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If you’ve ever ventured into the world of Korean cuisine, chances are you’ve probably had makgulri and didn’t realize it. Most Korean restaurants have this eccentric item on menus, but how much do you actually know about this delicious rice wine?

What Is Makgulri?

Makgulri is the oldest alcoholic drink native to Korea. This beverage is served at numerous Korean restaurants and boasts a six to eight percent alcohol content by volume. Made from rice or wheat and mixed with a fermentation starter called nurek, makgulri looks milky and has an off-white or cream color. Depending on the amount of nurek used and the particular grain, this drink can have a slightly sweet or savory flavor.

How Do You Enjoy Makgulri?

Korean restaurantBecause this rice wine can be flavored with anything from chestnuts to fruits, makgulri can be enjoyed with almost any dish at a Korean restaurant. To enjoy this beverage authentically, try it paired with a traditional Korean dish called pajeon, or a pancake. Makgulri can be served in a metal kettle, or in popular restaurants and bars from a ceramic or wooden bottle. This helps to promote the beverage’s flavor and doesn’t compromise the integrity of the drink.

Are There Benefits to Drinking Makgulri?

Despite being an alcoholic beverage, there are actually a handful of health benefits when consuming Makgulri in appropriate doses. Made from either rice or wheat, this drink actually has fiber and vitamins, while maintaining a single-digit alcohol volume compared to traditional wine. Because it’s typically unfiltered, this drink also contains lactic acid and some of the healthy bacteria found in yogurt, which means it could aid in the digestive process.

 

New Shilawon Korean Restaurant, located in Honolulu, HI, offers a menu with culturally authentic dishes and drinks, all in a family-friendly environment. In addition to serving lunch and dinner, New Shilawon Korean Restaurant has additional space and can accommodate private and group events. To learn more about this Honolulu gem, call (808) 944-8700 or visit the restaurant’s Facebook page. You can also read what others are saying by viewing their Yelp listing.

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