Soul Food

What kind of dish do you know about Korean cuisine? Perhaps, most Japanese will associate it with “Yakiniku,” Korean-style of grilled beef. However, Koreans also eat a lot of vegetables at the same time. This is because they can take vegetables from various kinds of Kimchi. Kimchi is a soul food for Korean.



First of all, Kimchi is pickled or fermented vegetables and the name means pickles in Korean. This national dish is served at every Korean meal. Kimchi can be made from different kinds of vegetables like Chinese cabbage, cucumbers, radishes etc. Some varieties are aged for hours, other are for years. In addition, Kimuch is said to have many health benefits including antibiotics properties, neutralizing stomach acid, and prevention of high blood pressure.

In terms of the annual consumption, it is said to be about 30 kg per person. Why they can eat such the amount of Kimchi? I suppose it is possible to arrange as a basic seasoning. For instance, Kimchi-based soup or hot pot, even stir-fled rice or pork with Kimchi.


On the other hand, according to Korea Times, about 65% of young people don’t know how to make Kimchi. Furthermore, Chinese Kimchi is recently increasing in the market. Despite these current circumstances, Kimchi is necessary item for Korean and essential for Korean cuisine.