The Korean Wave, food phenomenon.

 The Korean Wave, or Hungul (한류) means "Flow of Korea" has been referenced in the recent popularity increase of the South Korean culture. Everyone is talking about Kpop, Kdrama, Kfood, Kcosmetics, Krap and the list goes on and on. This phenomenon has affected people of all ages and ethnic groups. Take the famous Youtubers; Simon and Martina for example, 2 vibrant Torontonians who moved to Seoul, Korea back in 2008. Their initial goals were to teach English, provide traveling tips while embracing local eateries and culture. I used to think I knew a lot about the Korean culture, because I actually dated a Korean Born Canadian (KBC) for a number of years, but not until I discovered Simon and Martina .... that's when I realized, there's more to eating KFC and bibimbap.


Growing up in Toronto has made me a very diverse and multicultural person. I am not afraid to try new things, especially food and if I don't like something ... I can always say "been there, done that!"

Over the last month or so, I got a chance to try a few non-conventional Korean restaurants in the city. You'll know what I mean by non-conventional when you see the pictures and information below.

Photo by Habeegirl

 Budea Jjigae (Army Stew) 부대찌개
After a week of healthy eating, my friend and I decided to go for something not so healthy on a Friday night. Why not, right?! We went to this cheap and cheerful korean eatery in Koreantown (Bloor and Christie area).

 Photos by Habeegirl

 Korean side dishes (ban-chan) 반찬
Always served with your meal with unlimited refills. This restaurant actually offers some fairly unique side dishes, unlike other Korean restaurants. I was quite impressed! 
Makkalchon Korean Restaurant (Scarborough)
 

 Photos by Habeegirl

Haemul Jeongol (Spicy Seafood Hot Pot) 해물전골

House made Makgeolli (Korean Rice Wine) and Seafood Hot Pot with octopus and bulgogi (korean marinated beef). 

Moo Kyo Dong Nak Ji Korean Restaurant (Thornhill)

Photos by Habeegirl

 Kobi Korean BBQ. They offer something unique to Toronto (at the moment), Chicken and Cheese hot plate. If you are not into chicken, you can have op for the spicy seafood instead. Minimum 2 orders, with options to add more items like udon, dook (korean rice cake), rice, ramen, etc. This place is crazy busy all the time, if you go on the weekends, be prepared to wait 1.5hrs for a table. They also serve grapefruit flavored Soju. Now that's what I call "Soju heaven". The fact that this flavored Soju is so easy to drink, you really have to watch your alcohol intake if you are driving. Maybe consider calling a cab or uber!  Just a thought ...

 

 “The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook.” -- Julia Child

 Until next time ...

Cheers,

Habeegirl

xoxo