From Kimchi to Courgette fritter: A Korean Foodie's Delicious London Adventure (23 Years and Counting!)

Right you are, a whopping 23 years ago, my culinary adventures were about as daring as a bowl of white rice. Arriving in London from Korea, my palate was a one-note wonder, clinging to the comfort of kimchi (which, let's be honest, still holds a special place in my heart – and gut!). But this city has a way of broadening your horizons, even if they start out a little blurry from all the unfamiliar flavours.

  

Back then, the thought of venturing beyond my Korean comfort zone was enough to send me running for the nearest bibimbap. But London, with its glorious multicultural smorgasbord, chipped away at my resistance like a determined squirrel with a nut. Slowly, I started peeking over the metaphorical kimchi wall.

   

Sure, I might not be a champion meat-eater (and that's perfectly alright!), but London's vegetarian and pescatarian options are a revelation. From veggie curries that make your taste buds do a happy dance to fish and chips that redefine the concept of "greasy spoon" (in the best way possible), this city caters to every curious nibbler.

  

  

The best part? It's not just about what you eat, it's about how it makes you feel. Gone are the days of blindly assembling random ingredients on a plate. Now, I'm all about the alchemy of cooking and baking. Whipping up my own bread and cakes allows me to control the sugar, salt, and butter content. Because let's be honest, sometimes that "treat yourself" mentality can backfire faster than you can say "deep-fried Mars bar" (yes, that's apparently a thing, and I remember nearly a couple of decades ago, my English teacher proudly introduced it to the class saying what a genius delicacy it is!).

Speaking of which, London's influence has definitely rubbed off on me. Living here has opened my eyes (and stomach) to a world of possibilities. And let's face it, with all that fast food readily available at our fingertips, learning to say no to not-so-good-for-you options is a superpower. My body has become my own personal food compass, guiding me towards the culinary delights that nourish both my soul and my gut.

Now, onto the fun part – this advice is especially for my friend's son who just landed in London! Welcome aboard, my friend! This city's a whirlwind of adventure, and trust me, your taste buds are in for a treat (and maybe a little culture shock).

Food might be your first hurdle. It was mine, for sure. Korean food is amazing, but London offers a flavour explosion from all corners of the globe. Don't be afraid to experiment! There are veggie options galore, and even the fish and chips here are way better than anything you might expect.

Here's a heads up: You might miss some of your Korean staples at first. But that's where the fun of exploring comes in! London has Korean supermarkets and restaurants, so you can always get your kimchi fix. In the meantime, use this city as your playground to discover new favourites.

Bonus tip: Learn to cook a couple of Korean dishes yourself. It's a great way to feel connected to home, and who knows, you might surprise your new flatmates with a taste of Korea!

Speaking of which, lunch is calling! Today's adventure features a courgette (that's zucchini for my American friends) fritter, a delightful little dish with a touch of cheese and egg. Here's to healthy, happy eating, and to the never-ending journey of culinary discovery!

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