Ẩm thực Pháp pha trộn khắp Seoul
Meggie
4 days ago
Disclaimer: if you're a food or culture purist snob, this isn't for you. If you think fusion cuisine and sociology is intriguing, join me!
I was sadly ignorant of the butter, breads and baked goods appreciation that thrive in Seoul- and absolutely delighted to discover as many versions as I could stomach.
As someone whose blood is French, who briefly lived in France as an adult, and whose family has been consuming la gastronomie française for many generations, I enjoyed thinking and tasting my way through a parallel universe in Seoul.
Too much of a good thing is a good thing- like this crème brûlée croissant!
I walked by this hanok cafe many times, but finally when it was open. Their selection was succinct, diverse and impressive. I started with the apparently viral salt bread and a coffee drink involving freshly-squeezed orange juice.
After seeing a sign that staff would burn the cream inside the croissant upon order, in proper CB timing, I caved. What a fun combo-flaky croissant with blow torched cream.
One night walking around dreamy Ikseon-dong, I meandered past a French flag hanging outside a quiet restaurant. Their special advertised at the door was mulles-frites: steamed Korean mussels in a wine sauce with thin French Fries and a glass of wine for under 20,000 won.
I started with maybe the best French onion soup I've had, based on personal preference of equal parts onion broth, cheese and bread with a glass of procençal rosé. I couldn't finish all of this massive meal, but I tried!
I enjoyed spending time waiting for the main course learning about traditional Korean mussels dishes and styles of preparation across the country. It gave me even more food to add to my must-try list!
Popping into a cafe before trying my first K-facial, I marveled at these bold butter choices. I wasn't committed enough to this level of dairy, and went for a rustic fig and cream cheese pastry.
I did try the famous butter chips, and honestly I get why they became famous.
I have long known about Korean cows and their quality beef products- K-beef dishes are usually the first Korean cuisine I order and crave. Silly me, of course the dairy products are connected.
I do respect the blatant adoration of Korean dairy, especially butter. Check out these Myeongdong squeeze souvenirs found on most street stalls!
As far as French cafe culture goes, a century ago, Paris was the epicenter of world-defining culture, entertainment, ethics and art. In many ways, Seoul is that on the global stage these days.
South Korea, via Seoul's density and creativity, is defining media, music and stories for people everywhere. Makes sense to me that the cafe culture game is so strong here, with such a bustling mix of defining moments being discussed and schemed across small tables in cafes every day.
Sitting in pedestrian-onky areas by wi dows or outside, sipping coffee from a place that also prides itself on coffee, is such a way to unwind.
If you need to imagine you're in a different state of being, there's even a cafe where it is always raining- using designed waterflow and plumbing, water pours down from the roof into a dreamy courtyard.
So regardless of your alignment with my perspective here, I just hope that you're able to taste your way across this country, one cafe at a time!
