Abundance Yum!: Sushi in Korea

Although we all love Korean food sometimes we crave something else. Perhaps having something close to Korean but different is a good idea. So how about sushi? For me I prefer the sushi I can have in California like an avocado salmon roll. Out here they do sushi a little bit differently, and I have yet to find a place that satisfies my taste for rolled up rice and seafood. However, other folks have enjoyed this cuisine out here, so let's take a look.

1. Elwood: Sushi and sashimi are basics here and in this post you can get a simple introduction to how it is done in Korea.

2. Lee's Korea Blog: If you do find yourself in a Japanese restaurant in Korea you will notice that it isn't some hole-in-the-wall, but usually are somewhat fancy. Here the family tries out some sushi and other fish dishes at this place near Seoul National University.

3. A Search for Happiness: In my experience with eating fusionized Japanese food it has been at company meals with schools. In this case this blogger experienced just that. How about this seaweed sushi-cone?

4. Ever Evolving Primate: Maybe kimbop is sushi and maybe it is just kimbop! Whatever your opinion on it is this is Korea's version and it's cheap and easily accesible.

5. Seoul Eats: Now I think making sushi would be quite easy, considering the ingredients are really simple. So why not take a class on how to make it? Here is what happened at the O'ngo Food kitchen.

I hope that got you hungry for something slightly different than straight Korean food, and maybe you will go out and support your local Japanese sushi place. Otherwise have a good day!

Abundance Yum!: Local Specialities

In this adventure we look into Kbloggers talking about local food. If you have done some traveling around this peninsula you likely have had some "local speciality". Maybe it was a local makkoli or just a different version of a jiggae. Let's see what other folks have found in their time in Korea.

1. Lee' Korea Blog: In some place called Beomnaegol there is a cave bar, an artificial tunnel you can go to and enjoy some local drinks. A very local experience, indeed. Also included was some only-in-Busan kind of food. Check it out.

2. A Search for Happiness: Although Bulgolgi can be found anywhere, what if the cows that you eat were fed local grass? hmm

3. Zen Kimchi: Here you can get the ultimate line up of local food along with a side-by-side comparison. Suwon Galbi vs. Jeonju Bibimbop is up for thrashing around.

4. Seoul Eats: He gets out of Seoul and gives a local tour of Sokcho and what they have to offer, plenty of pajeon here!

Even though our summer vacations should be rolling to a stop, I hope wherever you travelled you enjoyed the local food and community.

Abundance Yum!: Pasta in Korea

You know you love Korean food, but now and then you still want to have something non-Korean. You have options in this matter, but the most easy one is finding a pasta / pizza place. These days you can get great options at various places, or lousy ones and wonder what's wrong with the universe. Let's see what folks have enjoyed in the past, and see for ourselves what's good or not.

1. Eleonora's Life in Korea: The reason behind the way pasta tastes in Korea can be said due to how the cuisine passed over. In this post she exams how some Western and Asian dishes transformed themselves as they made it into Korea.

2. Seoul Eats: It's possible to find the more fancy end of the pasta dish in Seoul. Here we are taken to the Tasting Room and shown a selection of yummy Italian fusion dishes.

3. Zen Kimchi: Perhaps heading out for pasta is not your thing, and you would rather make it at home. When you go to the supermarket you have choices of pre-made sauce you could buy. Here he found an odd Bulgolgi sauce and gave it a try.

It's fun trying new foods in Korea and can be even more exciting to try old favorites and have them taste fresh and new. What good Italian flavored places do you know to go to in Seoul?

Abundance Yum!: Korean Snack Food

You can find a convenience store on nearly every corner here in Seoul. Like most quick-stop places they offer bottled drinks, candy and of course snacks. As a new comer to this land you stare at the shelf and wonder what would be best to try. If you adventurous you'll try the one with the image of an octopus or shrimp on it. But if you are a bit timid you'll go with the usual potato chips or cookies. Today we are going to look at Korean snacks bloggers have blabbed about and see how they fare.

1. The Korea Blog: Let's start of with a list of popular choices. Shrimp chips seem to taste yummy to folks out there.

source

2. Zen Kimchi: Then there are the array of ice-creams one could choose from during those hot summer days. How about a peachy flavored one? I for one have tried and find it delightful.

3. The Seoul Patch: Korea has their own version of onion rings in snack form. I think I have tried these before and found them too salty. Who cares, when they come as a bonus?

4. Paul Ajosshi: Sometimes you can be handed random snacks from friends and colleagues. Here he was given a delicious treat from Jeju. 

