If you’re a regular on our blog or social media platforms, you know our focus this month is Korean cuisine, or as we like to call it, Seoul Food. We’re excited about the variety of flavors, textures, and dishes that this ethnic cuisine has to offer. We’re also excited as June is National Soul Food Month. There are plenty of differences between Seoul and Soul. One is grounded in the East, the other in the West. Seoul encompasses an entire country’s dishes and preparations, while Soul is regional and considered by many now to be synonymous with Southern cuisine and “comfort food.” At the same time, the pronunciation of these homophones is not the only thing they have in common.

Regardless of which side of the world one is on, everybody loves great fried chicken, and both of these cuisines know how to do it right. Often, brines or buttermilk are used to set Southern fried chicken apart, and Korea’s unique spin is to fry it twice so that it’s extra crispy typically. If you’ve never tried your hand at KFC before, try our Sweet N’ Spicy Korean Fried Chicken.

Vegetables are abundant within both cuisines. Classic Soul Food sides such as fried okra, collard greens, or smoked pickles are perfect to pair with cornmeal-crusted catfish with Brown Butter. Seoul Food vegetables are often pickled, giving them tangy, spicy, and salty profiles. Kimchi, typically made of pickled cabbage and daikon radishes, is a staple at almost every meal. 

Speaking of spicy, pickled things, chow-chow is a spicy, homemade pickle relish and a Southern favorite. In fact, hot condiments play essential roles in Soul and Seoul. Hot sauce has a deep history in the South. Korea’s “hot sauce” is actually a paste called gochujang. Our Korean-Style Chicken Wings feature this ingredient made of red chili powder, glutinous rice powder, powdered fermented soybeans, and salt.

Considering all similarities and differences, one thing is for sure: both cuisine types are bursting with flavor and growing. Southern and Korean menu items have risen 21% and 46%, respectively, over the past 4 years, according to Datassential. We hope you’ll check out the recipes we’ve highlighted in this post, and while you’re at it, browse through the hundreds of other inspiring recipes we have to offer. Or follow us on Instagram, YouTube and Facebook to get daily doses of menu ideas, tips, and industry insight. Wherever you find us, we’re sure to have plenty of Seoul and Soul.

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