Shin Ramen

Picture from Nongshim Ramen.

Min Young brought some ramen for me when she visited Malaysia, Shin Ramen products. But I couldn't eat it as I found there is 돈지(돼지고기) in the ingredient. I know what is 돼지고기 dwaejigogi - pork, but I don't know what is 돈지. So, I brought all the ramen and gave it to Yong Soo when we studied Korean. He told me that 돈지 is pork bone. I asked him whether I could eat Korean ramen at all and he said I'd better not as he is pretty sure that all type of ramen in Korea has traces of pork in it. Check the ingredient list here.

Picture from Nongshim Ramen

This is Bibimmyon. Like bibimbap but bap/밥 is rice and 면/myon is instant noodle. 비비다 / bibida means mix or rub together. So, naturally 비빔면 means mixed instant noodle. ^^ This one also has traces of pork in the seasoning/sauce although it is not stated in the web as in here but I found it behind the packaging.

Just fyi, if you could read the ingredient list, it stated 팜유(말레이시아산), 팜유 / pamyoo means palm oil and 말레이시아 / Malleisia is Malaysia. I guess 말레이시아산 means 말레이시아산업개발청 - Malaysia Industrial Development Authority?

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Doughnut Plant New York City in Seoul

Suddenly I'm craving for doughnut.

My attempt at doughnut making

Can mine beat Doughnut Plant NYC? ㅎㅎㅎ

V/S

Doughnut Plant New York City's doughnut

sinfully tempting..T_T

Pictures courtesy of Coupang

Doughnut Plant NYC in Myeongdong is right across Lotte Shopping Complex.

Official website: www.doughnutplant.co.kr

Let's practise some Hangul ok? Tell me if you succeed in reading it. ^^

메뉴안내 - menu guide

베이커리 - bakery

품명 - name

가격 - price

케익 도넛 - cake doughnut

베이커리 도넛 -bakery doughnut

시나몬 슈가 - cinnamon sugar

에스프레소케익 - espresso cake

카시스초코 - cassis chocolate

아문드바닐라 - almond vanilla

바닐라&쵸코렛 - vanilla and chocolate

올드훼션슈가파우더 - old fashion sugar powder

그린티 - green tea

화이트세사미 - white sesame

프리미엄쵸코- premium chocolate

블랙아웃 - black out

트레스레체 - tres lecce

마크크렘블레 - mark creme brulee

마스카포네치즈크림케익 - mascapone cheese cream cake

슬스트로베리초코 - strawberry chocolate

보스톤 - boston

허니바닐라 - honey vanilla

Price of doughnut

1,700 - 4,800 won

Price for coffee

3,000 - 6,000 won

Check out this article for doughnut war in Korea and ZenKimchi's review of Doughnut Plant NYC.



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Convenience Stores in Korea

Anyone watching 49Days Korean drama these days? I had an idea of writing a post of convenience stores when I watched Song Yi Kyung working as a cashier at a convenience store in the drama. ^^


Back in 2009 when I was in Korea, one of the few things I noticed are the countless convenience stores line up. It's nearly impossible not to find one in a block! They are plenty and with weird names as well; sometimes like this. ^^

Found this 'With Me' convenience store around Hongik area.

These are the famous bunch in no specific ranking in Korea (although I found Family Mart stores mushrooms more than the rest):

Some of the convenience stores parked a few plastic tables and
chairs outside for the customers. I would rather stay inside during
cold season. ^^

Family Mart - originated from Japan.

More info from the website: http://www.familymart.co.kr/

Video courtesy of MijusaKaraoke

If you look at the video closely, after you see GS25, just walk up the hill and

you will find Namsan Guesthouse and Namsan cable car station.

GS25 - originated from Korea. Formerly known as LG25.

More info from the website: http://gs25.gsretail.com/

7-Eleven in Korea. Video courtesy of stephenworldwide

7-Eleven - originated from USA.

More info from the website: http://www.7-eleven.com/

This shot was taken in Incheon Airport where I bought my first

T-Money card.

Mini Stop - originated from Japan.

The price? Well..if you want something fast, then it is very convenient to get most of the items that you need at a convenience store. Thus the name convenience store. However, pricewise - I would definitely go for items of the day or the week instead.

