Bibimbap is a popular Korean dish that translates to ‘mixed rice’ in English. It is a nutritious and flavorful meal that consists of steamed rice, various sautéed and seasoned vegetables, a protein source (such as beef, chicken, pork, or tofu), a raw or fried egg, and gochujang sauce, which is a spicy and slightly sweet red chili paste. Bibimbap is delicious and visually appealing, with its vibrant assortment of colors. It is a beloved dish in Korean cuisine and can be found in restaurants across Korea and worldwide.
We visited a famous bibimbap restaurant in Daegu. Imane’s favorite food in Korea is Bibimbap because she finds the vegetables refreshing and healthy. She always eats it when hungry and appreciates the cultural difference in the vegetables compared to those in her home country. Vegetables used in bibimbap vary but often include spinach, mushrooms, carrots, zucchini, bean sprouts, and radishes. Each vegetable is seasoned and cooked to maintain its unique taste and texture. The dish is then served in a bowl topped with prepared vegetables, protein, and sunny fried eggs with rice underneath. The final process is a generous red pepper paste sauce, which adds a spicy kick to the dish. Traditionally, bibimbap is served with several side dishes called ‘side dishes,’ including kimchi (fermented vegetables), pickled radishes, and seaweed. When eating bibimbap, diners usually mix all the ingredients thoroughly before enjoying the harmony of taste and texture.
After we finished eating, we talked about each other’s food culture. The most notable things she has tasted among Korean foods were Samgyeopsal or fried chicken. She feels it is food culture Koreans love because they also meet their loved ones and share excellent food. She always pictures many people together when she thinks about fried chicken or barbecue in Korea. She does not think it tastes as good if you eat alone.
Furthermore, she wants to introduce her country’s food. She grew up in two different cultures (France and Morocco). She would advise French desserts such as éclair or pain au chocolat in France. There is also Raclette, a savory dish enjoyed particularly during winter. Morocco, she would advise to try couscous or rfissa. Rfissa is an Arab Moroccan dish and is served during various traditional celebrations.
We had a good time introducing and recommending each other’s food culture. It is an excellent opportunity to encounter the food culture of other countries, and we must accept it with an open mind.
