By: Haajar Abu Ismail Among the rather ambiguous aspects of North Korea would be its food scene. Or more specifically, the make-up of the state’s national cuisine. At first glance, it may not differ all that much from its South Korean neighbor, but like most things, it warrants further study.
A typical North Korean meal might be rice or noodle dishes accompanied by kimchi, bulgogi when available, and soju. It is generally described as less spicy, with a more ‘fresh’ feel given that there is much less mass production in the North compared to the South. As the state is also surrounded by the ocean, the North Korean diet heavily features seafood as well. It’s worth noting that North Korea has quite a few iconic dishes to its name. Among the most popular would be Pyongyang cold noodles, which are buckwheat noodles served cold alongside white vinegar. There is also ginseng chicken soup, wherein the North Korean ginseng is considered among the best worldwide. Another option would be Talpi, which is dried pollack meant to be ripped into shreds and dipped in soy and wasabi, alongside beer. There are also some more questionable menu options, such as sweetmeat soup, which is considered a delicacy made from dog meat, as well as gasoline clam BBQ, as in clams cooked with petrol. Though, like most things, judgment should probably be reserved until after trying the meal. A more problematic question would be where to access such food. In light of this, the North Korean government has started a Pyongyang restaurant chain with locations centered in Asia. In general, it is a place that serves quality North Korean food, with an all-female North Korean waitstaff to entertain guests. A night out at a Pyongyang restaurant would have to include a music performance by the staff, who are said to both perform tributes to President Kim Jong-Un as well as other Pop ballads. The women wear bright-colored costumes and perform with glowsticks, in a “ fluorescent glow of bright red, purple, and blue lights.” Of course, the women have minders so as not to defect, and taking photos inside is generally frowned upon. Though overall, it is intended as a cultural experience of North Korea tailored for an outside audience, arranged by North Korea itself. However, there are other ways to access North Korean food, such as through online food blogs with recipes. Though it must be said, the most authentic experience would likely be to visit North Korea itself, which is increasingly possible through certain sanctioned tourist organizations. Be it seafood, noodles, rice, or of course, kimchi - odds are, there is something for everyone to be found in North Korean cuisine. As such, it can be said that the state seems to have a unique and appetizing menu that adds to the world’s cuisine.
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