The Popularity of Korean Instant Noodles

Eating instant noodles developed a negative image over the years. It could be either unhealthy habit or has a bad effect to individual's health because of too much sodium and preservatives. I do sometimes disregard this information because eating instant noodle is one of the convenient way to eat your meal without cooking or too much preparation. All you need is to boil hot water and fill in the noodle cup and let it sit for few minutes and voila meal is ready!

In Korea instant noodles, Ramyeon is a very popular food, snack. You can find different flavors of noodles from convenient stores to supermarket, from spicy to non-spicy noodles. When I first arrived in Korea instant noodles is the only food I ate along with rice because I was not accustomed with their food like Kimchi and gimbap.  I didn't like the smell of gim in my food and the taste of kimchi.

As the day goes by, eating Korean food became so easy and I was able to cook Filipino food as well when we moved to a new apartment but still time to time I eat instant noodles to fed my hunger for soup but this time I already knew which soup is spicy and not.

Trying Gamjatang in Itaewon: A Spicy Korean Pork Bone Soup

After a short visit to Bukchon Hanok Village, my friend and I headed to Itaewon to look for a Korean restaurant. I had been wanting to try authentic Korean food beyond the Korean meals and snacks that were easy to find in convenience stores.

That day, I finally had the chance to try Gamjatang (감자탕), also known as Korean pork bone soup. It was served hot with rice and several Korean side dishes, or banchan.

The soup had a rich and savory flavor with a slightly spicy kick. The pork was tender, and the warm broth was especially satisfying after walking around Bukchon Hanok Village. It was my first time trying Gamjatang, and I enjoyed experiencing a traditional Korean dish that I had only heard about before.

What is Gamjatang?

Gamjatang is a traditional Korean spicy pork bone soup made with pork spine or ribs, vegetables, green onions, hot peppers, and ground perilla seeds. It is known for its flavorful broth and tender pork.

Despite its name, Gamjatang isn't necessarily served with potatoes. The meaning of the name “gamja” (감자) is a subject of debate, with some explanations connecting it to potatoes and others suggesting a different origin.

Gamjatang is commonly enjoyed as a hearty Korean meal and is especially popular as a comforting dish to share with friends or family.

For anyone exploring Korean cuisine in Seoul, trying Gamjatang in Itaewon is a delicious way to experience something beyond the usual Korean barbecue, bibimbap, or convenience-store snacks.

Dumpling Soup

I have been hooked up playing Candy Crush Saga in Facebook when my husband asked me how willing I am to go downstairs and buy Tteokbokki and mandu, I just replied I will buy later and continue to play the game. I have been trapped for two days already in Level 27 of Candy Crush Saga and I don't want my life to be wasted again and again.

While playing I have noticed he is preparing food in the kitchen so I get up and asked if he don't like Tteokbokki anymore. Little did I know my husband is waiting for me to get up and he think I am not interested so he prepared a meal with gochujang instead. Anyway to cut the story short I went down to the nearby canteen and ordered "Mandu" the woman says "guk" I just said yes thinking she is saying cook, the mandu to be cook. I waited and sit in one of the vacant chairs,  there's two middle school student eating and two little girls which I think her kids.

When she is already preparing the dumplings or mandu I think something is wrong I am expecting a steamed dumplings but as what I am seeing she is making a soup,  oh well it was really a soup. I paid for my order though it is not the first thing in my mind but I have said yes when she asked me isn't it?

I bought Tteokbokki on the first floor of the apartment building and went back to our apartment. The soup tastes good and it is my favorite at this time, I will probably choose this one over the instant fresh noodles I am buying in GS25.