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The Sporkful

Deep Dish With Sohla And Ham: Tteokbokki

Jan 25, 2024
Ji Hye Kim, chef and owner of Miss Kim in Ann Arbor, Michigan, explores the history and evolution of tteokbokki, a popular Korean rice cake. She shares her childhood love for the dish and reveals its surprising history as a delicacy of the royal court. The chapter also discusses the importance of seasonality in Korean food, the need for historical justification when altering traditional dishes, and the connection between complaints about a restaurant's food and nostalgia for mom's cooking.
37:19

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Quick takeaways

  • Tteokbokki, a popular Korean dish, has a rich history that reflects the changes in Korean culture over the years, transitioning from a delicacy of the royal court to a beloved street food.
  • Jihei Kim's modern interpretations of traditional dishes like Tteokbokki spark an ongoing debate between preserving authenticity in Korean cuisine and embracing innovation, emphasizing the importance of understanding the history and evolution of dishes to appreciate new interpretations.

Deep dives

The Evolution of Dokbokki and Korean Cuisine

Dokbokki has a rich history that reflects the changes in Korean culture over the years. Originally a dish of the royal court made with expensive ingredients, it later transformed into a popular street food. The dish has seen variations using different ingredients and cooking techniques. Today, chefs like Jihei Kim are embracing the evolution of Dokbokki by creating their own unique versions while still honoring the dish's roots. Korean cuisine as a whole has also undergone changes and adaptations, showcasing the importance of preserving tradition while allowing room for innovation.

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