The cult of food among Koreans is such a relevant topic that’s why, when you meet a Korean, instead of a familiar to Ukrainians question “How are you?” you will hear “Have you eaten?”.
Most recently, several decent restaurants of Asian cuisine have been opened in the Ukrainian capital. My favourite place is Kim KimChi BBQ, and now it’s a conversation starter for those who attend Korean studies and guests of Kyiv who are talking about it at every corner.
At first, my friends and I decided to order samgyeopsal (삼겹살). The stove was built into the table, so while we were frying the meat ourselves, the waiter brought us banchans (a variety of side dishes for the main course). I also ordered another dish – a doenjang jjigae (됀장찌개). Before getting acquainted with Korean cuisine, I hated every type of meat except for chicken. But Koreans cook all kinds of meat so deliciously that I am ready to gulp beef, pork, and veal down.
Another restaurant where we went was Bon Juk. It is well known for its nice reviews, sophisticated atmosphere, and coziness. You have a chance to enjoy not only traditional Korean dishes but also try alternative meals for vegans, which is a significant advantage for my vegan friends.
By the way, the restaurant even has its supplier in Korea, so spices and food arrive directly from there. Once, the Korean Education Center in Kyiv organized its students’ graduation, so I had a chance to try a delicious Korean chicken, japchae, and other dishes of the Hanbok country back in 2019.
A chilli place – Arirang! I remember when I was looking forward to the moment when I eventually would go to one of the first Korean restaurants in the capital. At that time, my friend and I ordered the unknown dish bibimbap (비빔밥). The dishes were so big, and the number of side dishes on the table increased while we were talking, so it took us a long time to finish our meal. The waitress also brought a drink in a jug that is usually drunk with spicy dishes.
Eventually, I fell in love with Korean cuisine. When I tried it for the first time in 2019, it seemed that there was nothing special about it. Gimbap is similar to sushi rolls, ramen to doshirak, and nothing else. However, this year my friends and I started having Korean get-togethers and going to Kim KimChi as it’s our home.
Many people think that Korean cuisine is spicy and expensive, but not at all. In Ukraine, they adapt the level of spiciness to European cuisine, so it’s low.
TOP 5 dishes of Korean cuisine
* Kimchi is the best snack and my number one for any meat and rice.
1 – Bibimbap (비빔밥) is white rice, vegetables, and beef;
2 – Bulgogi (불고기) is marinated beef or veal;
3 – Doenjang jjigae (됀장찌개) is a soybean paste stew;
4 – Japchae (잡채) is a holiday snack with vegetables, mushrooms, and meat;
5 – Samgyeopsal (삼겹살) is the meat that can be wrapped in lettuce and go into a Korean paradise.
Journalist Viktoriia Holovach, English translation by Anastasiia Malakhova
0
