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Foreigners' Reactions to Korea's Hearty Baekban (Home-style Meal)
Source:
https://theqoo.net/square/4115390264
I had Bossam (boiled pork) and Jeyuk-bokkeum (spicy stir-fried pork) in Korea for 11,000 won (about 8 dollars).
Two of us ate, and we are both big eaters who can easily handle 2-3 servings normally,
but I seriously thought my stomach was going to burst here.
The side dishes were also wonderful, and they kept refilling them.
Even the soup was delicious.
One thing to note is that they tend to close early because they run out of ingredients quickly,
so I recommend going early if you plan to visit.
This isn't just a "good price."
I felt like something was wrong with the pricing of the food.
Comments>
Kerry-4013-Porter
Food prices in Korea are generally cheap, so restaurants like that are scattered all over the streets.
However, some places sell similar food at much higher prices,
and places with nice interiors generally tend to be more expensive.
You can pay a lot for a fancy meal,
or you can enjoy ramen and coffee for a few thousand won at a nearby convenience store.
ㄴGOD-PORING
The real money for Korean restaurants comes from selling alcohol, which is priced high.
Because people usually don't just drink one or two glasses of beer or soju.
ptjunior67
This one is 7,000 won.
ㄴchocolatemintcake8
Is that the portion for one person?
ㄴptjunior67
chocolatemintcake8/Yes, I polished off about 80% of what was set there.
ㄴOG213tothe323
That's actually insane.
milkanddoreo
I'm just in tears here in the US...
boolpies
How is that possible at that price?
ㄴi_never_get_mad
The cost of living in Korea is low, but it's common for the minimum order to be 2 servings.
Compared to the US, it's a really great price.
rubineous1
Truly beautiful!
PerAsperaAdAstra1701
Koreans really seem to know how to eat properly.
Diligent-Map8305
The side dishes look so delicious!
I want to eat that too!
koy682
When I grew up in Korea, Baekban was actually a bit of a mediocre menu.
When I told my friends let's go eat something delicious, it was never the choice; it just felt like a home-cooked meal.
But living in the US, I can't tell you how much I miss those ordinary meals from back then.
Sb0y
Is that soup served to be eaten before the meal?
ㄴLordAldricQAmoryIII
No, it's part of the entire meal set.
anikmehta
It's truly artistic.
It feels like the harmony of color, texture, and taste is all contained in one tray.
Korean food always seems to surprise people with its diversity.
I can imagine the flavors bursting in my mouth with every bite.
I think it would be an unforgettable meal.
cameron_thought
Looking at this is making my mouth water.
MasterWatch3000
Looks hearty.
Just looking at the number of side dishes, it's already a perfect meal.
What's truly amazing about Korean food is how very simple ingredients come together
and turn into a taste that you can't forget for a lifetime.
Even after several years, I can still vividly feel that taste in my head.
Aromatic_Razzmatazz
Those side dishes look so tasty!
I want to visit that restaurant too!
yaleeeee
It feels like a hearty lunch prepared by a grandmother.
Quiet_Government2222
Wow, that price is almost impossible in Seoul...
I live in Gyeonggi-do, and I pay more than that but get fewer side dishes.
ㄴFantastic-Ad7569
I work in Gangnam, and there are several places that sell the same thing for 9,000 won.
ㄴLazy-Wing-6040
Surprisingly, there are many cheap, delicious spots in Gangnam.
There's no neighborhood like Gangnam for solving a meal cheaply.
Ok-Republic-5356
I thought Korean food was expensive.
ㄴUnluckyPluton
It depends on which region of Korea you're in.
It's a stretch to judge based on just one example posted here.
Radiant-Age-3590
It definitely seems cheaper than Europe.
lfreddit23
I know where that is.
It's a place very famous for its value for money.
It's near Seoul National University, so it's a popular spot that students love.
perfectchaos007
It looks like the kind of food they sell at "Gisa-sikdang" (driver's restaurants).
When you're struggling to pick a menu, it's great to go there.
Because the menu changes daily.
Sufficient-Value1694
My goodness, a feast like that for that price is practically free!
The visuals are amazing too.
mrsgordon
Why are you making me feel jealous...
Glass_Carpet_5537
I don't even know what to eat first.
Even two big guys could eat their fill.
You really have to give credit to the generosity of Korean neighborhood eateries.
The price is cheap, but they give you a huge amount.
Right_Pack_6346
Someone please tell me what this is.
I've had it before and it was so delicious.
Can I buy it at a mart or something?
Since it's a side dish, I don't think they sell it separately at the restaurant.
ㄴFormal_Ad1032
If you're not talking about the soup, it's probably Jangjorim (braised beef in soy sauce).
It only takes a few ingredients, so it's easy to make.
nevernowhy2
To eat like that in the US, it would cost 40-50 dollars.
Turtleramem
Awesome.
But it would be even better with some beer or soju.
Interesting_Guest_45
Since you can have a proper meal with various side dishes for 10,000 won, convenience store food actually feels expensive.
Plenty-Charm6172
There are quite a few places that run Korean food buffets at that price range.
Still, if you can enjoy that quality for two people, it's definitely a good price.
Lazy-Wing-6040
In Australia, it would probably be around 35,000 won per person.
Plus, even at a cheap place, a bottle of soju costs as much as 19,000 won.
Eedoryeonginkorea
Korea was really great back when there were 1,000 won gimbap.
Laura8811
I must visit that place next time I go to Seoul!
Foshomama
All of that for 11,000 won per person??
Infamous_Thought6905
Wow, this brings back memories!
I used to be around that area too.
Isn't Gosi-chon (exam village) a really great neighborhood for foreigners to live in?
Because everything is so cheap.
wahtisthisthing
How do Koreans make and sell food so cheaply?
Wan_Chai_King
Seems way better than McDonald's in the US.
lilly6677
Those side dishes were always free.
Originally, Korean restaurants serve rice, various side dishes, and soup as a basic set with the main dish.
Because they believe it's not a proper meal without side dishes and soup.
They even give you more if you ask.
But these days, especially in places like the US, there's a trend of treating side dishes like appetizers
and charging ridiculous prices (12 dollars for a plate of cucumber 'salad'), which is honestly infuriating.
EmphasisDifficult874
I feel like I'm getting hungry just looking at the food photos.
tokage
This place is seriously the best.
I went there last week, and they serve so many side dishes.
KimchiMaker
Looks delicious.
But isn't it a bit expensive for Baekban?
Is it a high-end place? Or just an ordinary snack shop?
ㄴPrudentFly8344
You can tell just by looking that it's a level above a snack shop.
And within Baekban, there are definitely several different tiers.
TTStardust
I want to try all Korean foods.
It looks really delicious.
ㄴLavish-pretty
That's why many people gain weight when they come to Korea. lol
Tourist restaurants tend to make food spicier, saltier, and sweeter,
but if you go to traditional local spots, the taste is really clean and wonderful.
[deleted]
The portion size is no joke.
Aromatic_Razzmatazz
Wow, look at those side dishes.
I want to go there soon too!
colfaxmachine
Really hearty for the price.
haribobosses
Perfect.
It looks very neat.
SacrimoniusSausages
Looks truly delicious.
I don't know what to eat first!
gwaydms
Three words are enough for this table setting: Looks tasty, looks delicious, looks so delicious!
boterkoeken
For such hearty food at that price, it's really a great deal.
Translator: Alla
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