“Food brings people together on many different levels. It’s nourishment of the soul and body; it’s truly love.” – Giada De Laurentiis.
Food has always been the key element in influencing social bonds, strengthening families, friends and communities. Over food people share thoughts and create emotional connections.
In recent times with the popularity of K-Drama on rise, different cuisine of South Korea contributed to culinary tourism for the country. The viewers wants to know the cultural, traditional and local food, an average Korean eats.
Here are some notable cuisines that are featured in K-Dramas.
Kimchi :
Kimchi has been a part of Korean cuisine for centuries.
It is a traditional fermented vegetable dish, originally made with Napa cabbage and Korean radish, seasoned with chilli pepper, garlic, ginger, and fish sauce.
Many dramas show preparing Kimchi as, communal activity (kimjang) where families and neighbours get together to prepare large quantities of kimchi for the winter.
Varieties:
Baechu Kimchi: The most common type made with Napa cabbage.
Kkakdugi: Made with cubed radish.
Oi Sobagi: Cucumber kimchi, for summers.
Nabak Kimchi: A watery, mild kimchi made with radish and a variety of vegetables.
Chonggak Kimchi: Also known as “ponytail radish” kimchi.
Bibimbap:
A Bibim means “mixing” and bap is cooked rice. So its a bowl of warm white rice topped with sautéed or blanched seasoned vegetables and chili pepper paste (gochujang). Egg and sliced meat (usually beef) are common additions, stirred together thoroughly just before eating.
Tteokbokki:
The most popular street food, liked and relished by everyone, Tteokbokki, the rice cake dish has its own fan base. Sautéed in Gojuchang and sprinkled with sesame Tteokbokki never fails to catch attention.
Ramyeon (Instant Noodles):
For its convenience and simplicity Ramyeon is a household name in Korea. It isn’t only a quick meal or a late-night snack but a sublte way to express romantic interest in different dramas.
Hot Pot:
As the name indicates, Hot Pot is a mix of vegetables, noodles, fish and meat in a pot with the lid.
Black Bean Noodles:
Korean black bean noodles are made with black bean-paste (called chunjang). This paste is made from flour, soybeans, caramel and fermented. Along with the paste, onion, zucchini and pork are sautéed and mixed with a cornstarch slurry and water to create a gravy-like consistency that coats the noodles.
Rolled Omellett:
Beaten eggs mixed with finely diced vegetables, mushroom, processed meat, cheese and salt.
Sprout Bean Salad:
It’s a super easy and simple salad with nutty savoury flavour.
Its ingredients are soy beans sprouts with onions, garlic, sesame oil and salt.
Haejang-guk(Hangover Soup):
Haejang-guk popularly known as Hangover Soup. Soup is made with Napa cabbage, vegetables and meat. It replenishes the electrolyte,essential nutrients and hydrates the body.
Porridge:
Korean rice porridge is a common breakfast recipe. Cooked with shredded chicken, tender grains of rice and finely minced vegetables. This warm and deeply satisfying dish is best for a light meal.
Seaweed soup:
Traditionally the soup symbolizes and honors the goddess, Samsin Halmoni who helps women through pregnancy and childbirth.
People in Korea eat Seaweed soup on their birthdays in honor of their mother for giving birth to them.
Gimbaps:
Korean Gimbaps are made with the layer of cooked rice with vegetables, meat and fish, all rolled in dried seaweed sheets. Served in bite size slices.
Food plays an important role in building relationships by bringing people together. It not only builds up the body but nourishes the soul.
