From the second I stepped off the plane in South Korea, I realized that food here is about way more than just being full. It’s a way to connect with people! In the U.S., I’m used to having my own separate plate, but here, many meals are "communal," meaning everyone eats from big dishes in the middle of the table.
Whether I’m grabbing a quick snack at a famous bakery in Daejeon or sitting down for a steaming bowl of soup that reminds me of home, the flavors here—salty, spicy and sweet—tell the story of Korea’s history and its love for fresh, local ingredients. Come along as I show you what’s been on my tray this week!
This week was a total flavor marathon! I tried jjimdak, which is a savory, braised chicken dish with glass noodles and vegetables (one of my favorites!). I also had bibimbap, a dish where you mix rice, veggies, an egg, and spicy sauce all together.
One of the coolest things I tried was tuna rice balls. At the restaurant, they actually gave us a plastic glove! We had to mix the tuna and rice ourselves and roll them into bite-sized balls at the table.
