How Koreans Fell in Love with Mala

 

 

 

 

How Koreans Fell in Love with Mala

 

 

 

https://www.timeout.com/seoul/restaurants/jeontong-junggyeong-mala-xiang-guo

 

 

The trend of using the Chinese spice "mala" in cuisine has been emerging one after another, spreading the mala craze.

 

Mala is a Sichuan spice known for its spicy flavor.

 

Just 2 to 3 years ago, mala could mainly be found in Chinese-majority residential areas and specialized Chinese restaurants.

 

However, it has rapidly gained popularity and become a widespread trend.

 

This phenomenon highlights the diversity of Chinese cuisine and the interaction of global culinary cultures.

 

 

 

So, let's take a look at the types of mala dishes that are currently trending in South Korea:

 

 

 

 

1. Mala Hot Pot

 

 

 

https://www.wingeat.com/item/frozenmaratangonepack

 

 

 

Mala hot pot, also known as "malatang," is a popular choice.

 

It involves selecting a variety of raw ingredients such as meat, seafood, vegetables, and noodles, which are then cooked in a simmering spicy mala broth right at the table.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Mala Fried Chicken

 

 

 

https://www.foodbank.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=58386

 

This innovative fusion dish combines the beloved Korean fried chicken with the spicy and numbing flavors of mala.

 

The crispy fried chicken is coated with a mala-flavored sauce, creating a delightful contrast of textures and tastes.

 

 

 

 

 

3. Mala Tteokbokki

 

 

https://www.seoul.co.kr/news/newsView.php?id=20230724500064

 

 

 

Tteokbokki, a traditional Korean street food made with rice cakes, is given a spicy twist with mala seasoning.

 

The chewy rice cakes are cooked in a mala-infused sauce, offering a unique and fiery flavor. (The most famous one is Yukki Tteokbokki)

 

 

 

 

 

4. Mala Ramen

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instant ramen noodles are taken to the next level with the addition of mala spices.

 

The intense heat and numbing sensation of mala complement the savory broth of ramen, creating a memorable and spicy eating experience.

 

 

 

 

5. Mala Xiangguo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Mala Xiangguo" is a popular Chinese dish that has also gained popularity in South Korea.

 

It consists of a stir-fry made with a variety of ingredients, typically including meat, seafood, vegetables, and various types of mushrooms.

 

These ingredients are cooked in a wok with a spicy mala sauce, creating a flavorful and numbing sensation.

 

 

 

 

In contrast to China's mala hotpot trend, where some people avoid even consuming the broth due to its intense and stimulating nature, Korean mala dishes commonly feature a hearty bone broth as their base.

 

This isn't limited to just mala hotpot; other dishes using mala sauce have also undergone a process of "Koreanization," adapting to the local palate.

 

This phenomenon highlights how foreign cuisines often undergo modifications to better suit the preferences of the Korean community.

 

Living in Korea, I've had the opportunity to witness numerous instances of this culinary evolution, where foreign dishes take on a distinctively Korean character.

 

If you've encountered similar instances of food transformations or have observations to share, feel free to discuss them in the comments!

 

 

 

 

 

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