Imagine this: you’re cozied up with friends, a bottle of soju in hand, and the tantalizing aroma of Korean BBQ wafting through the air. Sounds perfect, right? But that’s not the only thing that goes best for this famous Korean alcoholic beverage. Let’s dive into the ultimate guide to the best Korean Anju—those irresistible accompaniments to make your soju experience truly unforgettable. Here are the top five Korean food selections to eat for your next soju night!
Soju: The Global Phenomenon of Korean Signature Spirit
South Korea is a country famous for its wide variety of beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. And yet, nothing beats the impressive popularity of soju, Korean best alcoholic drink made from fermented grains. With its sweet and light flavor, soju has captivated the global community, thanks to the Korean Hallyu wave, and live up to its name, becoming one of the most famous alcoholic beverages worldwide.
According to recent research, most global soju drinkers claim to have chosen the beverage for its distinctive and refreshing taste. After all, some Korean soju companies have created impressive innovations by experimenting with different flavors.
Originally, Korean soju already had this intriguing blend of bitter and sweet flavors. But today, companies have come up with various innovations in Korean soju, from the standard strawberry and lychee to the recent innovation of the apricot flavor. Hence, when consumed in large amounts, some are often overwhelmed with its sweetness.
That is why, in South Korea, we have Anju, the best Korean food selection specifically made to eat with alcoholic beverages, including soju.
Anju: Korean Food to Eat with Soju for the Best Drinking Experience
While soju is tasty and consumed on its own, most South Koreans usually prefer to enjoy this famous beverage with Anju. Plus, in South Korea, Anju is extremely crucial, especially within the drinking culture, for several reasons:
- Enhancing the Drinking Experience: Anju features specific flavors that enhance the flavors of alcoholic beverages. They help balance the strong tastes of drinks like soju, makgeolli, and beer.
- Social Bonding: Drinking in Korea is often a communal activity. Sharing Anju encourages interaction, conversation, and bonding among friends, family, and colleagues. It’s a key component of social gatherings and celebrations.
- Cultural Tradition: Anju is deeply rooted in Korean tradition and history. The practice of enjoying Anju with alcohol has passed down through generations, and it plays a role in maintaining cultural heritage and culinary practices.
- Moderation and Health: Consuming food alongside alcohol will slow down the absorption of alcohol in the bloodstream, which can help in moderating drinking and reducing the immediate effects of alcohol. Certain Anju dishes will also alleviate hangovers or provide nutritional balance.
- Diverse Culinary Experience: Anju includes various dishes from simple snacks to elaborate meals. This diversity allows for a richer culinary experience and showcases the versatility of Korean cuisine.
- Economic Impact: Anju is an integral part of the dining and drinking industry in Korea. Bars, restaurants, and pubs often offer specialized Anju menus, contributing to the economy and providing employment opportunities in the food and beverage sector.
However, it doesn’t mean that all Korean food categorized as Anju will be perfect to eat with soju. Just like choosing your soulmates, we have selected 5 Anju that will become the best Korean food to eat with soju for the ultimate drinking experience.
5 Best Korean Food to Eat with Soju
1. Samgyeopsal (삼겹살)
There’s a reason why you always see that Kdrama scene where the characters gather to drink soju in Korean BBQ places. That is precisely because of Samgyeopsal, the very best Korean food to eat with soju.
Samgyeopsal, or grilled pork belly, is an extremely popular Anju that pairs perfectly with soju. The rich, deliciously fatty flavors of the pork belly are balanced by the clean, crisp taste of soju. Typically, the grilled pork is wrapped in lettuce or perilla leaves along with garlic, green chili peppers, and ssamjang (a thick, spicy paste).
2. Sundubu Jjigae (순두부찌개)
Secondly, nothing beats that warm and tasty mix of Sundubu Jjigae and Soju on a rainy day.
Sundubu Jjigae is a spicy Korean stew made with uncurdled tofu (sundubu), vegetables, sometimes mushrooms, onion, optional seafood (commonly oysters, mussels, clams, and shrimp), and gochujang or gochugaru (Korean chili paste or chili powder).
So, why is Sundubu Jjigae the best Korean food to eat with soju? Because the warmth and spiciness of the stew make it a great match for the smoothness of soju.
3. Ojingeo Bokkeum (오징어볶음)
Meanwhile, if you’re an avid fan of Korean seafood, then the best seafood cuisine to eat with soju is Ojingeo Bokkeum.
Ojingeo Bokkeum is stir-fried squid with vegetables in a spicy gochujang sauce. This is the perfect complement for soju because the chewy texture of the squid and the spicy, savory flavors complement the sharpness of soju. This dish is often garnished with sesame seeds and served with rice or noodles.
4. Yukhoe (육회)
Delicious, full of umami, and extremely nutritious is Yukhoe, one of the best Korean food that’s perfect to eat with soju.
Yukhoe is basically raw ground beef, with various spices and sauces. This Korean dish is similar to a tartare. It is typically served with raw egg yolk, pear slices, and sesame oil. The delicate and fresh flavors of the raw beef enhance the experience of drinking soju, providing a balanced palate.
5. Kimchi Jeon (김치전)
Finally, if you prefer something more vegan to accompany your soju experience, then you might want to go for Kimchi Jeon.
Kimchi Jeon is a Korean pancake consisting of kimchi and flour batter. It’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a spicy and tangy flavor from the fermented kimchi. This dish is easy to share and extremely pairs well with soju, making it the best food for Anju in most Korean bars and restaurants.
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