Abhilasha Rawat, Pune, Maharashtra
Is Iced Americano better than Hot Americano? Does mint chocolate really taste like toothpaste? Food may be a universal thing that connects us all, but there is a lot of variation in how we enjoy, eat, and discuss food, causing some highly contentious debates. Food debates are hot topics in South Korea, resulting in numerous long discussions at the dinner table. Here are four food-related debates trending in South Korea.
Jajangmyeon vs Jjamppong
Jajangmyeon and Jjampong, two of the signature Korean-Chinese dishes, have been a hot topic among Koreans for generations. It is such a common debate topic that people are divided into two teams: Team Black (jajangmyeon) and Team Red (jjampong). However, for those who can’t decide which dish to order, Jjam-Jja-myeon is a great solution.
Team Jajangmyeon: Jajangmyeon is a Korean Chinese dish called the “king” of Korean delivery food! The sweet and oily dish is known for its thick black sauce, diced pork and vegetables. Although jajangmyeon can be eaten both hot and cold, most people prefer it cold!
Team Jjamppong: In contrast to jajangmyeon, jjamppong is a spicy, sweet dish. Rumoured to be created by Chinese immigrants living in Japan, jjamppong is a delicious mix of noodles, seafood and vegetables in a spicy clear white broth. The spicy flavour of this dish is best enjoyed when eaten hot.
Mint Chocolate: Lover or Anti
From BTS to PENTAGON and ATEEZ, many idols have discussed this topic! In recent years, mint chocolate, also known as mint choco, has become more popular in South Korea. Whether it tastes good or if it is one of the most revolting flavours ever is up for debate.
Team Mint Choco Lovers: Mint Choco lovers say it is just like any other flavor. Furthermore, they point out that people have no problem with people enjoying chocolate or strawberry flavored products. With desserts ranging from macaroons to ice cream, mint choco has a lot to offer.
Team Mint Choco Antis: According to the team of mint choco antis, mint choco-flavoured products taste like toothpaste and look unappealing. Some people have even noticed that in a pint of Baskin Robbins that has three different flavours, mint choco is always the last flavour eaten. The addition of mint choco chicken and jams has made antis even more hateful of the flavour.
Ripe Kimchi vs Fresh Kimchi
Kimchi may not be a highly discussed topic, but people do have their preferences. A staple Korean ‘banchan’ (side dish), kimchi, is made by fermenting vegetables such as cabbage and Korean radish with a variety of seasonings, including gochugaru, spring onions, garlic, ginger and jeotgal. Some people, however, enjoy fresh kimchi that has not been fermented.
Team Ripe Kimchi: People who eat ripe kimchi with their main dishes argue that fresh kimchi can’t take in as much flavour as ripe kimchi. The “raw” taste of kimchi is replaced with a sour and strong flavour profile when fermented. Ripe kimchi also has a softer texture with some amount of crunchiness. As a result of fermentation, ripe kimchi has a greater number of good bacteria.
Team Fresh Kimchi: Those who belong to Team Fresh Kimchi argue that preparing fresh kimchi is easier to make as the dish can be eaten right away. The crunchiness of fresh kimchi is another reason why it is preferred. Additionally, the dish does not have a pungent smell or overpowering sourness.
Which side would you pick? Let us know in the comments below.
For me mint choco is a big no😂😭
Mint chocolate is a big no for me
I would really love to try both Jjajangmyeon and jjampong to be able to decide. Same for the fresh and ripe kimchi. 😅
The biggest debate of all has been missed – Perillia Leaves 🍃
Amazing 😍
I would love to try other dishes, especially mint choco. Kimchi I’ve tried already and made it at home. It turned out pretty much good.
Amazing…. ❤
___Sonia
❤️
Great Article ❤️✨
Mint choco is not my flavour. 😅
I feel entertaining reading this article, well I’m in tean jjajangmeyon too ❤️
Pranjul Sharma
Wow interesting topic 👏..
I would love to try Mint Chocolate😁🤌🤌
I would consider myself as a part of team Jajangmyeon,team Mint-Choco antis and team ripe Kimchi.
No to mint choco
Very interesting article.Mint chocolate doesn’t sound delicious for me .
Very nice article….keep it up 😃
Cant leave any one of them 🤩
I can’t say no to any of the food mentioned above because all of them tastes yummy
Team Jajangmyeon and a big no to mint chocolate.
fresh kimchi for me
Interesting
Jajangmyeon❤😋
Kimchi and Jjampong are all time favorite
Nice article
I’m team Jajangmyeon and team ripe kimchi! This is such a fun article!
I’m on team Jajangmyeon!! 🤩❤️
Jajangmyeon the name it’s self sounds delicious 😋
Wow!!👌 👏
Jajangmyeon is tasty i have tried that I like that ❤️
Nice article ❤️
Interesting
I will forever choose be in Team Jajangmyeon and Team Mint Choco Antis.
Team Mint Choco Antis is where you’ll find me 🙂
I would like to pick Team Jjamppong cuz I love to try spicy foods ❤️
The food should be Flavourful for me, doesn’t matter if it’s jajangmyeon Or jjampong, ripe or fresh kimchi. (Mint choco – you are still not on the list. I’m the Anti one okay?)
Jajangmyeon ❤️❤️
Jjamppong and ripe kimchi thru and thru I’m a spicy and fermented kinda girlie …and what is mint choco why eat toothpaste 😂😂
Amazing 👌🏻
Very delicious article 😋 ❤️
I’m team Jajangmyeon and anti mint choco
For me team Kimchi and mint Choco anti
Kimchiiiiiii
Very nice wanna try someday
love korean food
These food debates are fascinating! Jajangmyeon vs. Jjamppong, Mint Chocolate lovers vs. antis, and Ripe vs. Fresh Kimchi – all highlight the diverse tastes and preferences in South Korea. Personally, I love the rich flavor of Jajangmyeon, but the spicy kick of Jjamppong is irresistible too. Mint Choco? I’m on team lover! And for kimchi, the tangy depth of ripe kimchi wins for me.
great article
mint chocoooo my fav
me Team Jajangmyeon hehehhe…
Hahhaha, this was so interesting to read…
Team Jajangmyeon ❤️, also I would love to try Mint choco
I love food and food debate is really so acceptable well I love to try all foods except mint chocolate like it’s really wierd having a flavour of mint u. Chocolate it’s being mouth freshner rather than a desert. Thanks for giving us wonderful food debate experience in reading.
Such a fun article! I’d join Team Jjajangmyeon without thinking twice — that sweet black sauce is magic. At the same time, I totally get why some people are Team Jjamppong for the spicy kick. And mint-choco? I’m still undecided 😅 — but when it comes to kimchi, I’m definitely team ripe! 🍜🔥
This was such a fun read. It’s crazy how even simple foods turn into full debates in Korea. I’m definitely Team Jjajangmyeon and Team Ripe Kimchi… but mint choco? Still a hard no for me 😅. Love how you covered all sides without making it feel heavy