Jip bap - Home cooked meal

Whipping Up Korean Vibes in the Heart of France

So, living in the sunny south of France means my hunt for Korean goodies boils down to tteokbokki rice cakes, kimchi, gochujang, and the occasional ramen fix. But hey, frozen dumplings joined the party about a year ago, and that's been a game-changer. Even though I'm not in a bustling city like Paris with endless options, my go-to comfort food duo – tteokbokki and kimchi – still manage to make their way onto my dinner table.

Now, let me share a little apartment drama. My old place decided to throw a tantrum with a faulty circuit breaker. Lucky for me, a buddy from the neighborhood swooped in, replaced the battery, and saved the day. In return, I threw together a quick Korean feast at his place – kimchi pork stew and a crispy seafood scallion pancake.

So, I've got this French friend who's already tasted their fair share of Korean delights and a Taiwanese pal who just wants that easygoing, everyday home-cooked vibe. Due to a hilarious shortage of certain ingredients, my attempt at a perfect home-cooked meal turned out to be a charmingly imperfect creation.

Picture this: coming home after a day's grind, casually pulling something from the fridge, and voila – dinner's served! It's that laid-back vibe we all crave.

Fast forward to the next day, my Taiwanese friend plays host to a dinner that's a bit fancier than your typical Korean home-cooked affair. Different vibe, different aromas, but there's this subtle richness and warmth that makes me appreciate the beauty of home-cooked meals even more.

Now, when it comes to Korean grub, it's all about bold flavors – think nutty sesame oil, spicy red pepper flakes, and that tangy kick from soy sauce, soybean paste, and kimchi.

And here in France? Well, let's just say the same ingredients can take on a whole new life depending on the cooking method. It's like the magic trick where meat transforms from a grilled superstar to a pâté sensation, and milk goes from regular to fancy as cheese or butter.

But you know what? Whether it's a Korean kitchen adventure, a taste of Taiwan, or a classic French soirée – I love them all. They're cozy, crave-worthy, and always taste better when you're sharing them with your favorite people.