Have any favorite snacks stacked up in your house? Let us know ~

Aundance Yum!: Side Dishes (banchan)

You come to learn the different types of side dishes at Korean meals, while living here. There are ones you love and hate. Then there are those you just aren't ever sure about. Today I am taking you into the area of side dishes for Abundance Yum! I hope this helps you see the variety that are out there and maybe gives you an idea of what to try next time.

1. The Seoul Patch: First, I take you to a good post that can give you a general idea of how banchan appears at the meal. Many little dishes with varying pickled or steamed things. Check the post for good pics and also a show of other various Korean food.

2. Zen Kimchi: Coming from the power blogger himself is an article highlighting his 10 favorite banchan. As you scroll down things are looking good, but I'm not a fan of the marinated squid or crab. However, this gives a great breadth of the variety and also what makes them so yummy.

3. Alien's Day Out: Looking to make some at home? Here we have a kidney bean recipe that indeed turns out to look quite tasty.

4. "Wife" in Korea: Again another recipe, but this time using anchovies. I'm not a fan of this kind of banchan. But perhaps you have wondered how the little fishes turn into a side dish.

My favorite side dishes are the cucumber pickles or ones made from potatoes. It all depends on the restaurant and what is in season, I guess. Have any comments on what your favorite banchan is?

Abundance Yum!: Something South of the Border

Today I am taking you away from the kimchi and gochujang to the wonderful world of tacos and hot sauce. I am talking about Mexican or Mexican-inspired food found in Korea. For most folks who have a craving for Mexican food, and live in Korea, they know that there isn't some place to go next door. (Unless you are lucky) Instead you have to travel to Hongdae or Itaewon to find something up that alley. Here we take a look at folks who have found something Mexican-like here in the land of water-kimchi.

1. The Seoul Patch: It was big news when Taco Bell finally came to town a while back. And so many Kbloggers picked up their Tcards and headed for some American-Mexican food. I myself have enjoyed a few items from here, but definitely miss the whole menu.

2. A Search for Happiness: Then sometimes you think you are getting something Mexican inspired, but it seems the inspiration is lacking. Some place called, "The Holy Grail" didn't quite live up to expectations.

 

3. Kiss My Kimchi: A location in Gangnam, where Mexican food places are starting to pick up one can find a place called, "The Tacos." Certainly a clear message with the name of the restaurant. Did it win over the taste buds of this writer? Well go check the link and find out.

The Weird
The complete name is The Tacos Uncle 29 Mexican Grill… Just who is this Uncle 29?

4. Zen Kimchi: If you just don't feel like trekking the distance than try a popular fusion food of Korean tacos. Here the writer Tammy gives us a yummy recipe to try out.

I hope that got you hungry as I certainly now have a craving for something wrapped in a tortilla!

Abundance Yum!: Seafood

Korean cuisine is one that has many varieties, where you can go from a tasty rice dish to a strange configuration of sea creatures. I for one am not a fan of eating seafood, especially if it isn't salmon and not cooked over an open flame with a hint of lemon. When it comes to seafood, in Korea, you can pretty much find about anything. Live octopus, sea squirts and eels are just to name a few. Now and then people try their hand at this out-of-sight food and the results can be surprising. Today I will show you a list of Kbloggers who have tried their hand at seafood dishes in Korea and came out safely on the other end.

1. The View From Over Here: Let's start off with some fresh live fish! On her post she takes us to Jeju Island where she experienced 회 or non-cooked fish. The post is a fun read and also gives you info about stuff to do when in Jeju. It definitely shows you how varied your choices are of seafood here in Korea.

2. Ah-lum-dahp-da: From fish I now take you to the spiky crab. In this post she ventures to Yeongdeok for some very delicious but also expensive crabs. Another good post here and also one that shows you another side of Korea you may not have seen before.

3. Buhay sa Korea: What do you think when I say the word, "fishballs"? Probably not exactly appetizing thoughts. I for one don't like odeng but a lot of other people do. In this post we go into the kitchen and see the author cook up some fish balls. Go check it out to see what it is all about.

4. Shinshine: Lastly I take you to the wonderful world of octopus. You cannot get me to eat one of these guys, and as much as my school likes to hide little bits inside pancakes or soup I still refuse. But there are many people out there who just love to eat up this 8 legged creature. Here you can see a recipe and also maybe learn something?

KOREAN WORDS
	silken tofu	순두부	(sun du bu)
	oyster	굴	(gul)
	garlic chive	부추	(bu chu)

Maybe the next time your out looking for something to eat perhaps you will be interested in the creatures of the sea for your next dinner. If so do share it with us. :)

Abundance Yum!: Home Cooking

Although you can go out and get great food in Korea, both domestic and foreign, most of us cook at home. Either we are making something familiar (western style) or trying other country's recipes, home cooking can be very soothing to the wearied expat.

