Cultural Post # 3
One of my favorite kinds of food is Korean Food not only because of how homey it tastes but the variety of dishes and soups. From the amount of time and effort needed for each dish to the healthy ingredients that are used. Korean food leaves you wanting more, sadly unless you live in California it is hard to get that "authentic taste".
Classic Stables
When you think of Korean food the first thing that may come to mind is Kimchi 김치 a dish that has over 100 variations almost anything can become kimchi 김치. From your basic cabbage kimchi that dates back to the Silla Dynasty almost 3,000 years ago, kimchi can be added to almost any dish or served as a side dish 반찬. The basic process of making kimchi 김치 is adding anchovy broth to our cabbage, salting them, and then add the chili paste sauce before finally fermenting it. This fermentation process is what allowed kimchi to stay alive for thousands of years no refrigeration was required and it could last for a longer time.
Side dishes 반찬 are also an important part of Korean culture and dinning as eating becomes more of a communal experience you get to try various small dishes 반찬 long your main platter.
Another classic is Bibimbap 비빔밥 which is the combination of those side dishes onto a rice base and then finally an egg on top, sometimes it is also served with beef tartare on top. This dish comes from the word 비비다 or mix which is that mix of side dishes 반찬, once again one of my most favorite dishes.
Convenience Store
Thanks to the hectic work-life and fast pace of Korean life the convenience store has become a staple place for busy people to quickly get a nice meal. Korean convenience stores are on an entirely different level: from a whole section dedicated to ramen, plentiful snacks, and fresh lunch boxes there are plenty of delicious options to choose from. To name a few convenience store chains there is 7/11, GS25, C U, and emart24. My favorite treat is the Samgak Gimbap 삼각김밥 which is a triangle-shaped rice ball with different kinds of fillings from butter lobster to spicy tuna these small treats will do a great job at keeping you full.
Street
Instagram has always showcased the wide variety of Korean Streetfood ranging from your basic western hotdog done so much better to tteokbokki a stable of Korean cuisine. A not as publicized hot spot would be "Drinking Tents" or 포장마차 which are small tents that serve alcohol along with incredible food know as anju or drinking food. These tents are also found around the streets and near schools, so students can stop by and get a quick portion of tteokbokki.may have a bad reputation occasionally for being dirty and unsanitary but the older ladies that run these shops take great pride in their food. If you ever visit Korea these are a must stop!
Replies
Hi Valentina! I think this is a really great cultural post. These three genres of food you mentioned in the post are the best representative of Korean food. I have tried the classic stables but I really want to visit Korea and try their food in Convenience Store. Samgak Gimbap is also my favorite! I have tried to make it by myself but I believe the one that they sell in the convenience store must taste much better than mine.