By Irfan Redzwan
1. BIBIM NAENGMYEON (KOREAN SPICY COLD NOODLES)
Naengmyeon (pronounced nang-myun) is a traditional Korean cold noodle dish that is usually served and eaten during the hot summer months. It comes in two versions – one served in ice cold broth, and the other mixed in a spicy Gochujang sauce. The latter version is referred to as Bibim (translated to mean mixed) Naengmyeon because the noodles are mixed with vegetables, fruit, and a spicy red sauce.
2. KIMCHI GUKSU (COLD SPICY KIMCHI NOODLES)
Cold rice noodles are topped with a spicy sauce composed of kimchi (spicy fermented cabbage… a spicy sauerkraut, essentially), pepper paste, red miso, sugar, orange zest, and ginger (among other things, but those are the primary flavor elements that come through in the end), and then topped with an array of fresh ingredients like radish, cherry tomato, cucumber, and cilantro. The soft-boiled egg is a nice touch as well that makes the dish more substantial and filling on its own.
3. JJOLMYEON (KOREAN SPICY CHEWY NOODLES)
Jjolmyeon is a cold noodle dish of chewy noodles in a sweet and tangy gochujang sauce. The word “jjolmyeon” actually means chewy noodles, but it also refers to the dish made with them. In Korea, jjolmyeon is a common menu item of restaurants that sell street food and light meals such as gimbap , tteokbokki , ramen , etc. It’s especially popular amongst teens and young adults. Those relatively cheap street food/light meals are called boonsik, and boonsik restaurants are called boonsikjip , which we all frequented growing up.
4. MUL NAENGMYUN (KOREAN COLD NOODLES)
Naeng myun (or naengmyoen) is a Korean cold noodle dish made of thin, slightly chewy buckwheat noodles topped with egg, meat, vegetables, and a savory, vinegary ice-cold broth. Although it is now a summertime food among Koreans, its origins are in the North Korean mountains as a wintertime staple. Buckwheat grows well in high altitudes, and it became an important dish for Koreans living in the harsh mountain climate. But it is refreshing in hot weather, and it's a one-bowl meal that requires very little time at the stove.
5. JAPCHAE (STIR FRIED NOODLES)
Often served as a side dish during lunch or dinner, japchae is a traditional Korean noodle dish made up of stir-fried sweet potato, thinly shredded vegetables, beef, and a hint of soy sauce and sugar. Depending on the chef, additional ingredients like mushrooms are added to the mix. Japchae is known for its sweet and flavorful taste and its soft yet slightly chewy texture.
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