Most of you probably already know the
Spielberg classic “Jaws” which, with its amazing shark replica and
tension-filled storyline, still to this day is a film that every man needs to
have seen. Therefore, there is no wonder that the ddeokbokki-place with the
same name is a chain restaurant worth visiting.
Sundae (Korean blood sausage), ddeokbokki
(Korean rice cake and fish cake in red spicy sauce) and deep fried vegetables,
seafood and other succulent types of food are all on sale at Jaws. There are
many similar places in Korea, both chain restaurants, mama’s-and-papa’s places
as well as stray vendors out on the street that sell these dishes, so “Jaws” is
just one among many, but it is a good one at that.
The picture shows takeout sundae,
ddeokbokki, odeng (fish cake soup) deep fried sweet potato, dumplings, noodle
packs, shrimp and sweet cabbage. All together these different types of street
food make for a whole meal fit for 2-3 persons. The question is how good it is
for the health, but that is a question I will have to deal with in another blog
post, hopefully far far into the future. If you add some “kim” (salty seaweed)
to the odeng it makes it just that much better. The deep fried things come with
soy sauce and the sundae comes with spice mix of salt and chili powder, which
all add to the flavor. When ordering sundae the staff often asks if you want “naejang”
which are some of the inner organs of the pig, such as lung, liver and ear. The
ears are surprisingly chewy (the texture reminds me of cartilage) and flavorful
once dipped in the spice mix, whereas the other innards I could probably do
without (although they might be the most nutritious food on the table since it most
likely has a lot of iron!)
So cast your previous prejudice and fears
aside and try this variety of dishes at least once!