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ForeverWanderlust
Joined: 27 Jun 2011
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 Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2011 1:42 am Post subject: Need help with the food situation... |
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Im a pretty picky eater and im having a hard go at finding stuff I like or can eat.
So I like most all meats, rice, pastas, sandwiches, pizza, beans, broccoli, and corn. I dont eat no fruits, and not many veggies.
I see alot of lil side street / corner food places but I dont know what in the world they have that I would like. I cant read or speak any Korean so that amplifies my problem.
I wanna eat on the cheap but still have a varied diet.
What can you guys suggest as far as food goes that I might like?!? |
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isisaredead
Joined: 18 May 2010
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| Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2011 3:13 am Post subject: Re: Need help with the food situation... |
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| ForeverWanderlust wrote: |
Im a pretty picky eater and im having a hard go at finding stuff I like or can eat.
So I like most all meats, rice, pastas, sandwiches, pizza, beans, broccoli, and corn. I dont eat no fruits, and not many veggies.
I see alot of lil side street / corner food places but I dont know what in the world they have that I would like. I cant read or speak any Korean so that amplifies my problem.
I wanna eat on the cheap but still have a varied diet.
What can you guys suggest as far as food goes that I might like?!? |
i think this, along with your horrible grammar, is the core of your problem. learn to read, and then a whole nation of food will literally open up to you.
i don't particularly like korean food, but trust me on the learning-to-read point. |
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koreatimes
Joined: 07 Jun 2011
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| Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2011 3:28 am Post subject: |
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First, you need to learn the hangeul, the Korean letters. It isn't hard. Then you can at least read and see what you want. You will be able to look at a menu and know basics.
| Quote: |
| So I like most all meats, rice, pastas, sandwiches, pizza, beans, broccoli, and corn. I dont eat no fruits, and not many veggies. |
Sounds like SUPERMARKET, SUPERMARKET, SUPERMARKET to me. I have lived way in the countryside with mountains, the center of Seoul, and some places in between. So, I know it's doable. You aren't asking for too much.
Rice, pasta, broccoli, corn and probably beans should be available at any supermarket. As far as meat, I bought beef when I moved near a Lotte Mart. E-Mart is another place, but I didn't find their selection as good. They are better with electronics and sports/recreational stuff.
Costco was a useless venture. They basically have everything Korean in bulk. I couldn't find anything specifically from the US that I wanted (like root beer or hot dog buns).
Pork seems to be the meat difference for me. I never ate pork back home, but when I came to Korea, I started to eat it. I'll comment on this later.
I am sorry to say, I haven't had a decent slice of pizza since I left the states. I couldn't find any good pizza in Osaka - Japan, Seoul - Korea, or Shanghai/Beijing - China. It tastes too sweet and they don't put cheese on it. Some places have ketchup available to put on top. What the heck is that for? Who eats pizza with ketchup on it? This is supposed to substitute pizza sauce? So no, good luck finding a decent pizza place. Maybe splurge and get what you can at Outback Steakhouse. They probably have some spaghetti dish.
Next up, sandwiches. This should be fairly easy to make if you can find what you need. If you really need the sliced meat that you can only find back home, then I suggest you ask around Itaewon (foreigner area) in Seoul. If you aren't in Seoul, maybe Busan has something similar. I never pursued making my own sandwiches, since subway shops are good enough for me.
While you are in Korea, I suggest you meet up with a Korean friend (or 2) and try Korean cuisine. Even though you are picky, you will find Korean food is very delicious. You can pick and choose what you want to eat. For example, they have samgyeopsal. You put pork on a leaf with garlic, sliced vegetables, and a paste called ssamjang. They also have bibimbab (vegetables, rice, and a more pepper based sauce called gochujang). It's served in a bowl, just take 3 minutes to stir it all up when you get it and it's also very delicious. Then you have your stews: kimchi jiggae, budae jiggae (hot dog pork version), and dwenjan jiggae (bean paste). I would buy budae jiggae packets and cook them up with my own stuff.
There are many more dishes, like the galbi (marinated beef) which can be eaten like the samgyeopsal, and don't forget to try the Korean version of raw fish (sushi/sashimi) called "hui". You will probably see it cut in strips with a white color, maybe pink on the edges depending on how they cut it. I bought one whole thing of it once at a supermarket and ate it with some soju. Perfect mix, soju and hui. What is soju? Ask your Korean friend to get you some. And don't forget the wasabi and soy sauce.
