I’m white, this is my first time getting Korean food and me and my other white friends cannot figure out what this is and how we’re supposed to eat it. Tastes too salty to just drink like soup. Has some vegetables in it.

by FlavorOfTheMonthh

12 Comments

  1. rkdghdfo

    Dongchimi. Basically the brine from water kimchi.

  2. Palate cleanser with your salty/fried/oily foods; Take a spoon of it.

  3. cottonshoes

    You’re at Mapo Dakgalbi. That is dongchimi water—basically it’s the water the dongchimi kimchi is in. It’s supposed to be like a refreshing thing you drink like a soup—use your spoon, pick up the bowl and take sips, whatever you want.

    However, it may not be your cup of tea—I would put this dish as an intermediate level Korean food.

    How did you like Mapo?

  4. boss_taco

    Dongchimi slaps. Drink it in between your spicy chicken bites

  5. Calm-Driver-3800

    Think of it as water kimchi. Very light refreshing.

  6. Long-Drag4678

    It’s water kimchi. It’s best when you chill it until it’s slightly icy and then eat it with warm kimchi fried rice. (Sure, the sodium will explode)

  7. Background-Froyo-988

    it a kind of kimchi. It also helps with digestion.

  8. MiniMeowl

    Its pickle juice. If you love drinking the brine in the jar that pickles come in, you will love this.

  9. FlavorOfTheMonthh

    Thank you everyone for the help! When I was at the meal (and too socially anxious to ask the waiter what it was) I panic texted my friends (none of which are Korean) to see if maybe they knew.

    None of their ideas were correct, but my favorite one was my friend who said he thought it was a bowl of water to clean my hands in, like before you eat fufu. I am glad I knew at least a little better than him. I shiver at the thought of the poor waiters watching the only white people in the restaurant wash their hands in the complimentary soup.