How Korean cuisines have flourished amongst Indians because of K-Dramas.

What is K-drama? 

K-drama or Korean dramas are television shows in the Korean language, they are mostly filmed in South Korea. These shows are available globally on many streaming or OTT platforms. Loved by many, these shows gave a rise to Korean culture in other parts of the world. 

Because of K-dramas and K-pop or Korean pop, young minds have been greatly influenced. Indians and Koreans go big on culture, and food is one of the most common things that bring people together.

Street food

There is a conspicuous way of portraying street food in k-dramas. It is hard to miss the mouthwatering dishes, which are sold on the busy streets of Seoul.

Tteok-bokki, hot and spicy rice cakes dipped in red sauce, is a great after-school snack. Jajangmyeon, a very famous noodle dish made with thick black bean sauce and vegetables. Corn dog which is also known as a hotdog is coated in batter and deep-fried sausage with different toppings and cheese. Kim-bap, rice rolled in seaweed with some veggies and egg inside like a wrap. Bungeoppang or fish-shaped bread, this very cute-looking bread filled with red bean paste inside is everyone's favorite. 

Snacks

South Korea has varieties of snacks. its popularity has reached India, so much that we can find some of these in supermarkets and malls. There are also online shops that sell Korean snacks in India. They sell assorted boxes which consist of different popular Korean snacks like cup noodles, chocolates, chips, sour candies, cookies, and instant coffee.

Like Indians, Koreans also love their culture, and just like us, they do not shy away from showing how proud and unique they are. It's safe to say that food plays a very prominent role in K-dramas and movies. Every crisis can be solved with good food. Going on a date? food, meeting friends? food! to celebrate? food and drinks, feeling sad? you guessed it right. The answer is always eating your feelings away!

Ram-don, a saucy instant noodle dish with meat, got really famous through the Oscar-winning Korean movie; Parasite (2019). The whole internet jumped on the bandwagon of making their own Ram-don at home. The trend was so huge that you can find many recipes online. 

Kimchi, a side dish made with napa cabbage and Korean radish, is a traditional staple food of Korea. Kimchi was always famous but recently it has become more popular among people in different parts of the world. It's a very versatile dish which can be served with many things like rice, soup, seafood, and meat. 

Koreans are also known for their drinking culture. Alcohol plays a major role in their life. Soju, clear liquor is most commonly consumed by Koreans and you will always find actors in these dramas drowning shots and shots of soju. There are tons of brands of soju available even in India you will find those green bottles of clear liquid. Makgeolli is Korean rice wine, it's sticky and fermented with; slightly bitter-sweet taste.

Korean barbeques are the most famous dish of every Korean restaurant in India. There are varieties of meat one can choose from. Galbi and Bulgogi, marinated grilled meat with the sauce; ssamjang. This calls for a perfect dinner along with other side dishes like rice, perilla leaves, stew, and drinks like soju or beer. 

Even desserts and drinks from Korea have become popular in India. The very famous matcha flavored latte and iced coffee. Let's not forget mochi, a traditional Korean rice cake filled with sweet bean paste with a modern twist of different flavors. 

Lately, there has been a trend of minimalist cakes and lunchbox cakes. Truly inspired from Korea, very simple yet aesthetic cakes, a sight for sore eyes. 

So, the next time, when you crave, warm and hearty bowl of ramen for some comfort. Or some Korean fried chicken with your favorite drink, and some scrumptious bowl of bi-bimbap from binge-watching your recent k-drama. I am sure you will find a place with all these k-cuisines. don't shy away from finding your favorite Korean restaurant in India!