It Started With Bibimbap

This was the reason Shoo was so looking forward to flying Korean airways!
Gotta say I prefer the version I've eaten in Korean restos in Japan before, and it in no way compensated for the lack of a personal in-flight entertainment system - and what is an intercontinental flight without movies if not dull, ankle-swelling and head-frazzling? The few large screens were little consolation, as they seemed to be showing the dregs of Korean TV...



I admit though, that the bibimbap (henceforth known as bbb) provided a temporary diversion. It had a kind of playschool DIY quality that was quite satisfying - tip in various ingredients, give it a good mix with a the oversised metal spoon, and shovel it down interspersed with gulps of swamp-in-a-cup (seaweed soup). That killed about half an hour, leaving only about 10 and a half before our stopover in Seoul.


I love, love love the searing, tangy but sweet chilli paste that flavours the whole thing - gochujang. It took me ages to work out the packaging it comes in, in Asian grocers in the UK, but now that I've identified it I use it in loads of sautees, stir-fries and stewed dishes.