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I HOPE YOU HAVE ENJOYED the vicarious experience of traveling through Korea. Often times, it is through food and a culinary tradition that one can get the best sense of a people and their culture. As the famous chef, Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin reportedly noted, “Tell me what you eat, and I’ll tell you who you are.” We are lucky to live in a time in which we have access to a global pantry and a wide knowledge of various cuisines throughout the world. Korean food is a unique and hearty contribution to the world stage, a relative newcomer to the American market but a quickly growing standard.
Korean food is also healthy and vibrant, a break from the usual American meal, with its predominantly spicy and fermented flavors. With its emphasis on balance and in utilizing all five tastes, this kind of cooking is as intriguing as it is healthy—and, most recipes are quite simple to make at home, even without access to a specialty market.
The Korean meal is meant to be shared, family style, and brings people around the table to enjoy a meal together—a fading tradition that deserves a revival. With a pot of stew or a plate of grilled meat, some rice, kimchi, and a handful of banchan, you can explore a whole new world with your loved ones. Don’t forget the tea and cakes!