They have a noodle soup called "udong" but it is not as good as the Japanese version "tempura udon". There is no point in going to restaurants to eat it either, it won't be any better. At times, I got the craving though for it and just got a cheap packet at a convenience store. Just as good until you visit China or go to Japan. For some reason they skip Korea when it comes to Japanese food. The sushi with the seaweed is also better in Japan. The Korean version, gimbab, is a cheap version of the Japanese "futo maki". Good enough at any convenience store, and you can get them to make you some at the small orange restaurants. Those are called "gimbab nara".
The best times in Korea were going to cheap places like that in the middle of the night and having them whip up a cheap version of jiggae or another one which isn't talked about much, jeyuk bokeum. If you can't find that one, the name for another one is something like "solgolgi dokbab" but I forgot the spelling.
I never liked this one, but Koreans like it. Supposedly it is a Chinese dish, but Koreans say Chinese don't eat it. Maybe not in Korea, but Chinese here in mainland China do know about it. It's called jajang myeon. It's a dark bean paste on noodles. It has a hershey's syrup texture to it, but it definitely doesn't taste like chocolate. Good to try once, but never get it again unless you are one of the few who like it. Instead, you might want to try "jambon (?)" I can't remember exactly what it is called, but it's spicy with noodles and they put cooked squid in it. If you are more adventurous, try nakchi, at least watch someone else eat it.
They have a cutlet version with pork called donkkaseu, but I didn't find it that good.
Another noodle dish they have is cold, called naengmyeon. One is spicy, bibim naengmyeon, the other just has more water, mul naengmyeon, and is often served with ice. Both are very good.
If that weren't enough, you have all the street food. Hands down, ddeokbokki is the best street food around. These are small strips of rice cooked in a not too spicy sauce, similar to spaghetti sauce (if cooked right). If you don't like it, then they made it wrong. It's not easy to get the perfect taste, but 8 times out of 10 it's good enough.
Sundae sounds disgusting, pig or cow intestines, but they taste very good. You dip them (shaped like sushi slices), in a little salt. Have a few at least before you say no. I can't eat too many, but I definitely like them every now and again.
Their dumplings are called mandu, and you can tell where they sell them because you will see steam engulfing the entrance of the shop. I never bought these, but instead got the frozen packets in the grocery store. They have kimchi and meat versions. See which ones you like. They are much better than Chinese dumplings I think. Chinese cook them in too much oil and the dough is too thin. You can even microwave Korean dumplings, but Chinese dumplings fuse together like bread dough and are not edible after that.
Maybe you don't like kimchi, but they also have radish kimchi. These are cubes of radish instead of cabbage, called kkakdugi. I actually thing it's better than kimchi. Don't get another kind which are small uncut radishes with a green leaf called chonggak kimchi. They taste too bitter in my opinion.
Your chances of being a "pickier" eater is now possible in Korea. Eat up. Just stay away from the boshintang!!! 
Last edited by koreatimes on Sun Aug 28, 2011 4:20 am; edited 2 times in total |
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sojusucks
Joined: 31 May 2008
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| Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2011 4:06 am Post subject: |
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| There's plenty of beef, pizza, and frozen food at Costco. You can find frozen burgers, frozen tortillas, chicken nuggets, hot wings, and you can freeze the awesome Costco bulgogi pizza by the slice with freezer bags. |
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nathanrutledge
Joined: 01 May 2008
Location: Marakesh
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| Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2011 5:59 am Post subject: |
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Expand your horizons. Try new things. Try things you don't like in different ways. Different methods of cooking, different recipes, different flavors.
I'm a picky guy myself. Coming from the middle of the US, the only fish we have is river fish (which is about as tasty as a rusty butt hole). I started on salmon and shrimp different methods of cooking, different spices/seasonings/etc, and lo and behold I actually grew to like certain fish.
One thing that sucks about Korea is the availability of food. So much is imported, so much depends on the weather, so many factors. Food shortages in the US are unheard of - all food is available all year long - but here, it is frequent to go to the store and find what you want gone/extremely pricey.
I would definitely try to eat different foods. Sure, you'll hate some of it (maybe a lot of it), but in the long run, it will make things easier. If you like to drink, one thing that would be good is to get drunk (not piss yourself drunk, but 3 or 4 beers in is a good place to be) and try some stuff you don't like. Nothing TOO different or you puke, but something on the edge. It's a useful way to start liking things. Your senses are dulled, your psychological barriers are down, it's a lot easier. Plus, lots of bars have fruit trays complimentary. Great way to start on fruit. |
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oldtactics
Joined: 18 Oct 2008
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| Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2011 6:44 am Post subject: |
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Use this for those small restaurants - I recommend trying something new every time you visit.
http://maryeats.com/2006/11/16/kimbap-nara-menu/
The alphabet can be learned in one day, there's no excuse for not being able to at least sound out the menus. Ask your Korean friends to take you out to dinner if you want to try the table-top cooking style restaurants. |
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ForeverWanderlust
Joined: 27 Jun 2011
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| Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2011 10:49 am Post subject: |
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I know I can find alot of what I want at the big stores like Cosco, Emart, Homeplus ect.
