The Hidden Gem of Gimbab - A Dish That Connects Hearts

First comes kimchi, then comes kimbab. For those enamored with Korean cuisine, kimbab, or gimbab, is a must-know dish...

Many have tasted it, yet few know that it's not merely a common Korean dish, but one that carries the essence of affection within every bite.

Savoring Gimbab at Sochu

I'm Hoai, an office worker in a Korean import-export company in Ba Dinh. I visited Sochu Lang Ha on a mild sunny afternoon. Every year, our office gathers to indulge in Korean cuisine as a tradition, fostering camaraderie and relaxation for all.

While we usually opt for traditional Korean restaurants, this year, we chose Sochu for its proximity to the office and its tantalizing array of authentic Korean dishes.

Sochu, situated in Lang Ha, offers a stunning view and convenient location.

Given its popularity, we had to make reservations in advance. Once seated, our group delved into a traditional Korean barbecue buffet, starting with gimbap and concluding with soba noodles.

Sochu's traditional buffet table is truly eye-catching.

The controversial origin of Gimbab: a dish sparking debates.

Gimbab and Japanese Sushi share striking similarities, leading many to speculate its Japanese origin before it made its way to Korea during the Japanese occupation of Korea.

Gimbab was once referred to as 'just a Korean tune played on sushi'.

This dish originates from Futomaki (also known as sushi maki) – a Japanese rolled rice dish. The key difference with Gimbab is that all the ingredients inside are cooked, whereas Futomaki typically contains crab sticks or fish.

Some theories suggest that this dish has historical roots dating back to the wild days of Goryeo, with the earliest use of dried seaweed recorded during the Silla period. The practice of using seaweed to wrap rice is believed to have begun in China before spreading to Korea and then to Japan, where it evolved into sushi maki.

Both China and Japan claim to be the birthplace of Gimbab.

“Kim” refers to dried seaweed, and “bap” simply means rice. The term “kimbab” translates simply to “rice wrapped in seaweed”. While both sushi maki and kimbab use sheets of seaweed of the same size, sushi maki is typically cut into 6 pieces, whereas kimbab is cut into 12 slices.

Rainbow Gimbab dish makes its appearance right from the start of the Sochu grilling party table

Kimbab – A dish of love and affection

It's no coincidence that Korean girls often make kimbab for their beloved boys, and it's also no coincidence that this dish is so colorful. In Korea, Gimbab is a commonly eaten dish every day, not only because it's simple and quick to make but also because of its vibrant colors.

Up to 70% of the ingredients for Gimbab filling are various vegetables, hence, this dish brings a light and refreshing feeling without being too heavy. Gimbab is present in almost every Korean meal, from family dinners to picnics, lunch, or snacks alongside kimchi or danmuji.

A delicate piece of Gimbab not only keeps your stomach from growling before indulging in the grilled dishes at Sochu.

The essence of Gimbab lies in white rice mixed with a hint of salt and sesame oil, unlike the vinegar-flavored rice for sushi maki. The filling inside is made from common ingredients easily found in any Korean market. Thus, if kimchi represents traditional Korean cuisine, then Gimbab epitomizes a more down-to-earth and familiar Korea.

Gimbab at Sochu - A dish that embodies a down-to-earth and familiar Korea.

Due to its familiarity, people often bring Gimbab for picnics together or pack them in lunch boxes as a heartfelt gesture from the maker to the eater.

Gimbab, a delightful dish, leaves one feeling both satisfied and light, its vibrant fillings akin to a rainbow, always bringing joy as recipients feel the love and genuine care behind this simple yet heartfelt gift.

Aside from kimchi and Tobokki, Gimbab reigns as the most featured dish in Korean films.

That's why whenever dining out with colleagues for Korean cuisine, Gimbab is a must-have, symbolizing unity even with just a bite or two per person, conveying a message of solidarity within the company.

Thu Hoài

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