Exploring the Wonderful Cuisine of Jeju Island
Jeju Island, located off the southern coast of South Korea, has become increasingly sought-after by travelers and tourists over the past few years. Its beautiful landscape, incredible beaches, and abundance of hiking landscapes have undoubtedly played a role in its popularity. However, one aspect of the island that often remains overlooked by tourists is the amazing food!
In this blog post, I want to take a closer look at two unique and mouthwatering dishes that represent the island: Heukimja-jeon and Seafood Soup. Both dishes are surprisingly unique and fulfilling, and will certainly leave you yearning for more!
What is Heukimja-jeon?
Heukimja-jeon, or savory pancakes, is a type of Korean pancake that originates from Jeju Island. It is comprised of a variety of ingredients that have been minced together, including vegetables, egg, fish, and mushroom (asparagus can also be added). The ingredients are then added to a batter made from flour and mixed together before the pancakes are fried until golden.
The most common variations of Heukimja-jeon include shrimp, squid, and octopus. The unique savory goodness of these pancakes comes from the combination of sweet and salty flavors, making them a great snack or side dish. They are typically served alongside a light soy sauce for dipping.
What is Seafood Soup?
Seafood soup is a heavier, broth-based dish that is widely popular on Jeju Island. In this dish, seafood is combined with namul (a variety of vegetables such as scallions, bean sprouts, and cabbage), kelp, and eggs. The combination of these ingredients creates a savory yet light soup that is perfect for any season.
Seafood Soup can be made with any type of seafood and can be served with a variety of toppings such as seaweed, chili peppers, and sesame seeds. The soup can also be combined with rice, noodles, or bread for added texture and flavor.
How to Enjoy Both Heukimja-jeon and Seafood Soup
Heukimja-jeon and Seafood Soup are both flavorful dishes that are enjoyable both alone or as accompaniments to other dishes. For example, Heukimja-jeon is often served with a light soy sauce and some Kimchi (a popular Korean condiment made of fermented vegetables, chili peppers, and garlic).
On the other hand, Seafood Soup can be enjoyed as a light meal in itself when enjoyed with some rice and kimchi. Regardless of how you choose to enjoy each dish, they are both guaranteed to bring a burst of flavor and deliciousness to whatever you’re eating.
Conclusion
Jeju Island’s cuisine is truly something special. From Heukimja-jeon to Seafood Soup, the food from Jeju is certainly a must-try for all who take the time to visit the island. So, the next time you’re on Jeju Island, take the time to explore the local restaurants and cafes, and get ready to be amazed by the unique flavors of the island.