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Season after season might change, but millennials and Gen Zs' love for Korean food is constant. Need proof? Look around you. In the past couple of years, Korean restaurants have been cropping up across Tier I and Tier II cities, like wild mushrooms. From tteokbokki to bibimbap, epicureans are not only tasting the regional food of South Korea, but people are visiting supermarkets to get their hands on ingredients and replicating recipes at home while hosting themed gatherings and brunches. But for how long will you stay obsessed with the popular dishes, like kimchi, bulgogi, fried chicken, and more? It’s time to expand the horizon and delve into monsoon picks from Korean cuisine.
Video Credit: Korean Mom's Kitchen/ YouTube
Hoppang
Hoppang is a Korean steamed bun stuffed with red bean paste and other stuffings, making it a perfect choice for you to indulge in. Depending on what you like, you can customise the filling and stuff the bread with keema, paneer bhurji, tofu scrabble, aloo bharta, and whatnot. It’s a perfect dish to convey the message behind the ‘Korean meets Indian’ theme. The buns are served soft and can be enjoyed with herbal tea, mocktails, etc. It can be your comfort food on rainy days, leaving your tummy full and your taste buds.
Hotteok
Hotteok is a savoury Korean pancake. Yes, that's right. While European pancakes are sweet, Koreans love savoury, and you can have both during the monsoon. Hotteok has a pinch of brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts that balance the salt and add a depth of notes to the dish. The moment you cut it, molten filling oozes out, making you hungrier than before. It is often enjoyed with coffee on the side, but you can also have a glass of fresh juice or smoothie.
Ramyeon
There is no perfect weather for ramyeon. In fact, if your mood is off or you are not feeling alright, Korean noodles will instantly uplift you. After all, a happy tummy equals multiple shots of dopamine. Depending on your spice tolerance, you can pick a variant and include toppings, like spring onion, tofu, fried eggs, mushrooms, etc.
Dakgangjeong
Dakgangjeong is another version of fried chicken, boasting an impeccable balance of sweet and spicy notes. Each bite into juicy and tender meat is like taking a step towards gastronomic heaven. This is enjoyed with pickled radish, but you can customise it depending on what you like. The meaty dish is an ideal crime partner with boozy drinks on a Friday night or weekends.
Mandu
Manu (read: Korean dumplings) is the ultimate monsoon snack you have been looking for. If you have all the time in the world, why not replicate its recipe at home (on weekends, of course)? The sheets are stuffed with minced meat, vegetables, and tofu before they are sealed and stir-fried in a pan. Often served with soy sauce, the snack will elevate your spread. You can also have it with your momo chutney or a spread of your choice.
Bungeoppang
Bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastry) is for all the pescatarians looking for a new dish to savour. The fillets are stuffed with red bean paste or custard. While it's a winter street food in Korea, it screams warmth and joy. It is sweet and can be customised. Imagine stuffing it with homemade kimchi, sweet potato, or anything else.
