Drop Down MenusCSS Drop Down MenuPure CSS Dropdown Menu

Saturday, February 14, 2015

7 USEFUL TIPS AT KOREAN RESTAURANTS


Common layout of Korean meal is completely different from that of other countries. A stew or stir-fried food with boiled rice as a main dish and several side dishes come out altogether. It is almost impossible to expect what kind of foods you will be served when you take a look of the menus at first.


This is for you: the list of the most useful tips when you are at a Korea restaurant.



1. Siksa and Anju

ecotour

Most Korea restaurants have ‘Siksa’ and ‘Anju’ sections on the menu. Siksa means a normal meal for lunch or dinner, and Anju is a food (or foods) served to be taken with drinks for more than two people. Of course Anju does not include rice and sometimes even basic free side dishes.



2. Baekban or Jeongsik



Many restaurants have ‘Baekban’ or ‘Jeongsik’ menus which means Korean meal course that consists of rice, soup, main dish and side dishes which may vary daily. Main dish is usually stir-fried pork or grilled fish but it may not be included for very cheap Baekban. Normal Korean office workers commonly order Baekban/Joengsik at nearby humble restaurants.



3. Side dishes


Korean restaurants generally offer from 1~2 to 5~6 kinds of basic side dishes with a meal. Don’t be puzzled with foods that you didn’t order, since it was already included in the bill. Side dishes are served same regardless of what you ordered, Kimchi jjigae or Bibimbap. You can also ask for more, free of charge except for main dishes. 



4. Water

pixabay
Water in Korea tastes real good, without any problems for hard water. Perfectly equipped water supply system allows you to drink tap water and not end up with aching stomach. Price of water supply is never pricey so it is free in every restaurant.



5. Self-service

Cost of food in Korea is rather cheap compared to general goods, so many inexpensive restaurants adopt self-service system for some side dishes and water, to save labor costs and keep the price low. If you find a sign saying ‘Water is self (-serviced)’, you can just go to the water purifier and bring a cup of water by yourself.



6. Eemo

flickr

You already decided what to eat, but don’t know how to call the waitress and waited until she make a eye contact with you? Just call her ‘Eemo’. Better if you drag the end of the word. Koreans often call female server at a restaurant Eemo, which literally means a maternal aunt. You can also say ‘Gomo’, a paternal aunt. 



7. Tipping

flickr


You don’t need to leave a tip after you finish a meal. Of course you could, if you are exceptionally satisfied with the service, but not mandatory. Nobody expects for tips while serving you in Korea.


Written by Karly

She graduated in a university in Korea double majoring in social studies and political science. After graduation, she worked for a while at the Nation of Assembly of Republic of Korea, but now she is working as a reporter. Having a life goal of being a Asia-specialized travel reporter, she travels around the world in her spare time.

No comments:

Post a Comment