Im looking for info on Korean dishes preferably on the cheap that I might like given my likes and dislikes.
Almost everything I see pictures of looks like some clusterfck of weird food! haha
I need to figure stuff out soon, before depression and despair set in! |
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litebear
Joined: 12 Sep 2009
Location: Holland
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| Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2011 12:06 pm Post subject: |
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| ForeverWanderlust wrote: |
I know I can find alot of what I want at the big stores like Cosco, Emart, Homeplus ect.
Im looking for info on Korean dishes preferably on the cheap that I might like given my likes and dislikes.
Almost everything I see pictures of looks like some clusterfck of weird food! haha
I need to figure stuff out soon, before depression and despair set in! |
Mate how about a thank you for Koreatimes considering the time and effort he went to write that post above.
Here is what I would recommend you try:
Cham-chi Kimbap - Tuna, rice and vegetables wrap. Usually some egg and ham in there, too.
Je-yuk Deop-bap - Pork in a spicy sauce with Rice
Don-kas - Pork Cutlet and rice
Give those a try. You'll find them in the small Kimbap Cheonguk places. They're everywhere and often have orange signs |
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ForeverWanderlust
Joined: 27 Jun 2011
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| Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2011 12:33 pm Post subject: |
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I appreciate any and all advice posted in this thread and the whole forum. That was a quality post by koreantimes no doubt, so good look!
I had the pork with the red sauce with rice. It was alright.
Gonna have to try the Don-kas.
Wonder if there is a site with pictures and explanations of most of the common korean dishes.
Last edited by ForeverWanderlust on Sun Aug 28, 2011 12:37 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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ForeverWanderlust
Joined: 27 Jun 2011
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isisaredead
Joined: 18 May 2010
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| Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2011 3:31 pm Post subject: |
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| koreatimes wrote: |
First, you need to learn the hangeul, the Korean letters. It isn't hard. Then you can at least read and see what you want. You will be able to look at a menu and know basics.
| Quote: |
| So I like most all meats, rice, pastas, sandwiches, pizza, beans, broccoli, and corn. I dont eat no fruits, and not many veggies. |
Sounds like SUPERMARKET, SUPERMARKET, SUPERMARKET to me. I have lived way in the countryside with mountains, the center of Seoul, and some places in between. So, I know it's doable. You aren't asking for too much.
Rice, pasta, broccoli, corn and probably beans should be available at any supermarket. As far as meat, I bought beef when I moved near a Lotte Mart. E-Mart is another place, but I didn't find their selection as good. They are better with electronics and sports/recreational stuff.
Costco was a useless venture. They basically have everything Korean in bulk. I couldn't find anything specifically from the US that I wanted (like root beer or hot dog buns).
Pork seems to be the meat difference for me. I never ate pork back home, but when I came to Korea, I started to eat it. I'll comment on this later.
I am sorry to say, I haven't had a decent slice of pizza since I left the states. I couldn't find any good pizza in Osaka - Japan, Seoul - Korea, or Shanghai/Beijing - China. It tastes too sweet and they don't put cheese on it. Some places have ketchup available to put on top. What the heck is that for? Who eats pizza with ketchup on it? This is supposed to substitute pizza sauce? So no, good luck finding a decent pizza place. Maybe splurge and get what you can at Outback Steakhouse. They probably have some spaghetti dish.
Next up, sandwiches. This should be fairly easy to make if you can find what you need. If you really need the sliced meat that you can only find back home, then I suggest you ask around Itaewon (foreigner area) in Seoul. If you aren't in Seoul, maybe Busan has something similar. I never pursued making my own sandwiches, since subway shops are good enough for me.
While you are in Korea, I suggest you meet up with a Korean friend (or 2) and try Korean cuisine. Even though you are picky, you will find Korean food is very delicious. You can pick and choose what you want to eat. For example, they have samgyeopsal. You put pork on a leaf with garlic, sliced vegetables, and a paste called ssamjang. They also have bibimbab (vegetables, rice, and a more pepper based sauce called gochujang). It's served in a bowl, just take 3 minutes to stir it all up when you get it and it's also very delicious. Then you have your stews: kimchi jiggae, budae jiggae (hot dog pork version), and dwenjan jiggae (bean paste). I would buy budae jiggae packets and cook them up with my own stuff.
