If you’ve already caught yourself singing a hit K-pop or marathoning a K-drama you know that South Korean culture goes far beyond music and screens. This global phenomenon has a name: Hallyu or “Korean Wave”, a movement that conquered the world with its fashion, entertainment and, of course, its Irresistible gastronomy.
Here in Brazil, this influence grows every year, but the connection with South Korea is not recent. Since 1963, when the first immigrants arrived in the country, Korean culture and flavors began to mix with the São Paulo scenario. Today, it is estimated that about 50 thousand South Koreans and descendants live in Brazil with 90% concentrated in São Paulo, especially in the Bom Retiro neighborhood.
Gastronomy plays a key role in Korean culture
Over the years, the presence of the community not only grew in numbers, but also left deep marks in the local culture. Among the various forms of influence, cooking stood out as a strong link between generations and cultures.
More than a textile and residential pole, the good retreat has become a real paradise for those who want to explore authentic Korean cuisine. There are more than 70 restaurants, cafes and grocery stores that offer from traditional everyday dishes to recipes that delight fans of pop culture.
“Food plays a key role in Korean culture, to the point that the elders do not greet the younger ones with an ‘Oi’ or a ‘good morning’, but with a ‘already eaten’? So when we talk about aspects of traditional Korean cuisine, there is both the social issue, where the collective spirit of Korean society also appears here, such as family eating, obeying social hierarchy (nobody gets the oldest, etc.) Bruno Kim who arrived in Brazil at the age of seven and today is President of Brazilian Association of Koreans
Of the traditional “root” to the popular
In addition to the famous Korean barbecue and fried chicken, Korean cuisine is quite diverse and has for all tastes: for those who like meat, seafood, pasta, soups or vegetables, with or without pepper.
We asked Koreans in the neighborhood their preferences of dishes and came to a very representative list that escapes the commonplace, besides, of course, more popular dishes and their famous side dishes, which are constantly found in k-dramas and that usually mouthwatering from those who watch!
Check out the full list and where to prove them in São Paulo:
BULBOGUI AND BIBIMBAP
Let’s start our list with two popular dishes that can not be missed in the main Korean restaurants: the Bulbogui and the Bibimbap . The first is the Korean barbecue Made of grilled marinade meat in soy sauce, chopped garlic and sesame seed, usually made on a plate on the table and served with different side dishes – which are very traditional in this cuisine. The second literally means “mixed rice” and consists basically of white rice, vegetables and meat mixed and prepared in a bowl.
- Where to find: These dishes are considered “basic” of Korean cuisine, so you will surely find it in most of the restaurants below and also on the list provided at this link.
- Restaurant tip specializing in Korean barbecue: New Shin La Kwan: Rua Prates, 343, Bom Retiro/Tel.: (11) 3315-9021/Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 11:30 am to 2:30 pm; from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 am to 8:30 pm.
Kimbab + tokbokki
If you are a fan of k-dramas you have certainly heard of Kimbab (meat and vegetables wrapped in marine algae) and Tokbokki (Rice pasta in spicy sauce). Most series brings them as protagonists to the tables, and it’s no less. Want to feel in Korea? Try the combo!
- Where to find: URI OMMA KIMCHI: Rua Três Rios, 244-Bom Retiro, Sao Paulo/Tel.: (11) 9991-0893/Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, from 9am to 6pm.
Hot Dog Korean
It is a variation of the American hot dog that carries sausage and cheese in the toothpick, involved in a bread and breaded flour pasta, which makes it very crispy.
- Where to find: Dogkebi: Rua Três Rios, 110-Bom Retiro, Sao Paulo/Tel.: (11) 96191-8470/Opening hours: Monday to Friday, from 12h to 19h30; Saturday from 11am to 6pm; Sunday from 11am to 5pm.
Sesson Yannyon Gui
Fish is one of the most consumed ingredients in Korea, and this is a fried fish in a spicy sauce, which works as a main course along with rice and traditional side dishes.
