Buzz
1. Kimchi
Kimchi is a must-mention when it comes to Korean cuisine. It is hailed as the 'cultural legend' of the country. Over time, kimchi has become an indispensable dish in the Korean diet. Throughout its developmental history, Korea now boasts hundreds of different types of kimchi. However, the most famous remains the kimchi made from cabbage, with main ingredients being cabbage, chili powder, garlic, and various other spices. Many remember the distinctively spicy and unique taste of this dish after just one bite.
2. Gimbap - Seaweed-wrapped Rice Rolls
Gimbap (also known as Kimbap) has its origins in Japan, resembling Sushi to some extent. Made with rice and various ingredients rolled in dried seaweed, Gimbap is a popular choice for outdoor picnics, lunch meals, or outdoor events among Koreans.
3. Bibimbap – Mixed Rice
Bibimbap - Mixed Rice
Bibimbap is a visually enticing dish. Typically, a bowl of bibimbap should have at least 6 - 7 ingredients. The white of the rice, the yellow of the egg, the green of the vegetables, the brown of the meat... The vegetables are usually finely sliced cucumbers, carrots, spinach, and bean sprouts, with the option to add a bit of sesame leaves. The egg is either poached or fried along with thinly sliced meat (usually beef) marinated in finely chopped spices. All these ingredients are mixed thoroughly with chili sauce before eating.
4. Samgyetang – Ginseng Chicken Soup
Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup, Samgyetang, is a beloved dish, especially popular during the three hottest days (sambok) in Korea. Samgyetang is made from a whole young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, ginseng, jujube, garlic, and ginger. After stuffing the ingredients mentioned above, the chicken is tied with string and simmered in a stone pot for 40 - 45 minutes. Traditional ginseng chicken soup becomes a nutritious dish, adding vitality during the summer in the land of kimchi.
5. Hobakjuk – Pumpkin Porridge
Hobakjuk is a porridge made with mashed pumpkin, red beans, soybeans, and rice cakes. This Korean-style porridge stimulates appetite with its gentle sweetness and color. With low calorie content, Hobakjuk is an excellent choice for weight loss diets.
Hobakjuk can also serve as an appetizer for the main course. It is known to be very beneficial for health, especially for those with a history of gastrointestinal issues.
6. Naengmyeon – Cold Noodles
Cold noodles are not just simply noodles served cold; they are a category of noodles eaten during the summer season, distinguished from hot soup noodles called guksu jangguk, which are typically consumed in winter. Cold noodle varieties can be made with wheat or buckwheat noodles, served stir-fried or with broth, often accompanied by cooling ingredients like bean sprouts, cucumbers, boiled eggs, and fresh greens.
7. Soondubu Jjigae – Spicy Tofu Stew
Sindubu-jjigae is a spicy tofu stew with clams in a fiery broth. Soft tofu is made from soaked soybeans, dubbed the 'beef in the vegetable garden.' It's exceptionally tender and has a distinctive flavor.
8. Galbi – Grilled Ribs
Galbi – Grilled Ribs
Galbi refers to a variety of grilled rib dishes in Korean cuisine. Galbi typically consists of beef, pork, or chicken ribs marinated in soy sauce (kanch’ang) and grilled. When using beef ribs, it is also called 'sokalbi' or 'soekalbi'. If pork ribs or chicken ribs are used, it is called 'twaechi galbi' or 't’ak galbi'. However, because beef ribs are more commonly used, simply mentioning Galbi often implies grilled beef ribs.
Thanh Tú
(Compiled from the Internet)
