Taste of Korea Poom Seoul
Cooking along with the fresh ingredients of any traditional Korean meal is over 5,000 years of unique culinary history. Hansik (한식), meaning Korean food, is defined by the Korean Food Foundation as being three things: 1) healthy; 2) diverse in taste; and 3) culturally significant to a Korean tradition. With the goal of sharing this special cuisine, the Korean Food Foundation was kind enough to hold a Taste of Korea luncheon at the exquisite Poom Seoul (품 서울).
Poom Seoul combines the style and grace of modern gourmet eating with the flavorful foods once enjoyed by the 양반 (yangban – noblemen such as military generals or civil servants) of the Chosun Dynasty. After being seated, everyone was served both 민들레 생주 (dandelion wine) and sparking water.
Each table setting was carefully prepared for our arrival. Also prepared was a stone container of roasted pine nuts and dried jujube. Before getting started, there was some time just to enjoy the serene atmosphere of the restaurant. An in-view prep cooking station as well as artistically crafted light pieces gave a lot to take in for a first impression.
We discussed the menus laying out for us and I knew it would be very hard for me to pick what I wanted to try. Everything just sounded so tempting! Luckily, a choice was not needed; we were treated to the full menu in a seven-course celebration. A server lay my napkin on my lap and I was ready to start.
Each dish was diverse in ingredients but all were equally as fresh and clean tasting. Each bite of every plate had a very crisp taste. While being flavorful, every course had a perfect balance to keep any one ingredient from overpowering the overall presentation or taste. The beef stuffed bamboo shoot (죽선 소고기전) pictured above is a prime example. The beef and bamboo had a mild taste on its own, but coupled with the seasoned leaves it was presented with, blasted with flavor.
My favorite food to try was, of course, the beef. Hanoo (한우) is Korea’s answer to Kobe beef. It is tender and delicious; and therefore tends to be quite expensive. Served to us on a warm stone plate, our hanwoo came with a side of grilled vegetables and a nice dose of fried garlic.
By the time dessert was served I was quite happily full from everything we had been served. But obviously I was still going to eat. We were given a nice variety of things for dessert, from a simple yet satisfying rice cake to omija jelly and citron sherbet.
The Korean Food Foundation aims to encourage people from all over the world to come on a culinary tour of Korea. They believe (and rightly so) that Korean food can be enjoyed just as much as the popular tourist attractions many travel to experience. In chosing Poom Seoul for our luncheon, they gave us a great example of the quality and style of food they hope to offer foodies traveling in Korea. Poom Seoul is a great mix of modern atmosphere, and traditional, high-end dining. Whether living in Korea or just passing by, Poom Seoul is a worthwhile tour for your taste buds.
Poom Seoul: 서울특별시 용산구 두텁바위로60길 49 (49 Duteopbawi-ro 60-gil, Youngsan-Gu, Seoul-Si)
Reservations must be made at least one day prior to visiting the restaurant. Check their website for their menu before reserving a table, as their menu changes monthly.
www.poomseoul.com
More information can be found about the Korean Food Foundation at www.hansik.org.
**This luncheon, sponsored by the Korean Food Foundation, was paired with a tour of the Seoul Fortress Wall. You can read about the wall on my personal website, Nicky On The Go. **