Let's see how much the items fares in Family Mart nowadays, ok? Some of the food listed are not Halal but merely stating them for cost of living comparison sake. If you walk in to any of convenience stores in Korea, the items mostly are grouped as below:

1.도시락 - packed lunch

I often visited this aisle first. The packed lunch offered are much cheaper if you don't have much time to eat properly at a restaurant. Tips: The packed lunch section mostly has expiry date/time of one day. Once in a while, when I was scrapped of money I would visit the nearest convenience store a bit late, say 9 or 10 at night and bought already slashed price of the packed lunch. They could go up to 50%! Yeah..not that healthy and not something that is recommended to do daily. ^^

samgak kimbap (triangle kimbap) - 800won
wholemeal sandwich - 1,800won
cheese cream bun - 900won
Bulgogi bento/dosirak (packed lunch) - 4,000won
tuna and spam kimbap - 1,200won
omellete rice - 1,400won
fried bean curd sushi - 2,000won
plain sausage bun - 1,000won

2.유제품 - dairy products
Big Mountain choc/vanilla cone icecream - 1,500won
Organic Milk 180ml - 1,000won
Einstein Milk 300ml - 1,200won

3.생활용품 - household products

Happy Bath Rose body wash - 5,000won
Happy Bath natural lotion - 5,000won
Strawberry milk soap - 1,500won
Anyday Kotex - 3,400won
Panty stocking - 3,500won
Pantene shampoo - 11,000won
DK winter gloves - 9,900won
Vaseline petroleum jelly (small) - 3,000won

4.과자류 - snacks and confectionary

spam - 1,500 won
cinnamon apple pastry - 800won
market O water cracker - 1,300won
Ghana chocolate bar - 1,000won
Guylian chocolate - 3,000won
chips - 1,000~1,500won
Lotte xylitol gum - 900won
Strawberry doughnut - 700won

I really love this almond candy! 2,000won.

5.음료 - drinks

Dark brown hot choco - 1,500won
Baba coffee one cup - 1,300won
Welch grape drink - 4,500won
Mixed fruit - 2,490won


Services available in convenience stores

복합기 - Printing services

입장권 판매 - Admission ticket sales eg Lotte World

세금.공과금 수납 - Tax and utility bill payment

로또/스포츠토토 - Lotto / Sports Toto

무가지/정보지배포 - Free newspaper / information distribution

모바일 상품권 - Mobile Gift vouchers

삼성 기프트카드 플러스 - Samsung gift card plus

무선인터넷 서비스 - Wireless internet

휴대폰 충전 서비스 - Cellphone charging

픽업 서비스 - Pick up

현금지급기 - ATMs

교통카드 서비스 - Transportation card (eg. T-Money)

티켓판매 - Ticket Sales eg Baseball matches

잉크충전및 주문 판매 - Ink for printers recharging/delivery

프리페이드 (사이버머니) - Prepaid (cybermoney)

택배 - Parcel delivery service

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Being Vegan in Korea

When I read Korea Herald today, I came across an article "Meat-free living in Korea: expat tips". Eureka!
Muslims are not vegan in particular but are religiously inclined to eat only permissible food according to Islam guidelines - Halal.

As many Muslim readers are concerned about food while traveling in Korea; this article will come in handy. Although, some might think twice of being vegan while traveling but for me; I have no problem at all. ^^ You can gobble meat as much as possible while you are in Malaysia, right?

A part of the article says : "People live happily throughout the country meat/animal-product-free. Mipa Lee, author of vegan blog Alien’s Day Out feels things are getting easier: “As more Koreans are making a conscious effort to eat less meat and more ‘well-being,’ organic, natural and slow foods, I think the demand for vegetarian fare is going up, and businesses are taking notice.”

Here are a few useful links given by the article:

• The Loving Hut: http://lovinghut.kr/kr

• Sticky Fingers: http://www.stickyfingers.co.kr/

• Alien’s Day Out: http://www.aliensdayout.com/

• Mike’s eco-conscious blog: http://noksaeksari.blogspot.com/

• Recipe ideas: http://www.vegweb.com/

• Vegan food supplier: http://www.vegefood.co.kr/

• Restaurant finder: http://www.happycow.net/

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Gyeongju Bread or Hwangnam Bread

Danielle brought Gyeongju Bread or Hwangnam Bread when she visited me way back in mid January and I still had it in my fridge. Actually I had no idea that it was still in the fridge untouched until I rummaged through my fridge for tidbits. 


When I visited Gyeongju, I stopped by at one of the bakeries there and bought a box for Bun Sok and Joy. If I still remember it right, a box of 20 pieces was about 10,000 won. The taste? Heaven. ^^ This opinion is coming from a person who loves anything to do with red bean..hehe. So I'm a bit bias. 


If you have the time to visit Gyeongju, don't forget to try this cookies. Just ask anyone around for Gyeongju bread and they will be willing to show you the direction to one of the bakeries!^^ 


My only regret is that I didn't have enough time to visit Queen Seon Deok's graveyard. Next time maybe.


