I'm Facing a Serious Moral Dilemma

"Kake Bake" (kakebake)
02/20/2014 at 10:27 • Filed to: Zinc Saucier

I'm not really one for veggies, but every time I see kimchi on TV I get really hungry. I have a feeling it's one of those things I get hungry looking at but maybe couldn't stomach. Like canned dog food. Tell me some tasty things about kimchi and maybe I'll change my tune.

DISCUSSION (59)

Agrajag > Kake Bake
02/20/2014 at 10:30

It smells awful, it tastes awful, and it's awful.

/carnivoresunite

505Turbeaux > Kake Bake
02/20/2014 at 10:31

stuff is just plain old bangin. It stinks but tastes really awesome. Had a college roommate whose Grandma made it the real way. S Koreans eat an average of 40 lbs of it every year. cant be wrong

With-a-G is back to not having anything written after his username > Kake Bake
02/20/2014 at 10:32

Don't just go get kimchi. Go to a Korean lunch joint, order Bibimbap and take it all in, visually. Liberally apply Sriracha and stir. Then stuff your face, rotating from one item to the next, in turn, until it's all gone.
Then you will have acquired a taste for kimchi and you'll be able to appreciate it more outside of that optimal context.

RacecaR > Kake Bake
02/20/2014 at 10:32

It is great! If it is the first time eating it, try it with some white rice.

Great, now I want some kimchi. I see a grocery store run coming on during my lunch hour.

Frank Grimes > With-a-G is back to not having anything written after his username
02/20/2014 at 10:36

This is sound advice from someone who sounds like a wise old sage.

Tekamul > Agrajag
02/20/2014 at 10:39

I'm pescetarian (vegetarian + fish) and I agree it tastes awful, smells awful. It's just bad.

Someone in my office was eating it, and people thought there was a propane leak. How can that not be a ringing endorsement?

With-a-G is back to not having anything written after his username > Frank Grimes
02/20/2014 at 10:39

My Korean office-mate in grad school introduced me to it this way, and it really took, so I'm going off that experience.

Frank Grimes > Kake Bake
02/20/2014 at 10:39

I do this exact same thing and have always wanted to try kimchi but it logically sounds gross.

This is serious...we need to talk about this and resolve these issues you are having.

First buy some kimchi at the store.

Secondly eat some kimchi.

You might hate it or you might learn to trust the tum rumbs and they will lead you to greater foods and eating pleasures you might not have discovered without the tum rumbs spiritual quest food guidance.

ttyymmnn > Kake Bake
02/20/2014 at 10:40

I have no personal experience with kimchi, but I have a vegetarian friend who likes it. We used to go to a Chinese restaurant because there was more for him to eat there, and he would always get the kimchi, and after each serving he had to wipe the sweat off his bald head because the kimchi was so spicy.

Warshingtonian > Kake Bake
02/20/2014 at 10:40

I'm a big fan of the fresh stuff. My in-laws occasionally bring over some more traditional stuff (you know buried in the back yard for a month or so), not such a huge fan of that.

Frank Grimes > With-a-G is back to not having anything written after his username
02/20/2014 at 10:41

I need to eat this now. Its been too long since I went and tasted at the korean food bounty offerings.

With-a-G is back to not having anything written after his username > Frank Grimes
02/20/2014 at 10:42

I would totally recommend against bringing it home at first. It really can smell bad, and make you want to avoid your fridge for a week, so let a restaurant deal with that aspect of it.

Kake Bake > Agrajag
02/20/2014 at 10:43

So you've had kimchi before, eh? You have an opinion regarding its taste, so you must have.

I don't think you're a true carnivore. I'm taking this to the Council of Nine.

Who knows how high up this corruption goes!

Kake Bake > 505Turbeaux
02/20/2014 at 10:43

You had me at "stinks... Grandma."

Audi-os, amigos > Kake Bake
02/20/2014 at 10:48

It's the worst thing in the world. I lived and worked in China for six months, and THIS was the only thing I couldn't stomach.

Mattbob > Frank Grimes
02/20/2014 at 10:48

Always trust the tum rumbs.

Kake Bake > RacecaR
02/20/2014 at 10:49

Minute 5; appetite of subject no. 102 receptive to outside influence.

Hunger Ray shows improvement, suggest we move out of Beta phase.

Kake Bake > With-a-G is back to not having anything written after his username
02/20/2014 at 10:52

Great, I just looked that up on Wikipedia and now I'm more hungry.

I hope you're happy with yourself.

Ravey Mayvey Slurpee Surprise > Kake Bake
02/20/2014 at 10:53

I'm a picky eater, and I love kimchi. Of course, there's not much point of eating it alone (although I have), so as With.a.G said, grab some Bibimbap and eat it there.

Also, the tag name. You sir, are awesome. And have double prize money.

