Korean food is delicious. I had actually had it a few times in the States and I knew I would not have a problem with the food here. It is so good and it's pretty inexpensive, so add that to my lack of cooking ability and that equals to eating out and trying just about everything! Plus, what better way to immerse yourself in a culture than through the food? Also, I eat lunch with my students which is a great way to try a lot of different things.
Here's a little bit of information and then pictures!
Side dishes: Korean food has many side dishes. The side dishes can range anywhere from 2 to 12, but all meals feature at least a few. When you eat at a restaurant, various side dishes will come to you before your meal in small bowls and it can range from vegetables to meat to seafood prepared in a variety of ways. Korean dishes are all served at the same time (not separate as in the West). The side dishes are all served family-style in the middle of the table.
Rice: Rice is basically the backbone of all Korean meals. It is eaten with every meal which is good for me because I love rice.
Jjigae (Stews): Usually, each person will have their own bowl of soup or stew (the stews here are SO good!). The stews are thicker than soups and are usually served sizzling in a stone hotpot with plenty of spices. My mouth is usually on fire when I have the stews but it's worth it!
(The egg on top boils because the stew is so hot)
Kimchi: This is a cold, side dish which is served at nearly every Korean meal. It is generally made with pickled and fermented cabbage seasoned with garlic and red chilli. It can also be made from cucumbers, white radish and other vegetables. There are many different forms of kimchi. Kimchi is a favorite of mine and I've liked it since the first time I tried it back home. I was excited to see that it really IS eaten during every meal here.
Now for a few pictures....
One of my first meals! This was at a department store food court.
Street food! Good and cheap!
Ramen-type soup. I have this at a little place by where I live. PS: It costs about USD$ 2.00. Score!
Dumpling soup
Bibimbap (mixture of rice, vegetables, beef with an egg on top)
Korean BBQ! Another favorite!
My favorite jjigae: doenjang Jjigae (Fermented Bean Paste Stew)
Nakji Bokkeum (Stir-fried Baby Octopus)
More Korean BBQ...YUM
Okay so this one is actually Vietnamese Pho but I had to point out the octopus! It's yummy and not scary. (Side note: Since being here I've had Vietnamese, Indian and Thai food. I am mostly planning on trying as much Korean food as I can!)
I am getting better at using the chopsticks!
Bibimbap and Jjigae
Check out all of those side dishes!
YUM!
Korean BBQ: A lot of the food pictures are of Korean barbecue. These dishes are often prepared at the diner's table on gas or charcoal grills that are built into the center of the table itself. This is my absolute favorite!
I found this online and it explains it perfectly! :)
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