Pineapple in Korea's Kimchi Jjigae: Brilliant Hack or Absolute Food Crime?

Wondering what is Kimchi jjigae in Korean? Or why have videos of pineapple in Kimchi Jjigae— Korea's much loved spicy non-vegetarian stew which has salted fermented vegetables and rich flavours, became so controversial? Sounds bizarre, doesn't it? Just as I would be horrified if pineapple chunks were added to our traditional Sambhar! If you understand Korean cuisine and enjoy its distinct flavours, you can guess the outrage that the videos brought forth!

[Korean Kimchi Stew - AI Inspired Image for Petals! Blog]

Turns out that Korea's Kimchi Stew got a new twist when social media videos of the much loved Korean stew had pineapple chunks stirred into it. Thousands of Korean viewers on social media slammed this and it went viral.

Is Kimchi jjigae very spicy? Yes and maybe that is why pineapple chunks were added to 'sweeten' it. And if you are also wondering, is Kimchi jjigae is vegetarian, the answer is that no, it is not.

World over, culinary experts have viewed such 'food adaptations' as a sign of amplifying cultural roots in every day dining rather than as a dilution. Consider how the growing use of Korean ingredients have caught the imagination of many food lovers and passionate chefs across the world. They are keen to adapt Korean ingredients and recipes to suit their sensibilities.

In India, we often witness similar trends when it comes to what is increasingly adapted to suit a 'desi' version. Consider how the Hawaiian pizza has pineapple toppings in it, which would be a solid no-no if one looked at how Italian pizzas are traditionally made. Question is - Is anyone really offended or complaining about it? The Italians should be offended but they aren't! However, Korean food lovers are not delighted to see pineapple chunks in their much loved Kimchi jjigae!

We live in a world where cooking food is about expressing your creative instincts and for those who have the curiosity and passion to add foreign ingredients to their own culinary creations, who can possibly stop them?

It's about enjoying good food, after all! Have you enjoyed eating food that is prepared with foreign ingredients or foreign recipes with a desi twist?

[READ: Korea's Viral Peach Dessert & Mangalore Ghee Roast]

Share your thoughts below in the comments section!

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