There are many more dishes, like the galbi (marinated beef) which can be eaten like the samgyeopsal, and don't forget to try the Korean version of raw fish (sushi/sashimi) called "hui". You will probably see it cut in strips with a white color, maybe pink on the edges depending on how they cut it. I bought one whole thing of it once at a supermarket and ate it with some soju. Perfect mix, soju and hui. What is soju? Ask your Korean friend to get you some. And don't forget the wasabi and soy sauce.
They have a noodle soup called "udong" but it is not as good as the Japanese version "tempura udon". There is no point in going to restaurants to eat it either, it won't be any better. At times, I got the craving though for it and just got a cheap packet at a convenience store. Just as good until you visit China or go to Japan. For some reason they skip Korea when it comes to Japanese food. The sushi with the seaweed is also better in Japan. The Korean version, gimbab, is a cheap version of the Japanese "futo maki". Good enough at any convenience store, and you can get them to make you some at the small orange restaurants. Those are called "gimbab nara".
The best times in Korea were going to cheap places like that in the middle of the night and having them whip up a cheap version of jiggae or another one which isn't talked about much, jeyuk bokeum. If you can't find that one, the name for another one is something like "solgolgi dokbab" but I forgot the spelling.
I never liked this one, but Koreans like it. Supposedly it is a Chinese dish, but Koreans say Chinese don't eat it. Maybe not in Korea, but Chinese here in mainland China do know about it. It's called jajang myeon. It's a dark bean paste on noodles. It has a hershey's syrup texture to it, but it definitely doesn't taste like chocolate. Good to try once, but never get it again unless you are one of the few who like it. Instead, you might want to try "jambon (?)" I can't remember exactly what it is called, but it's spicy with noodles and they put cooked squid in it. If you are more adventurous, try nakchi, at least watch someone else eat it.
They have a cutlet version with pork called donkkaseu, but I didn't find it that good.
Another noodle dish they have is cold, called naengmyeon. One is spicy, bibim naengmyeon, the other just has more water, mul naengmyeon, and is often served with ice. Both are very good.
If that weren't enough, you have all the street food. Hands down, ddeokbokki is the best street food around. These are small strips of rice cooked in a not too spicy sauce, similar to spaghetti sauce (if cooked right). If you don't like it, then they made it wrong. It's not easy to get the perfect taste, but 8 times out of 10 it's good enough.
Sundae sounds disgusting, pig or cow intestines, but they taste very good. You dip them (shaped like sushi slices), in a little salt. Have a few at least before you say no. I can't eat too many, but I definitely like them every now and again.
Their dumplings are called mandu, and you can tell where they sell them because you will see steam engulfing the entrance of the shop. I never bought these, but instead got the frozen packets in the grocery store. They have kimchi and meat versions. See which ones you like. They are much better than Chinese dumplings I think. Chinese cook them in too much oil and the dough is too thin. You can even microwave Korean dumplings, but Chinese dumplings fuse together like bread dough and are not edible after that.
Maybe you don't like kimchi, but they also have radish kimchi. These are cubes of radish instead of cabbage, called kkakdugi. I actually thing it's better than kimchi. Don't get another kind which are small uncut radishes with a green leaf called chonggak kimchi. They taste too bitter in my opinion.
Your chances of being a "pickier" eater is now possible in Korea. Eat up. Just stay away from the boshintang!!! |
what a great guy. well done. |
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whatisinmyhead
Joined: 31 Oct 2010
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| Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2011 4:37 pm Post subject: |
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"i don't eat no fruits"
hahaha
what's your problem with fruits, man? |
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ForeverWanderlust
Joined: 27 Jun 2011
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| Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2011 5:47 pm Post subject: |
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^^
Just dont like them.
Too sweet most of time. Dont like the textures and taste of fruits. |
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koreatimes
Joined: 07 Jun 2011
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| Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2011 1:30 am Post subject: |
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| Quote: |
| Wonder if there is a site with pictures |
There is a blog site, Mary Eats, which is very good. But that is for people who already know how to appreciate food.
YOU DON'T.
You go to McDonald's, look at the picture, point, and say "I'll have a number 3". That's not how you appreciate food. A photo is not going to tell you how something tastes. That's like me asking you to draw a picture of a song or give a dance representing the smell of a rose. I guess in some artistic sense, it could be done, but if you want to experience living in another country, you should go to a restaurant with a blind eye not knowing what you will get. Virgin taste buds. |
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ForeverWanderlust
Joined: 27 Jun 2011
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| Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2011 2:43 pm Post subject: |
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If I just randomly ordered food with a "blind eye" id waste an ungodly amount of money as im a very picky eater and find most weird contraptions not pleasant.
Ive noticed most of the dishes here are all very mixed with alot of stuff. Most dishes look like one big cluster **** of food.
Ugh, i miss south america where I can go down the street and easily get a 3 dollar plate of rice, beans, and meat! |
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