You are what you Eat

If you are what you eat…then Koreans are amazing and diverse! Korea has so much to offer, they can put their own twist on any “global” food, and they have many of their own fabulous national dishes and traditions.

Food in Korea is CHEAP!! In my first week I had to purchase most of my meals because I couldn’t cook. In Korea, it is possible to get a fresh and filling meal for less than 5 bucks. Whats more, is that Koreans are happy to deliver food to my work, even if there is only one order and the total is only $5. One of my first days at work I had a plate of sushi delivered to my work for about $7.00 (the same thing, in the states would cost at least $12).

Aside from being cheap, Korean food is an experience. My favorite is Korean BBQ. In many of these restaurants, you can only go in groups. Once you enter; you leave your shoes at the door, have a seat on the floor, and press the button on the table to page a waitor. The waitor brings hot coals to put in the table, and takes your order. Some places use a griddle-type device, and others use actual grills…one of the two is brought to the table with a plate of meat. You and your friends turn the meat and have a conversation as the meat cooks. The end result is DELICIOUS!! The other great part is that it is a community meal. Everyone grabs what they want and shares with their neighbor-it is a great way to eat a meal. (although not too different from my family’s Saturday morning breakfast routine!)

Another interesting thing about BBQ’s is that you can’t go and order a steak, a chicken breast, and some porkchops. Most of the BBQ places in Korea specialize in one type of meat. The restaurant’s specialty is usually written in Korean and displayed by some kind of graphic. For example: A pig with his ass on fire signifies a pork restaurant, whereas a cow sitting in a cauldron represents a beef restaurant. (I’m thinking this is very hand for muslims and hindus!)

Koreans are also famous for side dishes!! Any meal that I’ve ordered or sat down in a restaurant has included a minimum of 2 side dishes. These are usually brought in small white or stainless steel dishes. These are also shared with the group at the table-the larger the group, the more side dishes you are offered. The most popular dishes here are kimchi (spicy, fermented cabbage), pickled radishes, sprouts, beans, potatoes, peanuts, and many many others.

Of course, if I wanted I could still eat McDonald’s, Burger King, Domino’s, Baskin Robins. At McDonald’s I could get a BigM or ac or a Shrimp Burger and at Domino’s I can get Pepperoni or Bulgogi Pizza. Koreans have adopted many global favorites, but always offer their own twist on things-I can get my daily Café Latte from Starbucks or I can have a Sweet Potato Latte (which is delicious by the way!)

Food is a large part of culture, and I look forward to tasting more and more of what Korea has to offer!