Kake Bake > Audi-os, amigos
02/20/2014 at 10:54

Seems pretty polarizing.

Why haven't there been any world wars begun over kimchi disagreements yet?

Kake Bake > Warshingtonian
02/20/2014 at 10:56

Give yourself to Mother Gaia.

Sway to Her rhythms.

Consume Her pickled ground cabbage and be at peace.

Kake Bake > ttyymmnn
02/20/2014 at 10:59

Did you ever offer to lick the sweat off his head?

I think it'd only be weird if you made it weird, you know? Just be a good friend the next time and offer to do it.

Agrajag > Kake Bake
02/20/2014 at 11:04

Shit, I've been made.

Kinja'd!!!

smokescreen escape

Kake Bake > Frank Grimes
02/20/2014 at 11:05

O Great Tum Rumbs of the Seventh House.

Guide me from Your altar on high, be it your will.

Give me grace and dignity; I shall not wander.

Casper > Kake Bake
02/20/2014 at 11:08

Nope nope nope.

Audi-os, amigos > Kake Bake
02/20/2014 at 11:08

What do you think caused the Korean war? Conflicting geopolitical agendas and ideologies?

No, it was fermented cabbage. Stinky, nasty, canonized fermented cabbage.

Kake Bake > Ravey Mayvey Slurpee Surprise
02/20/2014 at 11:11

I am humbled by your judgment.

Although, because you caught my reference, I am now owed triple prize money.

Kake Bake > Audi-os, amigos
02/20/2014 at 11:12

OF COURSE!

It was right under our noses the entire time!

Frank Grimes > Kake Bake
02/20/2014 at 11:12

Amen brother.

Kake Bake > Casper
02/20/2014 at 11:14

But Kevin Bacon was in Footloose.

Casper > Kake Bake
02/20/2014 at 11:17

Perhaps if he or real Bacon were in Kimchi it wouldn't be terrible.

Frank Grimes > Kake Bake
02/20/2014 at 11:18

My prayer to tumb rumbs god goes something like this.

"Master lord god who dwellest in the 36 chambers of flavor

bless me now that these tumb rumbs of your divine meal will not lead me on crooked paths

keep me in your hands and watch over my epic meals and guide me in taste nirvana"

Then I burn a bag of kettle chips as an offering and smoke prayer.

ttyymmnn > Kake Bake
02/20/2014 at 11:22

Never offered. He lived in Tennessee now, and I'm in Texas. Long distance relationships never work.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > With-a-G is back to not having anything written after his username
02/20/2014 at 11:27

Very seconded.

Ravey Mayvey Slurpee Surprise > Kake Bake
02/20/2014 at 11:29

Domo origato, mister roboto.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Kake Bake
02/20/2014 at 11:34

I don't get the kimchi disgust...or everyone chiming in saying it actually tastes awful!

Do you like savoury food? Do you like spice? Do you like sour? Then you will love it. It's got good variety of texture and so many flavours. And of course, don't just go eat kimchi by itself (that'd be like eating a bottle of picked cabbage - who'd do that?!) - go get a clay pot or something at a good Korean joint and enjoy all the 27 different plates (maybe a slight exaggeration, but guaranteed at least 10!) in front of you.

d00mZ > Kake Bake
02/20/2014 at 11:47

You want to win this Dilemma? Eat it with a fusion. KIMCHI FRIED RICE

Kinja'd!!!

I hate Kimchi with a passion, but when my friend introduced me to Kimchi Fried Rice... Fuck my tastebuds had an orgy. Looking at that pic makes me salivate. I still hate the smell and taste of it, but when its infused as one dish with rice, all that is somewhat gone.

Kake Bake > ZHP Sparky, the 5th
02/20/2014 at 11:54

Those things sound like things I like.

I like the sound of those things.

Kake Bake > d00mZ
02/20/2014 at 11:55

That looks like the height of flavor and deliciosity.

phenotyp > Kake Bake
02/20/2014 at 12:01

Holy smokes, just the thought of kimchi makes my mouth water. I can't get enough of it. There's a korean burrito truck I would hit up every time it was near my work, that would do a grilled chicken, cheese, broccoli, and kimchi burrito, and it was goddamn heaven.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > Kake Bake
02/20/2014 at 12:05

Try it once, you'll probably love it. And if you don't, at least you'll know for sure.

Jayhawk Jake > Kake Bake
02/20/2014 at 12:06

There's a lot of hate here

A Korean student in the dorms made it once and shared it. I liked it, but it was extremely hot. Now I feel like I'm crazy for liking it, or that it wasn't really Kimchi with all the hate...

My advice? Skip the Kimchi, go find somewhere that serves Pho and get some with a Bahn Mi. I know, totally different countries food, but god damnit Pho is amazing. It's like an orgy for your tastebuds

Kake Bake > phenotyp
02/20/2014 at 12:19

All this veggie talk shouldn't be making me hungry, dammit.

