In addition to its K-pop and K-drama phenomenon, South Korea has become a destination that many people want to see and experience for its unique cuisine. What makes Korean cuisine so significant and distinctive? Although a plane ticket to Korea is expensive, most people opt to sample the cuisine to quench their appetites, which arise whenever they witness the star of their favourite K-drama tucking into one of their native dishes. Let’s explore the incredible cuisine and take a little vacation to South Korea in today’s article.
South Korea is well recognised for its fantastic cuisine, which uses a lot of fermented products and isn’t scared of a little spice, from its well-known kimchi to its sweet rice cakes. Korean cuisine is flavorful and healthful and it is prepared with the use of culinary arts and ingredients influenced by Korean customs and culture. Understanding its significance helps you have a deeper understanding of South Korea’s cuisine.
Use of various seasonings
The key point to note is that Korean cuisine is known for its use of chilli and other spicy ingredients. As a result, most Korean dishes have a reddish hue and are spicy. This is a unique aspect of Korean cooking that contributes to the development of physical strength.
Rice is a must
Rice is a main staple of South Korean cuisine and the focal point of any Korean meal. When the rice is steamed and served before soup or side dishes, it should be sufficiently sticky. To ensure a balanced diet, side dishes with meat, fish, and vegetables are served in addition to the primary dish of rice.
Health with good food
One of the key tenets that South Korean medicine has long upheld for its unique ability to heal is ‘good food is good medicine’. The majority of side dishes in South Korea are composed of carbohydrates and protein and the cuisine also highlights their healthfulness.
Side dishes – the best thing about the meal
One of the best things about Korean cuisine and side dishes is that they are always complimentary when you order food at a restaurant. In keeping with the Korean custom of serving rich ingredients for visitors, the side dishes provide flavour and taste to the steamed rice to make every mouthful full of excitement and joy.
Basic seasoning
To get the true taste of Korean food, a generous amount of seasoning is needed. To season and flavour dishes, each cook uses a unique combination and ratio of these ingredients. Before you can successfully prepare a Korean meal using your own culinary talents, you must become knowledgeable about these flavours and how to maintain them.
Table manners
It should be noted that manners and etiquette are a unique aspect of Korean culture. Learn about its culture before you travel to Korea to sample your favourite cuisine.
- Elders are first served
- Say ‘I will eat well’
- Bowl, chopsticks, and spoon
- Eat calmly and chew throughout
- Pass food with both hands, pour to each other
The styles of food vary according to the climate, much like their delicious appearance. Every piece of Korean food is worth trying.
PHOTOS © JOSEPHINE REMO, WASHINGTON POST, TIMEOUT, BOOKMUNDI