Gyeongju bread, also sometimes called Hwangnam bread (named after the district of its origin), is a local specialty of Gyeongju City,South Korea. It is a small pastry with a filling of red bean paste. Gyeongju bread was first baked in 1939 at a bakery in Hwangnam-dong in central Gyeongju. It has since become popular across the country and is produced by several different companies, all based in Gyeongju. It is sold at many locations in the city, and also at specialized stores around the country.^[1][2]  Source: Wikipedia

Check out  https://www.gyeongjubread.co.kr/ for Gyeongju Bread or 경주빵 and more information at KNTO website 

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Grilled Fish Restaurant @ Sillim Subway Station

How to go:

From Myeongdong to Sillim subway station, 36 minutes, 13 stations , 16.2km

1,100 won with T-Money, 1,200 won with cash

Transit at Sadang subway station

From Sillim subway station, go out from exit 4, walk for about 20 metres and turn left at the first junction

The restaurant is next to 88 순대 shop and at the second floor

Menu (Price may changed)

직화 고등어구이밥상 - jikhwa godengo gui babsang - grilled mackerel - set 8,000

직화 삼치구이밥상 - jikhwa samchi gui babsang - grilled spanish mackerel set - 8,000

오징어 볶음 - ojingeo bokkeum - stir fried squid - 5,000

제육 볶음 - jeyook bokkeum - stir fried pork - 5,000

된장 찌개 - dwenjang jjigae - soy bean paste stew - 5,000

순두부 찌개 - sundubu jjigae - soft tofu stew - 5,000

김치 찌개 - kimchi jjigae - kimchi stew - 5,000

카레 순두부 찌개 - kare sundubu jjigae - curry soft tofu stew - 5,000

참이슬 - chamisel - chami soju- 3,000

맥주 - maekju - beer - 3,000

음료수- emnyosoo - drink - 1,000

More pictures from Sillim Station Naver blog.

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Grilled Fish Restaurant @ Kyunghee University

This kinda restaurant are many partly due to the well-being lifestyle (happiness, peace, living well - well balanced life 웰빙 시대). If you want to be prettier, eat more fish! Hehe.... I remember watching the drama My Lovely Kim Sam Soon around 2005. In one of the scene,  the president (Hyun Bin) said to Kim Sam Soon (Kim Sun Ah) about leading a well being lifestyle. Maybe too much samgyeopsal is not good for your health? ^^

You could find many restaurant like this serving almost similar menus if you could understand Hangul. *Please learn Hangul before you travel to Korea!! - a desperate plea..hehe*

Menu (Price may changed)

고등어구이 - godengo gui - Grilled mackerel - 7,000 won
삼치구이 - samchi gui - Spanish mackerel - 大 big  - 9,000 won  / 小 small - 8,000 won
오징어볶음 - ojingo bokkeum - stir fried squid - 5,000 won
제육볶음 - jeyook bokkeum - stir fried pork - 5,000 won
된장 찌개 - dwenjang jjigae - fermented soy bean stew - 4,000 won
순두부 찌개 - sundubu jjigae - soft tofu stew 4,000 won
카레순두부 찌개 - kare sundubu jjigae - curry soft tofu stew - 4,000 won
김치 찌개 - kimchi jjigae - Kimchi stew- 4,000 won
콩비지 찌개 - kong biji jjigae - soy bean and bean curd (tofu residue) stew - 4,000 won
소주 - soju - korean liquor - 3,000 won
맥주 - mekju - korean beer - 3,000 won
음료수 - emnyosu - drink - 1,000 won

The pictures below are from the branch near Kyunghee University. Nadia, Iris's friend; currently studying in Kyunghee University for Korean Language brought the girls to this restaurant near her alma mater. Check out my trip to Kyunghee University in spring. One of the best places to view cherry blossoms in spring.

생선구이밥상 - Saengson gui babsang - grilled fish restaurant

생선구이 - grilled fish

밥상 - (dining) table

This says that if you dine in please order at least

either

fish + stew OR fish + stir fried menu

오징어볶음 - ojingo bokkeum - stir fried squid

The free banchan - side dishes. In Korea you can refill as many times

as you want if you finish your banchan. It's FREE!! I love oi sobagi =

cucumber kimchi the most. ^^

The grilled mackerel is so big!! Can't wait to tuck in eh?

Ready, get set, go go!!

wasabi + soy sauce ..like japanese food eh?

As always, instant coffee is on the house.

