The Days of a Silly and Ordinary Girl! :D: October 2017

[Food Review/Recommendation] What to Eat in South Korea! | Part 2 : Meals (1)

By Lasmarya Hadi Purwanto - October 31, 2017

How was the first part?

Did it look tempting enough? :d

Bear a lil bit more, cause the part 2 is here! *YEEEEY *cheering sound effect : on

This time the recommendation comes in the "MEALS" category, which portions are big enough to make you full, usually served with rice or noodle (read: ramyeon), suitable for lunch or dinner and best eaten with friends. Yes, note plural form of "friends" here.

We found that the servings of the meal in South Korea were quite big for us. And there's a common unspoken courtesy which is to order based on the number of people present. So, as an example, like for the four of us, it would be slightly impolite if we order only two meals (or at least one big meal with serving enough for only two people). The thing is, the portion itself is too big for us, that ordering one meal per person would be too much.

A lot of time, we were looking at each other whenever we were about to make an order in the restaurants, sneakingly asking one another (in foreign language) whether we would be able to finish them or not, yet we were also afraid that it would make bad impression to the waiter or waitress to order only a few. (I often wonder, how could the Korean eat so much, yet appear so slim most of the time??? Maybe I should live there, and see whether I can do it too? Hmmm)

So the TIPS is, bring more friends so that they can help you finish the meal, haha, and when you have company, lunch and dinner won't feel that lonely anymore, 'ait? LOL

Attention: This tips only works for those who can't finish one portion of meal alone, but if you think you are capable of doing that, why not? :)

Should we get started?

DAK-GALBI

or Korean Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken

As the name suggests, it's diced chicken marinated in gochujang (Korean chili pepper paste) sauce stir-fried in a large iron pan with sweet potatoes, cabbage, tteok (ricecake), onions, scallions and perilla leaves. I put it in the top of the list, cause I really don't want you to miss it out! This is definitely a must in Korea.

A week before our flight to Seoul, I met an American foreigner, who happened to be in Medan, (thru my friend's Couchsurfing), and he was an English teacher in Seoul for a year. I asked him, "What is the very top "must-eat" in Korea?" His only answer was "Dak-Galbi!" He strongly recommended it to me, saying that I should really have a try, and that it's easy to find anywhere in Seoul.

I was a bit skeptical at first, haha, since he's Western, and we're Eastern, we might not have the same preference after all. But turns out, it is indeed qualified for the title "DIE-DIE-MUST-EAT" !

(before stir-fried)

The serving below was actually for two people, we thought we wouldn't finish it if we order too much, but it was so GOOD, that we wanted more and more, even ended it with stir-fried rice over the remaining sauce. It's lip-licking GOOD!

If you notice from the photo above, there's an empty spot encircling the main pan, it is for mozzarella cheese, guys! Check the cut below taken from the day 3's vlog! We were so busy digging in that we didn't take photos of it anymore once it's ready to serve :D

(after stir-fried, the whole stir-fried process was done on the table in front of us)

Price: Dakgalbi for two + fried rice, total KRW 22,500

Where to find:

Yoogane (Busan) - the one we tried and highly recommend

10, Yongso-ro 13 beon-Gil, Busan, South Korea

this outlet is located not that far from Gwangan Daegyo, or Diamond Bridge

It also has a lot of outlets all over Seoul, that it won't be difficult at all to find them. It even has two outlets in Myeongdong:

a. 3-1 Myeong-dong 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul

Directions: Take Subway Line 4 to Myeong-dong Station (Exit 8). Make a left and continue for 250 meters to reach the restaurant on the right.

b. 13, Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul 04537, South Korea

(which is said to be located just down the street from one another)

Yoogane's Myeongdong outlets location info: theseoulguide

CHINESE FOOD : JAJANGMYEON, JJAMPONG, AND TANGSUYUK

If you are a Korean drama or Korean variety show fans, I'm pretty sure you have ever heard at least two of the names below:

Jajangmyeon or Black Bean Sauces Noodle, basically a noodle dish topped with a thick black sauce made of chunjang (춘장, a salty black soybean paste), seafood (the most common version is served with diced pork), and vegetables. This dish has a sweet salty taste, the kind that can make you feel full easily. So, if you are eating alone, make sure not to order too much. Price: KRW 7,000