Today's post of Abundance Yum! will bring you around the Kblogosphere to show you different folks making home cooked meals. Hopefully, this will inspire you to take out your own pots and pans and cook up something delicious in your kitchen.

1. International Cat Lady of Mystery: She claims not to be a cook, in this post, but as you read you can definitely see that she made up a lovely little dinner. It is in the Korean taste and also very helpful if you want to make a particular seaweed soup. Take a look at the post to see a simple yet satisfying meal.

2. A Geek in Korea: When you are living with someone it is common to share the cooking duties. "I cooked last night, so it's your turn." Is what you might here in such a household. Over at "Geek in Korea", he shares the cooking with his wife. In this post you get to hear about their cooking experiences but also their times getting the ingredients. As most of us know, grocery shopping in Korea can be quite grueling.

3. Wonju Wife: Sometimes cooking at home can get really creative, and it happened here in her post about the creation "Junk Spaghetti." Including all the ingredients and directions like, "olive oil to your delight", you can find a fun recipe that will function as both a delicious meal and a way to get rid of extra stuff in your fridge. I highly recommend this read as it is fun and yummy.

4. Paul Ajosshi: A post about home cooking wouldn't be complete without a mention of Paul's good eats. In this post he shares with us a concoction of fried rice, which certainly looks yum-yum!

No matter what, cooking at home is best enjoyed when sharing it with other people. That is why I encourage you to get other folks inside your shoebox-apartment and share some good old wholesome food.

If you have any favorite meals you make at home, please share them with us as I am sure people would love to get some ideas.

Abundance Yum!: Korean Beer

When visiting another country you not only get to enjoy new food but also different variations of alcohol. Although I personally don't drink as much as my peers do out here, I know that one of the many pleasures they find is tasting different kinds of Korean beer. In this Abundance Yum! post I bring you a list of Kbloggers who have enjoyed or felt at odds with Korean beer.

1. Talking to Myself: A recent post that discusses experiences with Korean beer and a recent tasting of OB Golden Lager. Quote: "It's true, people here love having fun and equally love their booze. Just one thing, the beer is very poor." Check out more of the post to see the opinion piece yourself.  

2. Paul Ajosshi: Although some might find Korean beer to really suck, there are those that find it an essential part of the Korean experience. Here, amongst Paul's "Ten Things" list he makes beer and bbq a number one hit.

3. Biz and Steve: Finding a fun beer apparatus is certainly a bonus when living abroad. Here they found an interesting dispenser for this beverage.

4. Xweing Away in Korea: Another find here of someone encountering an odd size pitcher of beer.

As you can see ones drinking adventures in Korea are never dull, and this is just the tip of it all. Considering that there are plenty of drinking games out there to enjoy at the many bars and hofs here in Korea.

Abundance Yum!: Seoul Patch Food

One blogger out there you might overlook is the Seoul Patch. He has been in Korea for a few years now and keeps us updated on books he is reading and tidbits from work. But he gets out there a lot and eats too!

In a recent post (a few months ago) his friend was visiting and took photos of their food adventures.

Check out his post where you can find the strange, delicious and interesting foods that accompany Seoul's culinary treasures.

Abundance Yum!: Tteokmandu-guk

Some of you might recall that at the beginning of this month you had a week or several days off from work. That was because Korea celebrated Seollal or the Lunar New Year. One of the major traditions for this is eating the soup called tteokmandu-guk or mandu rice cake soup. Although I haven't had my share of it yet, since I am still out here in America I plan to get a fresh bowl when I return. In the meantime, we can enjoy what other bloggers have to say about their experience of this yummy and satisfying soup.

source: Seoul Eats

Yummy Explorations:

• Biz & Steve in Korea: They got to their new year's soup a bit early by having some with their coteachers. Check it out here.
• Buhay sa Korea: A working mom and wife to a Korean living in Seoul she has a great post up about her New Year's soup. Check out her post, "The Joys of Seollal" where she not only has a picture of it, but also describes other general festivities that occur during this time of the year.
• Seoul Eats: If those two posts have you interested in the soup then why not join Dan and make some of your own. Looks like there are a few more classes left by checking out this post.
• Alien's Day Out: If going meat-free is your thing than check out a vegetarian version of this dish, which was homemade at her post, "Home-grown & Home made". Generally speaking, I would explore her blog as she gives a great positive outlook on living as a vegan in Seoul.

I'm hoping my boyfriend's mom will make me a fresh soup when I get back to Seoul, because these posts have my mouth watering! Anyways, if you have your own experience of this lovely soup, please do share.