Honolulu, HI, is home to a wide variety of international cuisines. When enjoying Korean fare on Oahu, the staff at New Shilawon Korean Restaurant recommends pairing the meal with soju. The team at this popular Korean restaurant knows the distilled, clear spirit brings out the complex flavors in the cuisine. 

Below, the staff at this local Korean restaurant shares a brief guide to everything you need to know about soju:

Ingredients

Soju is a Korean distilled spirit historically made of rice. With a ban on distilled rice during the Korean War, many distillers turned to alternative starches, like sweet potatoes, tapioca, and wheat, to make the beverage. Although the ban has since been lifted, many companies still use the rice substitutes.  

Taste

Soju most resembles vodka in taste and appearance, without the bitter alcohol burn. With 20% to 24% alcohol content by volume, it’s not as strong when compared to other spirits. Because a wide variety of ingredients are used, the beverage can be virtually tasteless or possess slight sweet accents.   

Popularity

Although commonly consumed in Korea, China, and Japan, soju currently reigns as one of the best-selling spirits in the world. Despite this, its popularity in the U.S. has only recently gained steam as an accompaniment to traditional Korean cuisine and as the base for mixed cocktails.

The different types of soju available in the United States, with 23% alcohol by volume, include the premium Hwa Yo 23, grape-based yobo, and rice-based tokki. Hwa Yo 41 contains the highest alcohol by volume content at 41%.

To learn more about Korean food available in Honolulu, call New Shilawon Korean Restaurant at (808) 944-8700 or email them to make a reservation. To browse the complete menu, visit the Korean restaurant online. Don’t forget to like them on Facebook and check out their Yelp profile to see pictures of Korean BBQ, shabu shabu, and more delectable cuisines.