Another tips: After eating, always wipe your mouth and check again in the mirror as the black sauce can mess up your face, especially when you ate with a lot of eagerness. XD
Jjampong or Korean Spicy Seafood Noodle Soup, is another noodle dish served with red spicy broth flavored with gochutgaru (chili powder) and squid, mussels, onions, garlic, cabbage, carrot and Korean zucchini. Honestly, I like this one better than Jajangmyeon, as Jajangmyeon can be too sweet after several bites, but Jjampong has this refreshing spicy kinda taste, and the soup is also not as thick as Jajangmyeon, which makes me keep scooping for more. Price : KRW 8,000

Dwaeji Tangsuyuk or Sweet Sour Pork, which is crispy fried pork (variations with beef or chicken is also available) coated with thick sweet and sour sauce, added with some slices of carrots, cucumber, pineapple, onions and some green beans. This is also another favorite of mine! In Indonesia, especially Medan, we have the same dish too, with the same name, also served in Chinese-themed restaurant, but served with fish. And turns out, the sauce goes well with simply anything. :d Price: KRW 18,000

Danmuji or (Yellow) Korean Pickled Radish, is a big favorite of us. This is a "must" side dish besides kimchi in almost all Korean restaurants. It has this addictive sweet, fresh, a bit sour taste and on top of it all, the crunchiness, hmmm so yummy!! Sometimes, when we had finished our meals, we could even stay in the restaurant just to have more danmuji for snacking to accompany our chitchat.
Where to find: Any Chinese restaurant in sight. Price: KRW 0 aka FREE! :D
The one we had was at the Chinese Restaurant next to the entrance of Haedong Yeonggu Temple, as mentioned in day 3's travel diary.

JJIMDAK

Jjimdak or Korean Braised Chicken, as the name comes from Jjim 찜 (braised or steamed) and Dak 닭(chicken). It is bite-sized chicken marinated in a flavorful mixture of ganjang (Korean soy sauce), oyster sauce, rice wine with various of vegetables and glass noodle. There are several versions of Jjimdak depending on the region it comes from and the ingredients used, but the most famous one is the Andong Jjimdak.
We couldn't find the famous Yeolbong Jjimdak outlet in the Hongdae area, so we decided to look for "Wicked Jjimdak" which was recommended by the patrolling Tourist Information Assistant.
"Wicked Jjimdak" actually serves a more modern version of Jjimdak, that has thicker gravy with additional cheese and mayonnaise as modification, which in fact tasted quite good too. It has this tasteful combination of sweet, savory and a bit of spicy flavor to it, with the soft glass noodle and chicken, it easily became one of our favorites. :d

(more footage of Wicked Jjimdak can be seen in day 5 travel diary!)

Just like Yoogane, we can also order a bowl of seasoned rice (with seaweed, some spices, and corn) which smells so good and tastes even better when mixed with the remaining gravy on the plate. :d:d *drooling

Price: total KRW 35,000

1 portion of Jjimdak - KRW 31,000 (enough for four of us)

2 bowls of rice - @KRW 2,000

Where to find:

마녀찜닭 Wicked Jjimdak (Hongdae)

364-16 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea +82 2-3144-3899

or maybe try some other recommendations from the internet as listed below:

봉추찜닭 Bongchu Jjimdak (Hongdae)

361-9, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea +82 2-323-9381

안동찜닭 New Andong Jjimdak (Myeongdong)
2-22 Myeongdong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

MANDU

namely Korean dumpling, or Gyoza in Japanese or Jiaozi in Chinese, is minced meat and chopped green onion fillings wrapped into a thin rolled piece of dough. There are steamed, fried and grilled versions of Mandu. But the best one, (based on my personal opinion), is still the steamed one, especially the sensation when it pops in your mouth when you bite it, right at the moment when the scrumptious warm juicy ground meat melt onto your tongue, it's just like you are bombarded with a burst of flavors which are sooooo heartwarming.

The best place to have the authentic taste of Korean dumpling in Seoul will be this very one place called Myeongdong Kyoja, also specializing in handmande Kalguksu or noodle soup. The Kalguksu itself is super delicious with the rich broth, and texture-perfect noodle. Both the soup and the mandu are killers! Must-try!

Tips: The queue can be quite long, but the service is also fast, so you'll get a table pretty soon, but we're also expected to eat fast too as to give way to the next customers.

