Food Stories :: 03 :: Street Food in Seoul

I think that one of the best way to really be able to say that you are in one country is to try the taste of local regardless the purpose of your journey either for vacation or work.  The answer is through food!
Nowadays, there is a so called “Asian Fever” around Asian countries.  In Thailand, a huge number of people are crazy about Korean media i.e. songs, movies, books, etc.; and I am with no exception.  One of the most outstanding nations in this area is Korean.  For the past couple years, I had a chance to go to Korea for three times at different seasons.  Each time, I also tried different food, especially what I called “street food” which sold at tents and kiosks along the footpath.  It’s pretty much similar to Bangkok.
Beside Kimchi, one of the most common quick food that we, foreigners, often see in almost every Korean series is Teok Bok Gi (떡볶이), which is made from rice flour and boiled with hot and spicy, thick red sauce.  I had it every time when I went to Korea.  I just simply love it.
In addition to Teok Bok Gi, you will see another food call Eomuk (어묵) or sometimes called Odeng, which is made from fish cake, skewered and boiled.  I had it in front of the theatre, where I went to see the show called Nanta.  It’s good for a quick meal, especially when having it with soup.
	The first time that I had this sweet red bean cake in fish shape was when I was in Chiang Mai visiting my uncle, and my cousin bought it from Nimmanhemin.  Later when I went to Korea and saw this similar dessert, I tasted it and wondered that it had to be the original because it’s much better.
	When you are walking in Myeong Dong area, you probably forget that you are in Seoul because it’s very close to Siam Square.  However, when I was there the first time in Summer, there was an ice cream called “One-Foot long ice cream”.  It’s a creamy and rich, served on cone.  I think it’s only out during Summer because when I went back to Seoul again in February, I didn’t see it.
At night around Myeong Dong, you will see many kiosk with frying pan selling a fried squid.  I, personally, loved squid so I would have to try it.  But I didn’t like it that much because it’s kind of oily for too much butter.
	Moreover, along the same road you would see the grilled corn!!!  I just couldn’t resist it.  The corn was so sweet and the grilling process made its aroma even richer.
Last but not least, small but larger in taste, the one and only, “Melon Ice Cream”. It’s my most favorite thing. Ever since I tried it, I got addicted to it. And I did not even change the favor, I just stuck with melon!  It’s very refreshing and cheap.  You have to try it and you will know what I mean.
Pictures are from Google Images

Food Stories :: 02 :: Yummy Yellow Things !

Next week my sister and her husband will go to Hong Kong for their vacation.  When we are talking about the plan, my memory of the time when I was there working for 6 months relived.  Regardless of good and bad times that I had over there, one thing that I always remember is food.  Every week, the team manager would take us out for dinner at different places.  She said that food was a good way to learn one’s cultures.  I am totally agree with her.

My breakfast was very normal liked other all the locals there–an egg sandwich and soy milk, which I got them on my way walking from subway to the office.  I would stop by the same shop until the owner recognized me.  The very first day that we met, she talked to me in Chinese and I could not understand any Chinese then.  Later on, after she learned that I was a foreigner, she talked to me with her gestures, lots of smiles, and a calculators.  When time passed, I picked up some Chinese words from her as well.

Lunch time was very hectic and not so fancy since we would have only one hour or one and a half hours max before heading back to work.  Normally we would walk to the fast food section at the nearby shopping mall or some times we had our lunch at the food shop on the street.  One common thing was that every place would be extremely crowded.  Many times, we had to wait in line for almost half an hour or even stood by tables waiting for others to finish their meal otherwise we would not have our seats.  We had the usual meal like the locals such as noodles, fried rice, or rice with different toppings.  By the way, there were couple times that we had dim sum.  All I could say was that it was very delicious!

Dinner was what I look forward to.  Why?  Because we would out somewhere different and tried some new food.  That’s the time I discovered my favorite food–an egg tart and a mango pudding.  There were all in yellow.  The yummy yellow things!  :-)  During the period that I stayed in Hong Kong, both dished were not popular in Thailand and not many Thais knew about them.

The first time that I had a mango pudding was at one of the big restaurants out of the city (sorry that I could not recall the name) and the manager said that so far it was the best in Hong Kong.  And I, again, had to agree with her because after that I still could not find one as dilicious as the one I had at that restaurant.

For the egg tart, my malaysian friend who I knew at the project took me to one of the bakery shops where we had to order and pick it up in the evening.  This shop was on our way between my working place and the hotel.  And I had to tell you, it was the best of the best.  I had egg tarts about 3-4 days a week.  I ordered them in the afternoon for my evening dessert that I could enjoy after long working days

When I finished my project and moved back to Bangkok, these two dishes were gradually coming into the Bangkok area.  I tried them but none was satified.  They were not as dicilious and original as ones in Hong Kong.  My Yummy Yellow Things!  :-)

There are still more food stories in Hong Kong but I rather keep them for the next times.  Hope you all are stay healthy and eat well.  Later then.

Food Stories :: 01 :: Tiramisu

It’s been a long while since my last taste of desserts because of my health issue.  At the beginning, it was very difficult for me to stop my craving but I did it.  However, last night I saw an article on “Tiramisu” and I realized that I totally forgot how much I used to love having it many years back.  It’s a love at first sight.

Approximately 10 years ago, I had my first taste of Tiramisu, which was recommended by my friend, at The Cheesecake Factory in Chicago.  Described in the menu was “Italian Custard Made with Mascarpone, Whipped Cream, Lady Fingers, Marsala and Coffee Liqueur. Topped with Whipped Cream and Ground Chocolate”. Doesn’t that sound interesting? Well I can tell you that it didn’t disappoint me. I was very happy having it. Since then Tirimasu has become my favourite dessert. Almost everytime that I went out to restaurants or bakeries, I always looked for it.  :-)  After having different Tiramisu at different diners, I still loved The Cheesecake Fatory’s.  It’s very good.

After came back to Thailand, it’s rather difficult to find a good Tiramisu, in my opinion.  But still, I never questioned the origin of Tiramisu until last night.  So, I did some research and learned that Tiramisu was one of the most popular Italian deserts and originally did not have liquor added into the recipe.  For me, I think a bit of liquor make it more unique.  By the way, according to wikipedia, Tiramisu in Italian meant “pick me up” or could be varied to “cheer me up”.

Now, I saw many products with Tiramisu favor e.g. ice cream, cookies, milk, coffee, etc.  Even though I could not have any more desserts, I could still say that nothing compared to the original Tiramisu, especially when it was served in coffee cup.  Yummy!