Exotic Korean Food for the Strong-hearted: Yay or Nay?

What comes into your mind when you think of exotic food?  Perhaps a plate of wiggly worms or spiders? Though we often cringe at the idea of eating something bizarre from our point of view, yet the experience  of having mustered the courage to try it makes every risk taker proud.

 

Korea is a country known for its culinary excellence. It is no wonder that every foodie in the world has at least listed Korea in their bucket list. Other than their popular mouth-watering dishes, Korea has their own array of bizarre dishes, at least from an outsider's point of view. I have tried several of them and I will give you my honest opinion on each dish.

 

image courtesy of https://www.flickr.com/photos/natsirt/3482474325

1. Beondaegi ( Silkworm pupa)

This one perhaps is the most popular exotic Korean food. This dish is made by steaming silkworm pupa and adding condiments for flavor. It can be eaten as a snack or as a sidedish as it is touted as a good source of protein. You can normally see Beondaegi in large containers peddled by vendors. The fat pile of pupa is enough to frighten the faint-hearted but you can never judge a book by its cover, so why not try? I finally mustered trying it in a restaurant. I felt the bits and the flesh of the pupa oozing between my teeth. It has a distinct smell which I cannot describe and the taste is just not within my league. The sensory experience is enough to pass judgment on this humble yet nutritious delicacy. My apologies to those who love it but it's not within my taste radar.

 

Verdict: Nay

 

Image courtesy of https://www.koreaboo.com/stories/5-unique-foods-koreans-eat/

 

2. Kanjang Kejang ( Fermented crabs)

I love seafood! have you tried raw oyster and fish? The answer of most people would be in the affirmative but how about fermented crabs? I was in utter shock when I saw uncooked fermented crabs served in retaurants. They were served either in soy sauce or in red spicy sauce. I was even more shocked when I tasted it. It had a deep, salty and umami taste without the fishy smell. If you mix the bits of meat and sauce with rice, you would definitely ask for more. No wonder this dish is often called "the rice thief" as it makes you eat more rice. The salty and sweet taste is addictive. It really is a must-try for the strong-hearted.

 

Verdict: Yay!

Image courtesy of https://www.yelp.com/biz/gopchang-story-bbq-new-york?start=40

3. Gopchang (Beef or Pork intestine)

If eating innards is alien in your culture then you would consider gopchang as an exotic food. The sight of long intestines would make you think of a gory scene in a horror movie but no worries because they cut it in small pieces. Gopchang is usually grilled or barbecued with other vegetables. It has chewy texture and rich flavor. It tastes perfectly well when paired with garlic and chives and spicy ssamjang.

 

Verdict: Yay!

 

 

Image courtesy of Halal Korea

4. Dakbal (chicken feet)

This is my all-time favorite and a must-try for those who love a sweet-spicy combo. It has a soft, chewy texture as it is rich in collagen.  It has a savory taste that lingers in your tongue. The sweet and spicy taste heightens as  soon as you suck through every bit of the chicken feet. Make sure to have a glass of water beside you as this food is extremely spicy!

 

Verdict: Yay!