"Cheese" is the tune we sing to bring out the "great white" when posing in a picture. Similarly, Koreans also reach for their big smiles with the call of one of their very own home grown dishes - "Kimchi" (or Gimchi). Kimchi is to Koreans, as what Pap (and bread) is to South Africans. Its a spicy cabbage (reddish in colour from the red pepper powder used to season it). It is served as a side dish at almost every meal, alongside its fellow companion, Mr (sticky) Rice. I don't particularly enjoy the taste of Kimchi myself but this is probably caused by the fact that I have a specific idea of how cabbage is suppose to taste and I just can't seem to break through that wall. I'm not the only one who feels the same way. A good friend of mine jokingly dubbed it as Korea's natural disaster.
But don't be disheartened, there are plenty of local dishes that are incredibly delicious and full of flavour. I have particularly become fond of a rice dish called "Bibimpap". It starts with sticky rice in the centre of the bowl, then it is toppled with an assortment of colourful vegetables placed in a circle around the rice and as the cherry on top - a sunny side egg. For a meaty taste, some restaurants may add shredded beef with the concoction of vegetables, always a pleasant surprise. Like a four year old, you disrupt this picturesque arrangement by taking a spoon (and/or chop sticks) and mixing it all up. Delightful.
Soup is also a firm favourite amongst Koreans. Most families serve soup with their meals everyday, winter and summer alike. The soups are not as creamy and rich as what I am used to back home, but that also makes them far more healthier. They are generally vegetarian friendly too.
I do find food is more expensive here than at home, especially fruit, but still affordable. This, however, does not hold necessarily true to dining out. Grocery shopping requires much effort on my part. I'm still surprised that I spend twice the time at the supermarket here than at Pick n Pay but come home with less than half the number of products. Trying to figure out the products can take a while. I often have to shake the packet around or look for fine print which if Im lucky may be in English. International branding does help, even without my Konglish, I can always find my Activia yoghurt.
Food is such an integral part of a country's culture and Koreans really take their food seriously. Simple meals turn into feasts because of all the complimentary side dishes that accompany the meal. The portions are generous yet you seldom feel like sleeping after eating from over indulgence. Yes, they eat fried foods, but overall, the local cuisine has plenty health benefits and best of all the people are knowledgeable about these benefits. Every time I have been reluctant to eat something, I am quickly reminded of this and I immediately surrender.
Food is as much a part of the journey as any sightseeing you can do. It gives you so much more insight about a country's culture and its people. Dining out in Korea (whether eating local cuisine or "western" food) can also be in adventure but more on that later.
Final thoughts:
"If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home" - James Michener
