Discover K-Pop Idols' Favorite Korean Foods

K-Pop idols not only captivate us with their performances but also influence our culinary interests. Let's explore some beloved Korean dishes favored by these stars and how you can experience them.


Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)

MAMAMOO's Solar and TWICE's Jeongyeon have expressed their love for tteokbokki, a popular Korean street food made from chewy rice cakes simmered in a spicy-sweet gochujang sauce. Jeongyeon's father even prepared a special tteokbokki with ramyeon for the group on the show "We Like Zines." [Source: Seoulbox]

Where to Try Tteokbokki:

  • Los Angeles: Seoul Tofu House offers authentic tteokbokki with customizable spice levels.
  • New York City: Boka serves a renowned version of this dish in the heart of Manhattan.

Cooking at Home:

Ingredients:

  • Rice cakes (tteok)
  • Gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
  • Fish cakes
  • Green onions
  • Sugar and soy sauce

Instructions:

  1. Soak rice cakes if refrigerated.
  2. In a pan, combine water, gochujang, sugar, and soy sauce; bring to a boil.
  3. Add rice cakes and cook until soft.
  4. Incorporate fish cakes and green onions; simmer briefly.
  5. Serve hot.

Korean Fried Chicken

EXO's Kai and SHINee's Onew are known for their fondness for Korean fried chicken. Kai has even followed chicken-only diets, while Onew once dressed as Colonel Sanders for Halloween. This dish features crispy, double-fried chicken often glazed with a sweet and spicy sauce. [Source: Seoulbox]

Where to Try Korean Fried Chicken:

  • Chicago: Bonchon Chicken offers a variety of flavors with a signature crunch.
  • Atlanta: Mukja Korean Fried Chicken is popular among K-Pop fans and locals alike. [Source: Eater Atlanta]

Cooking at Home:

Ingredients:

  • Chicken wings or drumsticks
  • Flour and cornstarch
  • Gochujang, garlic, soy sauce, honey
  • Oil for frying

Instructions:

  1. Coat chicken in a flour and cornstarch mixture.
  2. Deep fry until golden; drain excess oil.
  3. Prepare a sauce with gochujang, garlic, soy sauce, and honey; simmer.
  4. Toss fried chicken in the sauce.
  5. Serve immediately.

Kimchi Fried Rice

BLACKPINK's Rosé has showcased her favorite kimchi fried rice dish, a comforting meal combining stir-fried kimchi and rice, often topped with a fried egg. Rosé's version includes a generous amount of cilantro, reflecting her personal taste. [Source: Vogue]

Where to Try Kimchi Fried Rice:

  • San Francisco: Aria Korean Street Food offers a flavorful rendition of this classic dish.
  • Houston: Tobiuo Sushi & Bar provides a unique fusion take on kimchi fried rice.

Cooking at Home:

Ingredients:

  • Cooked rice
  • Kimchi
  • Garlic
  • Soy sauce
  • Sesame oil
  • Egg (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Sauté garlic and chopped kimchi in sesame oil.
  2. Add rice and soy sauce; stir-fry until heated through.
  3. Top with a fried egg if desired.
  4. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds.

Gopchang (Grilled Intestines)

BTS's Jungkook has expressed his enjoyment of gopchang, a dish featuring grilled beef or pork intestines known for their chewy texture and rich flavor. [Source: Lifestyle Asia]

Where to Try Gopchang:

  • Los Angeles: Ahgassi Gopchang specializes in this delicacy.
  • New York City: Gopchang Story offers authentic grilled intestines.

Cooking at Home:

Ingredients:

  • Beef or pork intestines
  • Salt, pepper, garlic
  • Sesame oil

Instructions:

  1. Clean intestines thoroughly; marinate with salt, pepper, and garlic.
  2. Grill until crispy on the outside.
  3. Serve with dipping sauces like sesame oil with salt.

Sundubu Jjigae (Soft Tofu Stew)

Red Velvet's Irene enjoys sundubu jjigae, a spicy stew made with uncurdled tofu, vegetables, and sometimes seafood or meat. [Source: Lifestyle Asia]

Where to Try Sundubu Jjigae:

  • Los Angeles: BCD Tofu House is famous for its soft tofu stews.
  • Dallas: So Gong Dong Tofu House offers various versions of this comforting dish.

Cooking at Home:

Ingredients:

  • Soft tofu
  • Kimchi
  • Gochugaru (red chili flakes)
  • Garlic
  • Egg (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Sauté garlic and kimchi; add gochugaru.
  2. Pour in broth; bring to a boil.
  3. Add soft tofu and simmer.
  4. Crack an egg on top before serving if desired.

Exploring these dishes provides insight into Korean cuisine and a connection to the idols who enjoy them. Whether dining out or cooking at home, these flavors offer a taste of the culture that shapes K-Pop.

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