Mandu (10 pcs) - KRW 10,000

Kalguksu - KRW 8,000

Price: Total KRW 18,000

- Mandu or Dumplings KRW 10,000

- Kalguksu or Noodle Soup KRW 8,000

Where to find:
Myeongdong Kyoja (명동교자)

29, Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (Myeong-dong 2-ga)

Well, I first planned to fit everything in one single post, but after some consideration, I think it would be too long for a blog entry, sooo I decided to divide the "Meals" category into another two parts. Really sorry guys, that it took quite a while now and I promise to finish the final part real soon. So, stay with me, for more recommendations? :)

And since it's still 31st October, HAPPEE HALLOWEEN GUYSSSSS! *pumpkin*
It's really spooky working on your own blog about all these foods in the middle of the night and you heard your stomach GROWLING! XD

xoxo

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Foodie

[Food Review/Recommendation] What to Eat in South Korea! | Part 1 : Snacks/Fast Food

By Lasmarya Hadi Purwanto - October 19, 2017

So, hi! hi!

Since the #SouthKorea series is now done, I'm thinking of sharing some recommendations based on our experience as first timers in South Korea. Though we hadn't explored that much, (you can check the complete travelogues in the "Travel" menu!) and this is totally my personal opinion, I really do hope that it'll be some kinda help for any of you who're planning to visit Seoul, or maybe Jeju or Busan in the near future. So, are you ready to indulge your eyes and tummy for some #foodporn?? O.O XD

Attention! : This list is made to suit the winter-almost-spring kinda weather, so we mostly looked for warm and spicy foods, which means, Patbingsu (Red Bean Shaved Ice) or 32 cm ice-cream won't make it into the list.

치킨 or KOREAN FRIED CHICKEN

Forget KFC!

Yes, the Kentucky Fried Chicken that you and I know!

Because in this land, Fried Chicken is taken to another heavenly level!

This one effortlessly earns its position at the top as it tastes nothing like any fried chicken that I've ever had! It's on a whole different level! The sauce, the texture, the crunchiness, everything just fits perfectly!

"Chi-maek" is a well-known phrase for the youngsters and adults in South Korea as they usually enjoy the fried chicken accompanied by some beer. "Chi-" comes from "Chi-cken" while "-maek" is from "Maekju" or Beer in Korean. Oh, and one more thing, the fried chicken is not sold per piece like what we have here in Indonesia, they sell it "half-half", (a whole chicken served with two different kinds of sauces) or "whole" (with only one sauce for the entire chicken). The price generally ranges from KRW 16,000-20,000 (boneless chicken usually costs around KRW 2,000 higher than the ones with bones) with no delivery fee.

There are various outlets all over Korea that serve this delicacy, such as BHC 치킨, Kyochon, Hanchu and one that we tried and fell in love with, NENE CHICKEN! So, it definitely won't be difficult to spot one in any crowded area.

as seen in day 1

DELI MANJOO

If you notice, all through our travel diary, we kept having this Deli Manjoo as our "to go" snack. It started out as a mini, soft corn shaped cake filled with delicious custard, which turned out to be a big hit and now it has also added the red bean paste + walnut filling to the menu. We love Deli Manjoo so much that almost every time we saw the stall in subway stations, we stopped to buy some. It's really convenient to take around, and when it's eaten warm, the filling inside tastes sooo delish, like it melts in your mouth, aihhh, I'm licking my lip as I'm describing it. Probably one of the reasons why it tastes so good when eaten in the chilly weather is that it is simply like a homemade snacks, nothing fancy but heart-warming enough.

Deli Manjoo can be found in most subway stations, price ranging from KRW 2,000-5,000.

Another fascinating thing about Deli Manjoo's stall is that it has its own patented machine set up behind the transparent glass wall next to the counter which allows customer to watch the whole baking process done automatically. Yes, automatically, the workers only need to pour in the dough to a container and the machine will do the rest. How cool is that??

The ones we bought: Corn (7 pcs) - KRW 2,000 and Red Bean + Walnut (8 pcs) - KRW 3,000.

SSAN NAK JI (RAW OCTOPUS)

