At World Institute of Kimchi, scientists work to determine what makes kimchi tasty and healthy

Wine aficionados have wine coolers and cabinets at home. Fish-loving Japanese have fridges with special features for raw fish storage. Koreans, likewise, have a refrigerator for their beloved kimchi. Although Korea’s very first kimchi refrigerator dates back to 1984 (Gold Star, now LG Electronics, was its inventor), the market only began to take shape in the late 1990s, with the rise of apartment complexes as the norm of urban dwelling. Traditionally, kimchi was stored in earthenware burie

Experts on fermented food from Asia came together for a forum on Tuesday, amid growing recognition of the health and nutritional benefits of such food worldwide. Experts from Korea and four member states of ASEAN --Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia -- gathered at the aT Center in Seoul to introduce fermented food, exchanging knowledge and introducing the different cultural backgrounds of their cuisines.The ASEAN-Korea Food Fermentation and Culture Forum was held on the sidelines of the A

Whenever a young Basira Yeusuff wondered how much chili there was in her soup, her grandmother would always say, “Agak agak.” Meaning “roughly” or “rough estimate” in Bahasa Malaysian, the phrase is used widely in Malaysian kitchens to explain seasoning amounts in home-cooking recipes, said Yeusuff, now a chef, using the tips of her fingers to explain how much “agak agak” could be. It sums up the Malaysian food culture, and that’s why she cho

Southeast Asian cuisines come marching into the Korean food scene

To refresh oneself with Vietnamese coffee in Seoul, Cong Caphe in Yeonnam-dong, western Seoul, is the prime destination. The successful Hanoi-based cafe chain offers visitors a glimpse inside Vietnamese cafe culture, serving various Vietnamese-style coffees and coffee variation drinks, such as the famous Coconut Smoothie Coffee. Coconut Smoothie Coffee features sweet coffee mixed with a coconut-flavored smoothie. In this rather chilling weather, the drink can be brain freezing, but the flav

Led by Tiger Sugar, Taiwanese drinks and desserts entice Korea, but will the craze last?

Year-end afternoon tea at Park Hyatt Seoul Park Hyatt Seoul’s The Lounge is offering the “Festive Afternoon Tea” to celebrate the Christmas and year-end season. The afternoon tea set includes honey cheese panini, bulgogi sandwich and mushroom cream soup. Desserts that resemble winter-related icons such as present boxes and mini trees will also be included. The food items will be served on traditional Korean pottery plates. 　The promotion is available from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. an

Controversy surrounding Michelin Guide Seoul now shows no signs of abating, as a South Korean chef has accused the fine dining guide of the crime of “insult” for including his restaurant on its list. On Nov. 15, chef Eo Yun-gwon, 49, who runs modern Italian eatery Ristorante Eo in Cheongdam-dong, southern Seoul, took legal action against Michelin Travel Partner, formally accusing it of insult, which is a crime under Korean law, after the gourmet guide included his restaurant in the M

Rice was the focus of a culinary event jointly organized by the Korean Food Promotion Institute -- affiliated with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs -- and the Embassy of Italy in Seoul at the Korean Cuisine Culture Center in central Seoul on Tuesday. Italy and South Korea have very different culinary cultures, but rice is an important ingredient in both.  “I think rice is a great ingredient that works (harmoniously) with the body for both Italians and Koreans,&rdquo

Teahouse serves sweeter variation of sipjeondaebo-tang in Daechi-dong

Winter packages at Park Hyatt SeoulPark Hyatt Seoul is offering special promotions for winter vacationers as well as those planning year-end gatherings. The “Winter at Park” package offers a 20 percent discount for all food and beverage in the hotel and those who book suites will receive a bottle of red wine and voucher for the sauna. A separate promotion for year-end gatherings is available for events with eight to 60 guests. Prices vary depending on the options. For inquires and re

War refugees’ soul foods become city’s most sought-after delicacies

Suspicions raised of interference in Michelin Guide Seoul’s selection

Wrap up 2019 at Park Hyatt SeoulPark Hyatt Seoul presents year-end promotions suitable for those planning gatherings to wrap up the year. Guests who make a booking from Nov. 30 to Dec. 3 can choose from a festive menu (buffet or set), a beverage package, or a welcome canape set. All promotional sets are available for events with eight to 60 guests. Prices vary depending on the options. Benefits offered to all guests include vin chaud welcome drinks (one per person), festive table centerpieces, C