SDLC 110 Cultural Post #3

[Enzo Vargas]

I think a huge aspect of Korean culture or any culture in general revolves around the type of food they prepare and eat. I am a huge fan of Korean food and I eat it quite often here in Richmond and back at home. Much like language, a culture’s food provides a sense of identity and wholesomeness because it’s so unique among different cultures. I have tried a lot of different Korean dishes but there are still so many dishes I have yet to experience. There’s one dish in particular that I’ve been eyeballing for a while now but isn’t really offered in Korean restaurants in Virginia. The dish is called sannakji or “live” octopus. The octopus isn’t alive per say but is cut into pieces on the spot and the tentacles are still moving while the dish is served, making it appear as if it were still alive. There’s a risk in eating this food, however. The suction cups on the tentacles can and will suction to the walls of your throat if they aren’t chewed properly and will cause you to choke. People have died from this dish which is a reason why I’m so attracted to it. Aside from looking delicious, I enjoy that small thrill/danger that comes with eating the dish.