Seoulful Bites

Why Korean Fried Chicken  (치씨)  Rules the World? Few culinary creations have captured the hearts (and taste buds) of food lovers worldwide like Korean Fried Chicken (“chikin”) . Whether you’re savoring a late-night snack or sharing platters with friends, this crispy delight is a perfect marriage of flavor, texture, and culinary craftsmanship. The Secret Behind the Crunch What sets Korean Fried Chicken apart? It’s all about technique. Unlike traditional fried chicken, Korean Fried Chicken is double-fried, a process that renders out excess fat and leaves the skin shatteringly crisp. This delicate crunch is the hallmark of its appeal, maintaining its texture even when coated in sauce. The batter often includes cornstarch, rice flour, or a mix of both, creating a lighter, airier crust compared to its Western counterpart. The result? Bite after bite of sheer crispy perfection. A Symphony of Sauces No Korean Fried Chicken experience is complete without the sauces. Here are s...

Dalgona/Ppopgi (뽑기) Where Sweetness Meets Tradition If you’ve ever visited a bustling Korean street market, you’ve likely encountered a delightful, golden treat known as ppopgi (뽑기). This traditional Korean candy, with its crispy texture and nostalgic charm, offers more than just a sweet snack – it’s an experience that transports you back to simpler times. What is Ppopgi? At its core, ppopgi is a sugary delight made by melting sugar until it turns into a golden liquid, which is then poured into a wooden mold. The treat hardens quickly, creating a thin, crispy sheet of candy that’s both delicate and crunchy. The fascinating part? Each candy is pressed into a shape, often featuring fun patterns like hearts, stars, or animals. The Art of Making Ppopgi Making ppopgi is as much about the process as it is about the product. Vendors heat sugar in a large wok, stirring it carefully to avoid burning. Once the sugar reaches the right consistency, it is poured onto a flat surface or a wooden m...