Kake Bake > Jayhawk Jake
02/20/2014 at 12:23

Well, who's gonna clean up after that party?

Sure, it's fun in the moment, but who draws the short straw on the other end of that?

I'd have to make a call to my local waste management system and inquire about their removal practices.

phenotyp > Kake Bake
02/20/2014 at 12:26

Just because of this I'm considering going to the shitty buffet place for lunch, because unlimited kimchi.

So. Thanks.

Jayhawk Jake > Kake Bake
02/20/2014 at 12:28

I have a plumber and disaster recovery specialist on speed dial.

Korea Miéville > Agrajag
02/20/2014 at 13:09

Not that this will make you feel any better about kimchi, but traditionally it's made with things like fish sauce, squid, and shrimp, so there's more animal protein in kimchi than, say, salsa. Plus it's a perfect accompaniment to many meat dishes (especially since it's loaded with probiotics), so it's really the meat eater's friend!

Kake Bake > phenotyp
02/20/2014 at 13:13

Huh, I guess I really am a gut whisperer.

JohnPlayerSpecial > Frank Grimes
02/20/2014 at 13:26

That was the best advice in these comments. No, seriously..do that.

Korea Miéville > Kake Bake
02/20/2014 at 13:40

Being Korean-born myself, I'm admittedly biased, but I think kimchi one of the world's near-perfect foods. Flavor-wise, it's well balanced between salty, sweet, sour, and umami. It's one of the healthiest foods , packed with healthy lactobacilli, and is thought to have cancer-preventing properties. And since it ferments rather than spoiling, you can keep it in the fridge for months and it just gets "better" (well, it gets more sour and pungent, but if you like that then it does improve).

Kimchi is basically just pickled cabbage. It's really not that big a deal. (You want disgusting, try balut !) Yes, it smells bad — even Koreans think so, which is why they often keep a 2nd fridge in the garage just to keep the stuff in — but it makes a delicious accompaniment to many dishes, especially dishes that are on the oily side (like grilled meat or dishes that are fairly rich in flavor) that can use a bit of a pickly element.

For anyone who wants to make a go of kimchi, I would suggest the following:

(1) Get kimchi from an actual Korean market (ideally, one that makes its own kimchi) instead of a supermarket. Even I find most supermarket kimchi disgusting.

(2) If you're leery of the heat or pungency of kimchi, most Korean markets sell "white" kimchi, which is not made with pepper flakes, and is more sweet, vinegary, and "fresh" tasting. I think this is a good intro to the world of kimchi.

(3) Another reason to get kimchi from a Korean market is that it's usually much fresher than what you'll find anywhere else. Really fresh kimchi is pretty mild in flavor and aroma, so less intense if you're trying to ease into it.

(4) It's usually a good idea to try it in the context of a Korean meal, so if you don't know anyone who can cook you a Korean dinner, try it at a restaurant. I say "usually" because it is very possible to get shitty kimchi at a Korean restaurant, or (more commonly) at a restaurant where Korean dishes are served but it's not their focus so they might not be using the good stuff (or there's little turnover, so the kimchi they use has been sitting around for a long time).

As someone who moved to New Mexico a few years ago, I think kimchi is similar to the green chile that's famous in these parts in that it's very much an acquired taste, something you may or may not like at first, but gain an appreciation for over time. When I moved here, I didn't get the appeal of green chile or why New Mexicans go apeshit for it. It was OK but nothing mindblowing. Over time, though, as I ate it regularly, I got to liking its particular qualities, and now I feel weird if I don't have it at least a few times a month.

phenotyp > Kake Bake
02/20/2014 at 14:30

Apparently. Because that's exactly what I did. And I ate a whole goddamn plate full of kimchi.

Kake Bake > Korea Miéville
02/20/2014 at 14:41

You have stated your case very thoroughly. I'd like to nominate you for a Statey (an award for the thorough statement of a case).

We should have the results of the ballot in a couple of years or when our Kickstarter reaches its goal.

Kake Bake > phenotyp
02/20/2014 at 14:41

This power is immense and terrifying.

phenotyp > Kake Bake
02/20/2014 at 14:54

I already fear whatever suggestion you may implant tomorrow.

Korea Miéville > Kake Bake
02/20/2014 at 15:01

I'd like to thank my agent and a job that affords me way too much spare time (with commensurate meagerness of salary).

RacecaR > Kake Bake
02/20/2014 at 15:05

So...did you eat some or not?

Kake Bake > RacecaR
02/20/2014 at 15:21

Life isn't measured in plates and bites.

You take the good, you take the bad. You take them both and there you have the facts of life.

RacecaR > Kake Bake
02/20/2014 at 15:23

What's it like, to constantly be high?

Kinja'd!!!

Kake Bake > RacecaR
02/20/2014 at 19:33

I don't imagine it'd help with conversations.