Hidden Treasures - 長壽갈비집本家

長壽갈비집本家 is my favorite BBQ place in Korea since the first time I had it. In fact, this was actually the first place I had BBQ when I first came to Korea. Since then, not much as changed about this place. 長壽갈비집本家 has years of tradition which many are oblivious to because it's so hidden off in the streets of Myeongdong. 

The one thing that caught my eye about this restaurant was the fact that there was someone grilling the meat out in front. That smell is honestly, unforgettable. Unlike other BBQ places in Korea where they put it on your grill and leave it as is to cook, there is someone here that cooks every piece to perfection. One order of their beef ribs is $9 which can be a bit pricey for a small amount of meat to some, but trust me when I say it is worth it. 

In addition to their must order BBQ beef ribs, there are other beef entrees that guests can order. They have an extremely small menu, with a sole concentration on beef. All dishes are served with a side of vegetables and jigae to be shared.

With two floors of seating, the restaurant offers a less BBQ congested area because all of the cooking is done in front. Therefore, you leave with the benefit of not smelling like Korean BBQ which happens almost at every other BBQ place. The restaurant caters to foreigners with the menu in English, Chinese, and Japanese, making it easier for guests to order. This is definitely a must visit for all.

Korean Traditional Eat - Bosingtang 보신탕

I know I am going to get quite the criticism for this blog, but yes, I ate dog in Korea. It is a Korean staple and I love dogs, but at the end of the day, it is a taboo food and I decided to give it a go. Being that there are so many dog meat places in Seoul, finding a good one to try this at was very much needed. 보신탕 (Bosingtang which is dog meat soup, 補身湯 in Chinese) is also known as Gaejangguk 개장국 where dog meat is the primary ingredient. This Korean traditional eat is known to increase virility among men and women, but more favorable for men of the older generation.

The meat is cooked up for quite a while, boiled with vegetables that varies from restaurant to restaurant. The main ingredients include green onions, perilla leaves, dandelions, and spices of Doenjang (된장),  Gochujang (고추장), and more perilla seed powder. There are a handful of Bosingtang restaurants in Seoul, a lot of which are filled with men drinking soju which is believed to compliment the soup. 

Ironic to say, those who run this kind of restaurant usually comes from China, another country that actually consumes a lot of dog meats. In addition to this, Vietnamese people are also known for the consumption of this delicacy. Although a lot of Asian countries consume dog meat, each country differs the way they cook up this special dish. 

In Korea, dog meat is cooked up as a soup which is cooked up with other vegetables. For those who are looking to immerse themselves in the real taste of dog meat, getting the dog meat as chunks will help you truly taste the true flavor of dog meat. From a personal taste, it is a contrast between lamb and pork. Honestly, I would probably not have it again, only because of the concept behind the delicacy in regards to how it is cooked before serving and such. Nonetheless, it's a bucket list check off.

If you are brave enough, I definitely suggest going with a Korean friend who actually enjoys it. It is difficult to find a good restaurant in Korea and the Koreans know the real deal. They know where to go because their parents go. Do not expect every Korean to eat dog meat though because there are a handful who are against it. In fact, most Koreans do not enjoy dog meat. They only go for the sake of their parents who enjoy it. It may be ironic to say that criticism comes from Koreans as well and they're the ones who consume it a lot!

Korean Traditional Eat - 뻥튀기

Ppeongtwigi 뻥튀기 is the Korean take on the Western popcorn which is just popped grain. It comes in all different shapes, sizes, and colors which makes it a heck of a lot of fun. Watching people on the street make Ppeongtwigi is a full blast of fun and loud of course (the more traditional kind) If you ever pass a truck that is selling 뻥튀기 and see how it is made, you'll see that a frisbee like rice grain is literally popped out of a metal machine. It's quite a bit of fun to watch them make it and consuming it fresh is just as good. This cheap eat can usually be picked up for a measly price of $2 for a whole big bag that will last you quite some time. 

It is extremely common to be served in bars and hof restaurants for guests to enjoy drinks with (as shown in the photo). The smaller and bite sized 뻥튀기 is usually served in restaurants just so you can pop them in your mouth. As always, this is served as a "service" which means free with your drinks and an unlimited amount of refills. They all range in texture depending on where you go, but for the most part, they are all made of rice grain and it is the perfect snack with your beer. This extremely cheap street food is popular among children as well and it's extremely light in calories which makes it that much better. This Korean traditional eat takes it to a new level of fun, something to share with everyone in the family. 

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Snowmounteen

Being that there are so many different version of patbingsoo 팥빙수 (the shaved ice dessert) in Korea, every cafe and restaurant has their own take on it. Why? Because of the way the ice is shaved down for the sole purpose of being a refreshing dessert that is topped off with all things amazing. 

Snowmounteen is a place that serves up this traditional Korean eat along with other drinks that include coffee and bubble teas. For the most part, many go to the popular Korean chain for it's shaved ice. The patbingsoo at Snowmounteen is definitely different from the rest. The texture of the ice is so flaky and thin, it is softer than snowflakes. Is that possible? It sure is at Snowmounteen. 

Topped with a variety of flavors that are milky and fruity, it is definitely a way to refresh yourself on a hot summer day. In addition to the $5 single and $9 double servings of flavored snow ice at Snowmounteen, there are also the option of the fruit incorporated patbingsoos which is something that can be shared between two. With a handful of chains in Seoul, it's definitely worth making a visit to Snowmounteen. 

Traditional Korean Eat - Cold Noodles 육쌈냉면

Nangmyeon is a popular traditional Korean eat, especially in the summer time because it is served in a bowl of ice. Although it sounds to be peculiar, it is probably the most refreshing meal that you can have. The best part about nangmyeon is many restaurants serve it in addition to their signature dishes. 

육쌈냉면 is one Korean chain restaurants that is favored among locals for this traditional Korean eat. Because the store focuses on the traditional eat of cold noodles, there is a very basic menu to order from. Most order either the regular or spicy nangmyeon. Each order is served with a marinated BBQ pork without the need to order (unless of course you want a bigger portion). This extremely cheap eat will only set you back $5. SAY WHAAAAT? Five bucks for noodles with BBQ meat? Yes. Because it such a cheap eat, there is almost always a line. Service is usually rather quick since there is a basic menu and customers expect a certain quality of food.