Hotel Del Luna - Wikipedia
A trusted encyclopedic source for official show information, including basic information about the show, characters, plot, and more.
2) Agri-Food Done Right - Serving Traditional Local Foods
This official site, operated by the National Institute of Agricultural Sciences of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Affairs, and Food, details the types and historical background of traditional Korean table setting.
3) Excellence in 'sit-down' food culture
A scholarly analysis of the spatial unfolding nature and cultural meaning of hansang dress.
4) 5 places to eat Korean fusion food with a twist
A foodie magazine that introduces trends and practical applications of modernized fusion Korean cuisine.
5) Table setting - Wikipedia
An encyclopedic resource that organizes the definition, types, and historical development of traditional Korean table setting.
💡 Material selection criteria: All sources cited in this article are verified information from government agencies, academic institutions, and authoritative media. In particular, when it comes to traditional Korean food, we prioritized public institutions such as the Korea Rural Development Administration to ensure accuracy.
🌟 Final thoughts: While we can't capture 1300 years of time like Hotel Del Luna's long moon, we can capture a meal shared with our loved ones, and we hope this Del Luna-style meal you've created today creates a special memory for you!
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