- Where to find: Seok joung: Correia de Melo Street, 135-Bom Retiro, Sao Paulo/Tel.: (11) 3338-0737/Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, from 11:30 am to 2:45 pm and from 17h30 to 20h.
Mur-Nemmion
Neither It is a Korean plate of cold Sarraceno noodles in a broth typically made with beef and that has origins in the northern region of Korea. The name translates as “cold pasta soup.”
- Where to find: Shim Shim: Rua Correia de Melo, 162-Bom Retiro, Sao Paulo /Tel. 🙁 11) 3311-9453 /Opening hours: Every day except Saturday, from 11:30 am to 15h; from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.
GAMJA SOOJEI
Soojebi It is a handled potato pasta, added to a bubbling pan of tasty broth. The dish is simple – only flour, water, salt and oil – but it is thin, soft and comfort of comfort.
- Where to find: HWANG TO GIL: Guarani Street, 240-Bom Retiro, Sao Paulo/Tel.: (11) 97560-9549/Opening hours: every day, from 11am to 3pm; from 17h to 21h30.
Samgyupsal
Samgyupsal It is a Korean grilled pork belly dish on a plate on the table. It is a popular dish, especially among young people, and widely consumed in the company of a Soju bottle.
- Where to find: Il Mi Jeong: 442 Rua Silva Pinto-Bom Retiro, Sao Paulo/Tel.: (11) 3221-0389/Opening hours: every day, from 11am to 2:30 pm; from 17h to 20h30.
Sundubû-jjigae
The dish is made with newly coined extra tofu that was not strained and pressed, vegetables, sometimes mushrooms, onion in a spicy soup with seafood or meat.
- Where to find: Choyee: Rua Três Rios, 245-Bom Retiro, Sao Paulo/Tel. 🙁 11) 2539-9927/Opening hours: Monday to Friday, from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm; from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm; On Saturdays, from 11:30 to 14h and from 17h30 to 20h.
Gallbitang
It is a rib soup with cooked meat, radish, onion and other ingredients. The Korean name literally means “short rib soup” and is consumed with several varieties of Kimchi.
- Where to prove: Garam: Rua Lubavitch, 93-Bom Retiro, Sao Paulo/Tel. 🙁 11) 97598-1121/Opening hours: Monday to Friday, from 11h to 20h; On Saturdays from 11am to 4pm. Closed on Sundays.
Sundeguk
THE Sundeguk It is a striking flavor soup made with a type of a Korean bull made with ox, blood, spices and rice, quite seasoned. The ingredients may vary according to the place.
- Where to find: Bonjour Pojang: Guarani Street, 364-Bom Retiro, Sao Paulo/Tel.: (11) 97347-6606/Opening hours: Monday to Friday, from 11h to 14h.
Bossam
Bossam It is a cooked pork traditionally served with cooked cabbage leaves. The meat boils in a tasty brine until soft and served in thin slices with spicy sauce apart.
- Where to find: Kaya: Guarani Street, 158-Bom Retiro, Sao Paulo/Tel.: (11) 3313-6474/Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, from 11:30 am to 2 pm; from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm; On Sundays, from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm.
Gamjatang
Gamjatang It is a Korean soup made with pork, potatoes, niá, chives and sesame sheet. It is a popular and comforting dish, especially in winter.
- Where to find: Umiguan: 45 Newton Prado Street-Bom Retiro, Sao Paulo/Tel.: (11) 2579-6536/Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, from 12h to 14h; from 17h30 to 20h; Sunday from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
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The Post Korea in SP: See where to eat the main typical Korean dishes Appeared First on CNN Brazil V&G.
Source: CNN Brasil
Johanna Foster is an expert opinion writer with over 7 years of experience. She has a reputation for delivering insightful and thought-provoking articles on a variety of subjects. Her work can be found on some of the top online news websites, and she is currently lending her voice to the world stock market.
