VI
EN
BBQ grilled meat (Samgyeopsal)
Koreans love meat. Grilled pork belly (Samgyeopsal-gui) is the most popular grilled meat dish here, a must-try for tourists visiting Korea. The plump slices of meat are marinated delicately and skillfully grilled over charcoal, resulting in juicy, flavorful pieces enhanced by the smoky aroma. Pork belly from Jeju Island's black pigs is considered the best pork in Korea.
Saba fish stew with radish (Godeungeo-jorim)
Korean braised Saba fish with radish is a common family dish, similar to Vietnamese braised fish dishes. Soy sauce and dried chili peppers are the two main ingredients that give this dish its flavor, as Koreans don't use fish sauce. Godeungeo-jorim has a sweet and savory taste from the fish and radish, mixed with a moderate salty and spicy flavor, making it quite appetizing with rice. This braised Saba fish with radish dish is especially suitable for meals on cold days.
Spicy seafood soup (Haemultang)
Haemultang, or spicy seafood soup, is one of Korea's traditional dishes, especially popular with tourists who appreciate authentic local cuisine. The soup's balance of spiciness and sweetness is combined with the delicate yet rich flavors of many fresh and nutritious seafood items such as blue crab, octopus, lobster, scallops, squid, clams, shrimp, and especially abalone. The deliciousness of Haemultang depends on the freshness of the ingredients. Besides seafood, the soup also includes various vegetables like mushrooms, bean sprouts, onions, chili peppers, and seaweed to enhance the flavor. Therefore, Haemultang is not only delicious but also extremely beneficial for health. Even on a cold day, after slurping down a steaming bowl of this seafood soup, you're guaranteed to feel warm and sweaty.
Bibimbap (mixed rice)
Bibimbap, or mixed rice, is probably a Korean dish that most Vietnamese people in major cities have had the chance to try before visiting Korea. Although easy to prepare, bibimbap is quite nutritious. The ingredients used in bibimbap can vary depending on the region, but the soul of the dish lies in the harmonious blend of those ingredients once mixed together. Bibimbap is a favorite dish among locals of all ages and social classes.
Shabu-Shabu hot pot
Shabu shabu is a dish originating from Japan, featuring thinly sliced beef dipped into a boiling broth. In Korea, Shabu shabu is typically served with vegetables including napa cabbage, nori (edible seaweed), shiitake mushrooms, enoki mushrooms, carrots, onions, and udon noodles. The broth of Shabu shabu is made from fish, giving it a light, sweet flavor without any fishy taste. Like many other Korean soups and stews, the broth of Shabu shabu has a hint of sourness from sesame seeds and a touch of spiciness from chili powder, resulting in a rich aroma and an appealing color.
Text and photos: Quynh Anh
