How to Enjoy Korean Food
- Don’t hesitate to ask many questions! (Whether you are at the restaurant or the market)
The more you know, the more you enjoy. If you go to Korean restaurant for the first time, there will be lot of food on the menu. Some of them have explanation but not all of them. Also, some ingredient in Korean food is what you never heard or seen. (It doesn’t mean it is not edible). Honestly, the situation in the market is more difficult for non-native Korean speakers. Almost everything is written in Korean and even though it has explanation, it is too brief. Therefore, JUST ASK people!
- Enjoy Banchan (side dishes)
When you go to Korean Restaurant, besides your main order, several side dishes will be served as well. Don’t be freaked out saying you have never ordered side dishes! It is Korean tradition that eating rice, side dishes with each entrée. Variety of banchan is countless because it is made by all different kinds of ingredient and seasoning. It replenishes nutrition which you can’t intake from your main dish. Thus, banchan completes Korean diets well-balanced. If one of the side dishes is empty, just ask more. It’s complementary! Once you know your favorite banchan, you can get a bunch at the Korean market. (Zion Market
- Don’t stick with MEAT!
So many people think Korean BBQ is the central of Korean food. Forget about it! Thanks to the feature of Korean Peninsula and distinguished weather of four seasons, Korean food is cooked by products from the sea, the mountains, and the field. But, if you are still craving for protein contained food, try seafood dishes. In personal, I recommend Bin-Dae-Dduk (Seafood pancake with scallions). It is even a good match with alcohol drinks.
- The hotter, the better!
Chili peppers in spicy food contain Capsaicin causing burning sensation. Capsaicin has several health benefits, for example, fighting cancer and inflammation, protect your heart, relief pain and congestion. Also, it helps burn fat and lose weight by increasing metabolic activity. Thus, if anyone who plan to go on a diet or in shape, try hot & spicy Korean food! Endure spiciness!
- Try Korean alcoholic beverage with food!
Koreans are considered heavy drinkers. They know how to enjoy drinking and Korean alcohol adds savor to food. If you are over 21, I recommend Soju and Mak-gul-li. Soju is a distilled beverage made from rice with other starches such as, potato, wheat, barley, sweet potato or tapioca. It is comparable to Vodka but sweeter. Soju is also good for making cocktails. Mak-gul-li is referred to in English as Korean rice wine. It has milky color and sweetness. It was farmer’s liquor traditionally, however, became more popular in cities with the younger generation. According to recent research, Mak-gul-li also contains lot of lactic-acid bacteria, which is good for digestion so is considered nutritious alcohol beverage. Mak-gul-li has great combination with pork and seafood pancake.
In a new PBS series that will begin airing on May 8th, 2011, Korean-born actress/model Marja Vongerichten and three-star Michelin chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten will show an insider’s look at Korea as they travel the country and experience its authentic cuisine and cultural traditions. A 13 episode of this series is a food and travel show that introduce real Korean food and culture. Hugh & Deb Jackman and Heather Graham, who love Korean food participated as guest stars. 
