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Until recently, it was clear – summer equals Croatia, or proven classics like Italy or Greece. The scenario hasn’t changed for years, and many vacationers didn’t even have a reason to try something new. But times change, and so do travelers’ tastes. What was once a “certainty” is now slowly receding into the background.
More and more people want something different. They don’t just want to lie on the beach, but experience culture shock, taste new flavors and see a world that is miles away from ours. And that is precisely why Asia is coming to the fore. Destinations that were once considered exotic and inaccessible are today, they are becoming increasingly popular – and surprisingly affordable.
Travelers are attracted by the combination of a completely different culture, fascinating traditions and prices that can pleasantly surprise. While in Europe one often pays extra for a normal lunch, in some Asian countries it is a completely different league.
Among them, South Korea stands out more and more. The country, which combines ultra-modern technologies with deep-rooted traditions, wins the hearts of tourists from all over the world. Busy streets, neon lights, but also peaceful temples and food, which is an experience in itself – all this creates an atmosphere that will not be forgotten.
The reader Nikola traveled to this destination, and she came to our editorial office she wrote how much she paid for lunch. As she revealed, she and her husband were wandering the streets of the capital Seoul when they came across a nice-looking restaurant. They peeked in, where they were greeted by a nice waiter. He showed them the menu, which did not contain the text in Latin, but the helpful gentleman explained to them in broken English that they only make three soups in the restaurant.
The couple said they wanted to try it. They say that the shorter the menu, the greater the assurance of quality – and it’s not just an empty phrase. Restaurants that only offer a few dishes usually focus on perfecting them. Chefs have more space to fine-tune flavors, work with fresher ingredients and don’t waste energy on dozens of mediocre items.
It is in the PHOTO that Nikola sent a captured view of a table set with a traditional Korean dish known as Budae Jjigae, which is often called “army pot”. It is a hearty and spicy soup. In the pot we can see a varied mixture of ingredients, from from a block of instant noodles to slices of sausage and ham to fresh vegetables dominated by bok choy leaves, long white enoki mushrooms and chopped spring onions.
The whole experience is complemented by several accompanying elements typical of Korean cuisine. A bowl of pure white steamed rice is prepared in the foreground in a traditional metal container and an empty black bowl for scooping portions. On the right side of the table are small bowls with side dishes, including spicy kimchi, seaweed salad and refreshing pickled vegetables.
And how much did this tempting looking dish cost? “Such a lunch for 25,000 South Korean won… It looks like a portion for two, but in reality it’s for three. And they give the small plates on the right with kimchi and the like for free forever.” she explained to us. In conversion, 25,000 South Korean won is only 14.50 euros. PHOTO can be found in the gallery.
