This Or That: Controversial & Debatable Korean Foods

Are you for or against pineapple on pizza? What about salt on watermelon?

How about how you eat a Kit Kat bar? Do you break them off into pieces or just take a bite in the middle?

Well, these debates also apply to certain Korean foods and drinks.

Some of these topics have such contrasting opinions that people will spend a long time debating.

In this blog, we will introduce these topics. Play along with this Korean food edition of This or That!

Tangsuyuk
Pour Or Dip

Tangsuyuk (탕수육) is also known as sweet and sour pork (can also be made with beef).

This is a classic Korean-Chinese dish commonly paired with jajangmyeon or jjamppong.

The first food issue is whether or not to dip the meat into the sauce or just pour the sauce over the meat.

Those that strongly believe that the meat should be dipped into the sauce argue that this method prevents the meat from getting soggy.

Since the meat is fried, some people prefer maintaining the integrity of crispiness.

Meanwhile, those who believe you should pour the sauce argue that you won't have a ton of sauce leftover.

This way you can enjoy every last drop of this dish.

Both sides have compelling arguments.

Mint Chocolate
For Or Against

Mint chocolate is a flavor that is highly debated in Korea.

Some find it refreshing and delicious, while some people think you might as well eat chocolate with toothpaste.

Despite this debate, this flavor of ice cream is popular enough to be ranked the second best-selling flavor at Baskin Robbins.

While some people feel strongly about this topic, personally we are pretty neutral about this flavor.

Soju
Cheoeum Cheoreom Or Chamisul

Soju is so common in Korea that sometimes at restaurants you will find that soju is cheaper than soda!

While Jinro's Chamisul (참이슬) is the top-selling brand in Korea, many people also enjoy drinking Cheoum Cheoreom (처음처럼).

Cheoum Cheoreom is the brand most people in Busan prefer.

Some people say that Chamisul (alcohol content 16.9%) has a sweeter taste, while others argue that Cheorum Cheoreom is easier to drink because of its lower alcohol content (16.5%).

Honestly, we can't tell the difference, but next time you are drinking in Korea, why not ask a local?

Pork Rinds
For Or Against

KBBQ is a classic and must-have meal in Korea and you can choose what kind of meat you want to grill up!

While some enjoy the chewiness of pork rinds (돼지껍데기), some remain hesitant.

The best way to enjoy pork rind is to dip it in soy flour.

We are not a huge fan of pork rinds, but why not try it and determine for yourself where you stand.

Kimchi
Fresh Or Ripened

Since there are many different ways to enjoy kimchi, there are actually more than just two options.

Different regions around Korea have variations of kimchi.

For example, in Seoul/Gyeonggi-do the kimchi is less salty, while in Gyeongsang-do the kimchi is flavorful and spicy.

There are also different stages of fermentation, there are some people that prefer kimchi that is fresh and in the earlier stages of the pickling process.

While some like their kimchi ripened so there are stronger flavors.

Personally, when we are enjoying kimchi as a side dish, we prefer it fresh.

But if we are cooking with kimchi the flavors are much better if we use ripened kimchi.

Have you all enough types of kimchi to determine your favorite?

Fried Chicken
Original Or Marinated

Another food that is super popular in Korea is fried chicken. Generally, people go for one of two options, original (fried) or marinated (양념).

But why argue about this where there is a half and half option (반반), that way everyone is a winner.

We think the argument should be, what do you all prefer to drink with your fried chicken?

Coke? Beer? Soju? Soju and beer? So many options!

Coffee
Americano Or Latte

Cafe culture has grown so much in Korea. It is extremely common for Koreans to grab a cup of coffee after a meal to continue chatting with friends or family.

But the question is, do you go for an americano or latte? It's easy for those who are lactose-intolerant.

Honestly, another way to phrase this issue might be, do you prefer your coffee hot or iced?

Sometimes in Korea, you will see people drinking an iced americano or latte on a snowy winter day.

At least your drink will stay cold, right...

Korean-Chinese Food
Jajangmyeon Or Jjamppong

There are two main noodle dishes when it comes to Korean-Chinese food, jjajangmyeon (짜장면) and jjamppong (짬뽕).

Jjajangmyeon is also known as black bean noodles, while jjamppong is a spicy seafood noodle soup.

This topic is even debated in K-drama Record Of Youth, when Lee Min-jae was defending her choice of the superior dish as her entertainment company name (Jjamppong Entertainment).

Initially, Park Bo-gum's character Sa Hye-jun declares jajangmyeon superior, but at the end of the drama, he concedes and says jjamppong is great too.

Personally, we prefer jjamppong as well.

Sundae
Salt Or Sauce

By sundae, we do not mean an ice cream sundae, but blood sausage.

Sundae is a popular Korean snack food. But the way it is eaten can vary regionally.

For example in Seoul, most people dip sundae into salt.

Meanwhile, in Jeolla-do (Jeonju, Gwangju) it is common to dip sundae into red pepper paste with vinegar.

Whereas in Gyeongsang-do people dip sundae into a sauce called makjang (막장), it is a combination of red pepper paste, garlic, sugar, and other seasoning/spices.

Or people nationwide also like to dip sundae into tteokbokki sauce.

Source: 11번가(All Korea)

Have you all tried sundae? Which option do you all prefer? Keep it simple with salt, or drench in sauce?

We personally think if you are having sundae, getting tteokbokki is a must.

In this blog, we've introduced nine Korean food-related topics that commonly spark debate.

Do you all have a strong preference for any of them? Let us know in the comments!