The first thing you notice about Hongeo is its pungent smell. The fermentation process gives the fish a strong, ammonia-like odor that can be overwhelming. It hits you as soon as the dish is brought to the table, and lingers in the air long after you’ve finished eating. Despite the smell, there is something strangely alluring about it – you can’t help but be curious about what it tastes like.
Once you take a bite, you are hit with a complex and intense flavor. The taste of Hongeo is both sweet and sour, with a hint of ammonia and a slightly bitter aftertaste. The texture is soft and creamy, almost like custard, but with a slightly chewy consistency due to the cartilage in the fish.
In a dish like Hongeo-hoe, the raw skate fish is thinly sliced and served with a spicy gochujang sauce, garlic, and sesame oil. The spicy sauce helps to cut through the strong flavor of the fish, while the garlic adds a sharp, pungent note. The sesame oil adds a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that balances out the other flavors in the dish. The combination of flavors and textures is both bold and unique, and certainly not something you’ll find in most Western cuisines.
In a soup like Hongeo-tang, the fermented skate fish is boiled with vegetables and spices, creating a rich and flavorful broth. The broth is savory and slightly sour, with a hint of sweetness from the vegetables. The soft, creamy texture of the fish adds a velvety richness to the soup, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.
Despite its strong flavor and smell, Hongeo is a beloved dish in South Korea, particularly in the coastal city of Busan. In fact, Busan is often referred to as the “Hongeo capital” of Korea, and there are many restaurants in the city that specialize in the dish.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try Hongeo for yourself, I would recommend going to a Noryangin Fish Market in Seoul or Jagalchi Fish Market in Busan and trying Hongeo-hoe or Hongeo-tang or some of the the other plethora of delicious dishes you can order fresh to cook at home or have served up right there at the market. Just be prepared for a sensory experience that is unlike anything else you’ve ever tasted before.
Bonus! Check out some of South Korea’s other unusual dishes! Will you be teasing or Terrorizing your taste buds? 10 Korean Unusual Dishes!
all lies. ive had this and its as bad as it smells. NOT GOOD.
I’ve tried it once. It’s good but the smell is too much for me.
I’ve never heard of this dish. I guess I should try it but you don’t make it sound appealing.