How to Drink Like a Korean
From Soju to Beer and Somaek
Soju and beer are two of Koreans’ favorite choices of drinks. According to a 2019 survey of 1,158 Koreans conducted by Gallup Korea, 61% of those who regularly drink chose soju as their most favorite drink and 31% of them chose beer. Soju is an alcoholic beverage unique to Korea, while beer is enjoyed around the world for the cold, refreshing taste. And there is also somaek, a mixture of these two alcoholic beverages. Let’s find out which side dishes go well with which drink when drinking like a Korean.
A Fresh and Savory Sliced Raw Fish
Sliced Raw Fish and Soju
There are so many side dishes that go well with soju, but almost every Korean would agree that sliced raw fish and soju make a delicious combination. In Korea, sliced raw fish is made with live fish. It’s often considered an expensive delicacy because of the process of having to catch and deliver the fish with freshness intact before it’s prepared by a skilled chef. Sliced raw fish is usually served with sweet and sour red chili paste, soy sauce or “soybean paste with red chili powder,” which is actually a sauce made of mixed paste, sesame oil, thinly sliced garlic, and green onions. Instead of dipping the sliced raw fish in any of these three sauces, some prefer to wrap it with a perilla leaf or lettuce leaf just like they would with grilled pork belly. The reason being is that the vegetables bring out the flavor of the raw fish. Sliced raw fish goes particularly well with soju compared to other types of alcoholic beverages because it’s perfect for washing away the oily taste of the fish, making you want to reach for some more of the sliced raw fish. Compared to other types of drinks, soju is a perfect match for seafood that can be too rich in flavor or foods that are greasy because of its light taste. After eating the sliced raw fish, you can choose to order a spicy fish stew that will be made of what’s left of the fish you just ate. This stew also goes very well with soju.