If you’ve read the Korean novel, The Vegetarian, which won the Man Booker International this year, you might have been struck by all the uproar over meat or the lack thereof. Which makes you wonder what Korean food is all about. So when the Robinson Street hotel, Aauris, launched its Korean food festival, it was an opportunity not to be passed up.
“I miss Korean food so much and I’m so excited about this. I hope everyone else loves it,” said Meeryung Hall, wife of Craig L. Hall, US consul-general in Calcutta.
t2 made sure to step in line behind her with the dinner plate so as not to miss any Korean traditions. Psst, don’t look for the wasabi and soy sauce with Korean sushi — it’s nothing like Japanese sushi.
What: Korean Food Festival
Where: Blu, Aauris hotel, 4 Robinson Street
When: Till August 21, 12.30pm-3.30pm, 7.30pm-11pm
Pocket pinch: Rs 800-plus per person
Meeryung Hall’s favourite dishes
Kimchi.
“I’m so happy to find my Kimchi here,” smiled Meeryung. This Chinese cabbage cooked in kimchi sauce sourced from South Korea, fermented with a mixture of red pepper, garlic, ginger and salted fish sauce, is a Korean staple. Crispy, tangy and a little spicy... it tastes very fresh despite being cooked. Rs 200
Juk.
“I love this. It makes you feel so good when you’re sick,” said Meeryung about this thick rice porridge. Having been cooked in plenty of water, it is heavy and watery, made nourishing by the vegetables in it. For convalescing patients indeed! Rs 250
Bibimbap.
Line your bowl with rice and add sauteed vegetables like spinach, cucumber, sprouts, eggplant, carrot, lettuce and bell pepper. Add a fried egg and a dollop of spicy red sauce made with gochujang, a Korean chilli paste. A refreshing clear cucumber soup is served on the side to relieve the spice quotient. “In Korea, this is very popular. All restaurants have to have it,” said Meeryung. Rs 250
Pajeon.
“My favourite snack,” smiled Meeryung. This onion pancake, so reminiscent of the Indian peyanji, can be dipped into the spicy sauce. Bite into it to discover the shrimps in the middle! In Korea, it may contain pork or beef or squid as well. Rs 200
(L-R) French consul-general in Calcutta Damien Syed, honorary consul of Korea Rajive Kaul, British diplomat Bruce Bucknell, US consul-general in Calcutta Craig L. Hall with wife Meeryung and son Tyler. “It’s really difficult to find Korean ingredients in Calcutta. I’m pleasantly surprised at this spread,” said Craig, who loved the Bibimbap and Chap Chae Noodles.
Text: Ramona Sen
Pictures: Rashbehari Das
What: I-Day & Rakhi offer
Where: Rollick parlour at India’s Hobby Centre, Park Street
When: August 15 to 18, noon to 11.30pm
On the menu: Go desi with Rabdi & Malpua Sundae, Rollick’s version of our malpua. A stack of fresh, piping hot malpua with creamy rabdi ice cream, roasted nuts and a dollop of caramel sauce — you cannot go wrong with this combination. Try it for Rs 220. Plus, enjoy the Tri-coloured Floats (Rs 70 per float), with your favourite ice cream stick dunked into it!
