Author: Taeyeon

Baechu Mandu (Napa Cabbage Dumplings) |Savory Dumpling Without Dough
Appetizers, Korean Classics, Recipes, Seasonal Dishes

Baechu Mandu (Napa Cabbage Dumplings) |Savory Dumpling Without Dough

Baechu Mandu: Dumplings Without Dumpling Dough That You’ll Love Koreans love dumplings—whether they’re steamed, boiled, pan-fried, or served in a comforting bowl of soup. While 만두 mandu (Korean dumplings) often come wrapped in wheat flour skins, there’s a lesser-known but equally delicious variety: baechu mandu (배추만두), dumplings wrapped in napa cabbage leaves. The star of […]

Tteokguk (Korean rice cake soup) |Korean New Year Day Soup
Korean Classics, Recipes, Rice & Noodles, Seasonal Dishes, Soup & Stew

Tteokguk (Korean rice cake soup) |Korean New Year Day Soup

Tteokguk, My Family Style: A Hug in a Bowl to Start the Year Happy Seollal (Korean New Year’s Day)! If you’ve ever celebrated the Korean New Year, chances are you’ve had a warm, comforting bowl of Tteokguk. This traditional soup is made with chewy rice cakes swimming in a delicate broth, topped with colorful garnishes […]

5 Plant-Forward, Vegetarian, Vegan-friendly restaurants in Seoul
Eat & Travel, Lifestyle

5 Plant-Forward, Vegetarian, Vegan-friendly restaurants in Seoul

Did you know? Seoul is a treasure box for plant-forward dining. So many restaurants and cafes celebrate fresh, seasonal ingredients and creative veggie dishes! Given Korean cuisine’s long history with plant-based cooking, it’s no surprise these places feel so authentic and inspiring. As a chef who loves sharing Korean food culture, I think these restaurants […]

Ssam with Gang-doenjang | Korean Vegetable Rice Wraps with Thick Soybean Stew
Korean Classics, Recipes, Rice & Noodles, Seasonal Dishes, Soup & Stew

Ssam with Gang-doenjang | Korean Vegetable Rice Wraps with Thick Soybean Stew

In peak summer, Korean rice tables fill with vibrant greens that cool and nourish the body. One of the most beloved ways to enjoy the season? It’s Ssam (쌈), or Korean vegetable rice wraps, paired with a rich, umami-packed gang-doenjang (강된장), a thickened soybean paste stew. This dish is a quintessential part of Korean home […]

Gochujang saengchae (Korean salad with gochujang dressing) |Bold & Fresh Salad
Banchan(Side Dishes), Korean Classics, Recipes, Salads

Gochujang saengchae (Korean salad with gochujang dressing) |Bold & Fresh Salad

Craving something quick, bold, and fresh? This gochujang saengchae (고추장 생채) is one of my favorite ways to bring Korean flavor to the table. With a simple spicy-sweet gochujang dressing, it turns everyday vegetables and herbs into a vibrant salad that’s perfect with rice and your favorite protein. It’s especially good with grilled seafood, tofu, […]

5-Minute Kong-guksu with Edamame | Korean Soy Milk Noodle Soup
Korean Classics, Recipes, Rice & Noodles, Seasonal Dishes

5-Minute Kong-guksu with Edamame | Korean Soy Milk Noodle Soup

When summer hits its peak and the heat is inescapable, many Koreans turn to one of the most refreshing meals imaginable: Kong-guksu (콩국수), or chilled soy milk noodle soup. This dish is creamy, cooling, and deeply satisfying. And yes, it’s traditionally vegan too! In this simplified version, we make Kong-guksu with putkong (풋콩), also known […]