Traditional Korean Eat - Sam Gyeop Sal (BBQ Pork)

Sam Gyeop Sal or Sam Gup Sal is a popular Korean type of BBQ, BBQ pork. The name comes from the literal meaning of three layered flesh because the fatty slices of pork belly shows three different layers. Thick, whole pieces of bacon-like meat is served raw for you to place on grill to cook. The grill differs from restaurant to restaurant which is usually a charcoal BBQ grill or on a simple metal pan. One thing to look out for is a place to drain out the fat and oils from the pork meat. Each restaurant has their own way of marinating the meat, but after whole pieces of the pork belly is cooked up, it is then cut into smaller slices to consume.

Like other kinds of BBQ meat, simply take a piece of meat, dunk into the pepper paste and enjoy. Many Koreans like to wrap it in a piece of green leafy vegetable (lettuce and or perilla leaf), add a raw or cooked piece of garlic, some cooked kimchi, and other random vegetables that are offered. In addition to the pepper paste, there is also other options of soy bean paste, and sesame oil (usually with a hint of black pepper and salt).

Nonetheless, Sam Gyeop Sal is one popular type of BBQ among locals and foreigners, especially with a bottle of soju, the traditional Korean way. You can of course enjoy Sam Gyeop Sal without the alcohol, especially with all different restaurants offering different ways to consume this popular pork. For the more popular and unique versions of Sam Gyeop Sal, the Jeju Black Boar is one thing that many Koreans crave. It is different in taste and texture, sometimes still cooked with the hairs of the boar. Without actually having to go to Jeju for this boar, it has been imported all across Korea; it just has to make it's way to America.

Anyone who is conscious of their health and do not want a slab of fatty pork, there are restaurants that cook up this meat with a separate layer to drain out the fat. There is surely an immense amount of fat that goes into Sam Gyeop Sal, but nonetheless there are plenty of ways to enjoy this traditional Korean eat.

Korean Traditional Eat - Jjim Dalk 찜닭

찜닭 is a spicy dish that originated in Andong. It is composed of chicken chopped into pieces, boiled in a simmering sauce made of whole garlic, onions, ginger and a green chili pepper (not the original red in Korea) called Cheongyang gochu 청양고추.  It is then served with glass noodles and vegetables like potato, carrots, and cucumbers. The spicy level of this Korean traditional eat can be altered to the taste buds of guests. If tolerable, going for the spicy kick leaves you with a more traditional taste of this dish. This family style dish is commonly served in a big plate with scissors allowing for you to cut the long glass noodles and bigger chunks of vegetables.