Flavoursome Korean foods

In this present time, Korean Culture has made its way into the hearts of people all over the world. Nowadays, we can evidence Korean culture on the rise; the country’s film, television, pop music, and even series have made their way, be it the success of K-pop music, BTS culture, or K-dramas. But just like any other cuisine, the barrier to taste of Korean foods might stop at the unraveling of the various dishes in a Korean Cafe or a Restaurant.

Korean Cuisine also known as hansik; is known for its bold and spicy flavors with a variety of dishes ranging from soups and stews to grilled meats and vegetables. Korean food reflects a complex amalgamation of different cultural trends. Created from wheat rice, fermented veggies, and grilled meats, the flavors hold supremacy in Korean foods. If you are a foodie and want to try Korean Cuisine, but don’t know how to begin, here is a list of some Korean dishes you can add on to your “It-list”.

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PAJEON (해물파전)

Pajeon is a portion of popular street food and is often served as an appetizer or side dish in Korean restaurants. It is like a savory Korean pancake made with wheat batter like rice flour, and eggs. It is typically accompanied by a dipping sauce made with a mix of soya sauce, vinegar, and chilli pepper flakes. This dish is usually enjoyed with makgeolli, a traditional Korean rice wine, or soju a distilled spirit. Other ingredients in this dish include seafood or meat.

Just like any other cuisine the barrier to entry and having a taste of Korean foods might stop at the unraveling of the various dishes on a Korean Cafe or a Restaurant.

Soondubu Jjigae

Often served with a raw egg cracked into its hot stew, which cooks in the broth and adds richness and texture of the dish. Soondubu Jjigae is a popular Korean stew made with soft tofu, vegetables, seafood or meat and a spicy broth made from gochujang (Korean chilly paste) and gochugaru (Korean chili flakes). It is often eaten with rice and is a popular comfort dish. The tofu used in Soondubu Jjigae is usually softer and creamier than regular tofu. It is a hearty satisfying meal that is perfect for those cold winter days.

JAPCHAE NOODLES

Although you must have seen and eaten noodles in the past, but you probably didn’t know that noodles can be made from sweet potato starch and they can be sleek and slightly-see through noodles. Found in various Korean restaurants is made with sesame oil, beef, vegetables, and toasted sesame seeds for garnish. Japchae noodles are typically served as a side dish or a main dish.

BIBIMBAP (비빔밥)

This Korean Lunch bowl is a mixture of vegetables, rice, beef, and egg along with sesame oil and Korean Chili paste. The ingredients are usually arranged in a circular pattern on top of a bowl of rice. Bibimbap is a popular and nutritious meal that is enjoyed around the globe.

KALGUKSU (칼국수)

Kalguksu is a Korean noodle soup dish that is made with handmade, knife-cut wheat noodles and a savory broth. This dish can be enjoyed as a hearty meal on can also be served as a side dish. It is often garnished with sliced scallions, diced tofu, and vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots. It is a popular comfort dish in Korea, especially during cold months.

BINGSU (빙수)

Mango Bingsu is a popular Korean dessert that consists of shaved ice topped with fresh mango, sweetened condensed milk, and other toppings such as mochi, red bean paste, and sliced almonds. The shaved ice is light and fluffy and the combination of sweet mango and condensed milk creates a delicious and refreshing dessert. It’s the perfect dessert to enjoy on a hot summer day.

DOTORIMUK (도토리묵)

Dotorimuk is made from acorn, which are ground into a fine powder and mixed with water to form a jelly-like substance. It is often served cold with a soy sauce and a variety of toppings such as sliced vegetables, beef, or sesame seeds. Dotorimuk is known for its nutty flavor and chewy texture. No wonder it is popular dish in Korea.

AGUJJIM (아구찜)

Agujjim is a type of seafood that is made with saltwater fish (Agwi), similar to mackerel. Agujjim is typically served with steamed rice and banchan, which are small side dishes. The fish is marinated in a spicy sauce made with chilli flakes, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and other seasonings. The spicy marination gives the fish a bold, flavor and the dish is often enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish to share.

Trying Korean foods can be adventurous for one as it offers a wide variety of flavors, tastes, unique ingredients, and vibrant colors that are sure to excite your taste buds.

From the April 2023 issue of FHM India.