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When you browse the menu at your favorite Korean restaurant, you’ll likely see soju. It’s a worldwide favorite for its flavor and versatility. If you’re seeking a spirit to pair with your Korean barbecue, you’ll find nothing more suitable. Here is a comprehensive guide to soju and all that it embodies.

The Secrets of Soju’s Success

Honolulu, HI Korean restaurantWhat Is Soju?

Soju is a clear liquor with a flavor profile similar to vodka, but sweeter. Compared to that drink’s higher alcohol by volume (ABV) content, soju contains anywhere from 16 to 45 ABV. In its earliest iterations, it was made with rice. But during the Korean War, it became illegal to distill rice. To work around this, Koreans started concocting soju with other starchy ingredients like sweet potatoes, tapioca, and wheat. Although the rice ban eventually lifted in the 1990s, the sweet potato recipe was commonplace in most Korean restaurants by then. Today it’s also available in fruit flavors, ranging from pomegranate to peach to grapefruit.

How Do Koreans Drink It?

The drink is typically served in small glasses—almost like a shot—and paired with a meal. The beauty of soju is its slightly sweet flavor, which makes it an ideal partner for spicy Korean barbecue or anything that contains kimchi. In Korea, it’s not unusual to drink soju alongside different types of street food, from fish and rice cakes to grilled pork.

What Is Soju Culture?

Traditionally, soju is a social drink. It’s always poured by someone else—usually the oldest person in the group, whether you’re at a party or a Korean restaurant. According to custom, the drink should be accepted with both hands, your face directed away to avoid making eye contact with the server. Then you tip back and finish the shot with a single gulp.

 

If you’re craving authentic Korean food with a modern twist, head to Topped. Based in Honolulu, HI, the Korean restaurant offers four varieties of soju, including original, apple, yuzu, and peach flavors. In short, there’s one for every palate and something to pair with everything on the menu, whether you favor a bowl of hearty bibimbap or a plate of tofu kimchi. Visit the website to browse their menu, or call (808) 369-1991 with inquiries.

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