How to go:

From Hoegi Station, walk towards Kyunghee University until you see Burger King and Coffee Bean, walk into the alley in between the shops, turn right at  the first alley and then turn left at the second alley and walk till the end until you see the shop.

Check out Kim Yeon Ji's cyworld for more pictures.

Pictures courtesy of Iris, Fiza, Nyna and Hanim

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Grilled Fish Restaurant @ Dongdaemun

The restaurant name is 전주식당 - jeonju sikdang - jeonju restaurant.
Picture courtesy of Cheongyecheon Jongno Tour.

How to go:
Dongdaemun Station, Exit 8, walk until you see Daemyong building. Turn right and turn left at the second alley. You will see the restaurant's name 전주식당 - jeonju sikdang - jeonju restaurant. It's beside 호남집 - Honam jib.

Menu (price may change)

More pictures at 애물단지

식사류 - siksaryoo - menu

전주 비빔밥 - jeonju bibimbap - price n/a

낙지 백반 - nakji baekban -  octopus dish - 7,000 won

제육 볶음 - jeyook bokkeum - stir fried pork - 6,000 won

오징어 볶음- ojingo bokkeum - stir fried squid - 6,000 won

청국장- cheong guk jang - fermented bean paste stew (smelly) - 5,000  won

김치 짜개 - kimchi jjigae - kimchi stew - 5,000 won

부대 찌개 - budae jjigae - military stew ( a long history here) -  5,000 won

순두부 찌개 - sundubu jjigae - soft tofu stew - 5,000 won

된장 찌개- dwenjang jjigae - soybean paste stew - 5,000 won

꽁치 백반- kkongchi baekban - Pacific saury /mackerel pike (a type of fish) dish - 6,000 won

고등어 백반 - godengo baekban - mackerel dish - 6,000  won

삼치 백반- samchi baekban - japanese spanish mackerel dish - 6,000 won

굴비 백반- gulbi baekban - dried yellow corvina (fish) dish -  6,000  won

안주류 - anjuryoo - snack/appetizer menu (normally served with alcoholic beverages)

백반 - baekban - meal with a bowl of rice, soup, and side dishes

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Halal Kebab in Namdaemun and Itaewon

Kebab at Namdaemun

Namdaemun map

How to go Kebab at Namdaemun

The shop is between exit 5 and 6 of Hoehyeon subway station and by the roadside.

Kebab at Itaewon

This set was for 5,900 won.

Kebab price ranging from 4,000 to 8,900 won

Kebab set menu priced between 5,900 to 6,900 won

Website: http://www.mrkebab.co.kr/

How to go to Mr Kebab at Itaewon

Itaewon subway station, Line 6, exit 3. Walk up along the hill and you will see the shop next to Dunkin Donuts.

Myeongdong to Itaewon



19 minutes, 6 stops, 5.7km

900 won by T-Money, 1,000 won by cash

Transit at Samgakji subway station

Pictures courtesy of Iris, Fiza, Hanim and Nyna

More information on Cari Forum

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YongSeo Couple Cafe at Insadong

Our favourite couple from MBC's We Got Married variety show

Jung Yong Hwa and Seohyun (dearly called as YongSeo couple),

dined at this cafe when they first dated. 

The girls satisfied their sweet tooth by dining at the same cafe!

Aigoo..Hallyu power really influenced us to visit Korea, doesn't it?

The same card tree.

Peace! The girls..minus the YongSeo couple. Should I photoshop

this photo with the Yongseo couple together? Hehe..

It reads 별 다방 = Byol dabang = Star Cafe

미스리 = Miseri.

At first I thought I should read it as misery? 미즈리?

No way..we don't want misery to accompany us

while enjoying our food here right?

Then I went to the cafe's website: http://www.missleecafe.com/

It should be Miss Lee..ngehehe..

Han gua = 한과. Check out Korea Times for more info on

Korea's traditional cookie.

You can visit Korea traditional cookie Museum too.

The cafe is in front of North Isadong Information Center and it

is on the second floor just above GS25 convenience store.

Picture courtesy of Egloos

 

Based on the map, it's near to Anguk Station, Line 3, Exit 6.

Walk until you see the Crown Bakery.

Address: 서울 종로구 관훈동, 144 번지 2층 - Seoul, Jongno-gu, Gwanhoon-dong, 144 St, 2nd Floor
Opening time: 10:00 - 24:00 (365 days)

Menu ranging from 4,000 to 13,000 won. Check out the menu here (in Korean with pictures). 
For Muslim, there are some menu with rice but they have ham inside, so be careful.

Pictures courtesy: Iris, Fiza, Nyna and Hanim

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