Okay, so how could the raw octopus make it into the list? Isn't it scary? Disgusting?
Well, to be honest, I'd always been curious of how it tastes all this while that I planned to have a try once I was in Korea, but when I was told that I could die eating that, because it might suffocate me, it might get stuck in my throat and cause difficulty breathing, that it's dangerous, I freaked out.
But, when we're in Gwangjang Market, I somehow gained my courage back, maybe because my friends were so eager about it, that I was infected too, or maybe because I heard Christian Grey's voice whispering to my subconsciousness as he said,"Most of your fear is in your head." LOL
Seriously, it's not that bad. Yeah, it's literally still moving after it's chopped, and it's also still moving when you pick it up with your chopstick, even when you put it into your mouth. But, it really didn't even taste bad, it's not fishy, and when you dip it into the red sauce, it tasted like Chuka Idako or Baby Octopus in the usual Japanese restaurant. So, it's not bad at all, and I'm happy that I did have a try of it. (I'm happy that Christian Grey came out at the right time! ROTFL #loh #meeeh #rollingeyes)
I'm telling you that it's really worth. You, SHOULD try it out too.
I'm wholeheartedly wishing that we have the technology of "live" photos like the ones in Harry Potter, (not like gif., I want the photos in which the figure can come alive and talk, just as the Fat Lady painting in front of the Gryffindor's dorm, and all the pictures hanging all along the stairs in Hogwarts) so that I can show you the appearance of the octopus when it's served to us. But, worry NOT, cause I have it secured in our day 6's vlog. Go check out the footage. :)

Where to find:
Any market with food stalls, which usually also sell Tteokbokki, Kimbab, Sundae etc.
Tips: Look for stalls with aquarium and live octopus swimming in it!
Price: KRW 15,000
The one we had was in Gwangjang Market (near Dongdaemun)
Directions: [subway]
Jongno5-ga Station (Seoul Subway Line 1), Exit 8
Euljiro 4-ga Station (Seoul Subway Line 2 & 5), Exit 4

MARKET FOOD : TTEOKBOKKI/RICECAKE, KIMBAB/RICE ROLL, ODENG/FISHCAKE, FRIED CHILLI PEPPER

I put them all under the same category, as you can usually find all of them in one place. In other words, the kiosk that sells Tteobokki or Odeng, generally sells the others in the picture too. So, there's no fuss ordering from several different stalls, and you can enjoy them altogether. Needless to say, these are the typical Korean local food that you should try if you are a first-timer to Korea. I know that they are sold globally now, and they are available in supermarkets, and there are also a lot of Korean restaurants which serve these food, but I still think it's the best to try it right at the homeland, it just has different feeling, maybe more authentic?

You can easily find them, they are almost everywhere, but from our experience, we mostly come across them in markets.

Price ranging from KRW 2,000-5,000.

The total cost for the ones in the photo below was KRW 12,000.

STREET FOOD

It is a no doubt that you'll always have to try street foods whenever you're travelling, especially when there are so many options to choose, with each one of them looking so tempting, it's definitely a big NO to miss out. Skip dinner once and spare some space in your tummy to fill in with these mouth-watering snacks, ranging from KRW 1,500 - 5,000. The stalls can easily be spotted in most busy streets like Myeongdong, Hongdae, Ewha Univ. even in Busan International Film Festival area.

Street food to try:
Gyeran Bbang or Egg Bread (KRW 1,500): a kind of soft bread topped with egg and filled with boiled egg yolk inside;
Goguma Mattang or Candied/Caramelized Sweet Potato (KRW 3,000 per cup) : honey-glazed sweet potato, best eaten when it's warm, when it has cooled down, it usually becomes harder to chew;
Dakbal or Chicken Feet, stir-fried with torched Mozzarella on top (KRW 5,000);
Fried Shrimp or Tempura;
Bungeo-ppang or Carp Bread: fish-shaped bread stuffed with red bean paste (KRW 3,000);
and many moreeeeeee.

Tips: Bring your friend(S) (plural if possible!) when you embark on the "street-food tasting journey", and share with them, that way you won't get full too early, and you will still be able to have a taste of more various choices of food. Not to mention that it will cost less money to you and your friend! psst, it also won't make you look so lonely eating alone in the middle of a crowded street. XD

My college friends once taught me that when I'm travelling, I should make a visit to some of the fast food chains, either local or international ones, as they usually serve different kinds of menu in every country. I did this several times when I was abroad, and I found out that it is truly an amazing tips! (well, yeah, for a big eater like me, yes, it is amazing!). I've tried KFC Ayam Kicap Meletup only sold in Malaysia, McD's Taro Pie in Beijing, McD's Banana Pie and Banana McFlurry in Melaka, and KFC's aromatic spiced fried chicken in Bangkok (I don't know the name as I don't speak and read Thai LOL). And this is also one of the reasons why I put these Korean local (now, growing globally) fast food chains into the list:

LOTTERIA

Although Lotteria is known to be a subsidiary of Lotte, a company founded by a South Korean businessman, it was first established in Tokyo, years before it found its way to its homeland, Seoul. Lotteria's most popular menu includes hamburger, cheeseburgers, fries, chicken wings, and other typical fast food items, and it is also famous for inventing the first shrimp burger in Japan. It has now spread throughout East Asia and opened its franchises in some countries in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia.
As I opted for authentic taste of Korea, I ordered the Bulgogi Burger, which tasted so so good. Marinated well, tender and juicy meat, slightly sweet, soft bread, fresh vegetable, added with the feeling that you're eating it in the home of Bulgogi, what else could you ask for? Haha
If you are a cheese lover, you can choose Hash Brown with Mozzarella burger, like Fiona, and look at that melted cheese and hash brown stacked so mouth-wateringly *drooling, I'm not a cheese-lover myself, but just looking at the burger made me hungry. XD
Price a la carte: KRW 3,400-5,000 per burger
Set menus are also available.
Where to find: all over South Korea (airports included)

ISAAC TOAST

Last but not least, Isaac Toast!

Isaac Toast, namely the most popular Korean breakfast toast in Seoul, is living its hype with over 700 retail stores established in South Korea alone and has also expanded internationally with branches in Macau, Hongkong and Taiwan.

Isaac Toast earns its fame by its simple but satisfying menus, and I can tell you that I've confirmed it myself. Though it may look really simple, just like a usual sandwich, it can be pretty addictive once you give it a try.

Reasons why you should have Isaac Toast for breakfast (a piece of happiness to kick off your day sounds pretty good, right?):

First, it is freshly made in front of you. Yes, you can see the whole process from butter-frying the bread (they don't put the bread into toaster!), stacking the cheese, veggies, fried egg, and meat, adding the sauce, wrapping the sandwich, and finally presenting it to you. (You can check some footage of it in the day 7's vlog )

Second, it is said that most of Isaac Toast's ingredients are made from their own secret recipe, including the bread, patties and even the special honey sauce. I guess these account for its very appetizing sandwiches.

Third, they have almost everything you want for a fulfilling breakfast: sandwich, coffee, and juice with lots and lots of choices available, starting from ham, bacon, shrimp, chicken, bulgogi, bulgalbi, potato, you name it! With drinks ranging from coffee and tea served hot, to juices served with ice.

Fourth, Isaac Toast is very famous, that most of the times you can see a lot of people queuing, but fret not, cause the Ahjummas can serve really fast, so it will be your turn very soon.

Fifth, it is really affordable, with price ranging from KRW 2,000-3,400 for sandwiches and around KRW 3,000 for each juice.

Sixth, the top reason among all, the TASTE! As I've said in the day 7's travel diary, and I'm quoting again (like I can quote myself? Whatever! Haha), this is literally one of the best toasts I've ever had in my life. The perfect crunchiness of the bread, the generous amount of butter, the seasoned well bulgalbi (barbequed beef steak), the fresh veggies, the soft fried eggs, the sweet sauce, a little bit of spiciness from the chili sauce, aihhh, everything tastes so heavenly! Food-gasm alert! Definitely worth its hype!

photo taken from : Happiebb

Where to find:

It is not difficult to find an Isaac Toast stall all around Seoul, especially in crowded areas, all you need to do is to spot the red and white theme logo.

Attention!

Most of Isaac Toast's outlets are for take-outs, and only some have dine-in service, but with not so spacious size. So, don't expect too much that you'll get a seat. The sandwiches is really convenient to be eaten on the go, so I'm sure that won't be much problem. But if you really hope to find one where you can have a seat and enjoy, you can try to look for its Hongdae branch that faces the Hongik University entrance:

Isaac Toast Hongdae

93, Wausan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul 04040, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 333 2492
Opening Hours: 8:00am – 10:00pm (Mon – Fri), 9:00am – 10:00pm (Sat – Sun)

Isaac Toast (Hongdae) - the one that we had

43 Jangchungdan-ro 13-gil, Euljiro 6(yuk)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

p.s.: It is in an alley, so you'll need to be careful not to walk pass it.

Isaac Toast Myeongdong
105 Toegye-ro, Chungmuro 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Tel: +82 2 752 3002
Opening Hours: 7:00am – 8:30pm (Mon – Sat), Closed Sun

Another Isaac Toast's outlets in Myeongdong as listed in happiebb's blog:

– Myeongdong subway station; Exit 2 or 3

Walk towards the left of Pacific Hotel and you’ll see the take-out shop.

– Myeongdong subway station; Exit 5

Walk along the main road, you will pass Loisir Hotel, and then Days Hotel, and you should see the take-out shop.

Are you hungry now? Or maybe drooling? XD

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The Days of a Silly and Ordinary Girl! :D