Korean Food
april 21 2011
Korean foods are definitely different from foods elsewhere in the world. The one attribute which stands out the most is spiciness. The other is that many dishes are served at room temperature (yet some are served boiling hot). Korean food has a distinctive flavor, with the use of various vegetables and spices to complement the meats. Hanjongshik (한정식) literally means “full course Korean meal” which consists of grilled fish, steamed short ribs, and multiple side dishes. The usual Korean meal is rather elaborate when served in a restaurant even if defined only by the quantity offered.
The staple of the Korean diet is kimchi (김치). It has become, through tradition and enduring style, almost a religious activity to prepare. Kimjang (김장), which occurs in the autumn harvest season, is the most important annual social event of Korea, at which time the dish is prepared in great quantities. The ingredients are trucked in in huge piles. The women gather in groups to spend hours cutting, washing and salting the cabbage and white radishes. Then they are rubbed with red pepper, then garlicked and pickled. The concoction is then buried in huge earthenware crocks to keep it fresh yet fermenting though the winter months. By the time the moment arrives for people to feast upon the final product, it is fiery hot. Some kimchi is milder, such as a light brine kimchi, usually prepared in the summer months when it is difficult to retain its freshness. There is also a type of light kimchi soup – fermented water with vegetables which is usually served aside a variety of other side dishes.
Numerous meat dishes are available. The most popular of these is pulgogi (불고기), or “fire beef,” which is thinly sliced marinated beef, marinated ribs, unmarinated sliced beef or unmarinated sliced pork. Some call it barbecued beef, and is appreciated by many Western people. It is broiled in a convex slotted brazier with a catcher for collecting the rich juices which can be made into a delicious soup after the meal. Kalbi (갈비), steamed or broiled marinated beef or pork short ribs, is also quite popular, and is more tender than pulgogi. Shinsillo is a delicious mixture of meat, fish, vegetables and bean curd. It is served simmered in a beef broth over a charcoal broiler with a small chimney. It is also sometimes served with eggs and gingko nuts.
Pibimbap (비빔밥) is made from cooked rice mixed with bits of meat, seasoned vegetables, and egg. It is sometimes prepared with koch’ujang (고추장), a red pepper sauce. Genghis Khan is made from thin slices of beef cooked in a broth mixed with vegetables, herbs, and spices. Broiled to-mi (도미) is red snapper served with sweet and sour vegetables. Other popular dishes are takmokam, stewed chicken; sojum kui, beef pieces barbecued on an iron-hot plate then dipped in salt and pepper; and kimpap (김밥), chopped meat and vegetables wrapped in rice and dried seaweed, usually served with a bowl of soup and pickled radishes.
Vegetable dishes are also very popular in Korea. In fact, rice is meant to be the main course of a meal, and the additional foods are intended to enhance its flavor. Naengmyon (냉면) is a single, independent dish of cold noodles, and jajangmyon (짜장면, 자장면) is noodles with black sauce. Mandu (만두) is steamed dumplings.
Soups (국) in Korea vary in taste and potency. Maeuntang (매운탕) is a spicy, hot seafood soup that usually includes white fish, vegetables, soybean curd, red pepper powder, and a poached egg. Twoenjang-guk (된장국) is a fermented soybean paste soup with shortnecked clams in its broth. Miyok-guk (미역국) is a vegetable soup prepared with dried spinach, sliced radish, or dried seaweed. Also popular is a light broth boiled from highly seasoned dried anchovies.
The herbs and spices which give Korean meals such a delicious flavor also carry medicinal properties. Mugworts, aralia shoots, sowthistle, and shepherd’s purse are eaten in the meal to help cool or warm the head and body. Additionally, kimchi is a valuable source of vitamin C.
Korean food, whether a spicy hot kimchi or a mild dish of cold naengmyon, is characteristic of Korean tradition. The serving style of multiple side dishes and at-your-table cooking creates a warm, homely feel. The long and thorough preparation makes the taste completely fill a dish, through the broth cooking and fermentation. Korean food is in a class by itself.
Source: http://www.zkorean.com/about_korea/korean_food
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(045) 599-5600
0922-870-5178
0917-520-4401
Ask for Pedro and Rechel
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How to get to this fine-dining restaurant in Clark Philippines? Once you get to Clark Freeport, go straight until you hit Mimosa. After you enter Mimosa, stay on the left on Mimosa Drive, go past the Holiday Inn and Yats Restaurant (green top, independent 1-storey structure) is on your left. Just past the Yats Restaurant is the London Pub.
Yats Restaurant & Wine Bar
Mimosa Drive past Holiday Inn, Mimosa Leisure Estate,
Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, Philippines 2023
Manila Sales Office
3003C East Tower, Phil Stock Exchange Center,
Exchange Rd Ortigas Metro Manila, Philippines 1605
(632) 637-5019 0917-520-4393 Rea or Chay
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