You may recognize kimchi for its distinctive, sour flavor. It’s a staple in traditional Korean cuisine and is typically served as a side dish. The fermented food is renowned in the modern world for its health benefits, including its low calorie content and its valuable vitamins and minerals. If you’ve ever wondered how this pungent dish originated, here’s some background.

How It All Began

Made with seasoned vegetables, kimchi was originally developed to preserve these ingredients for as long as possible. Early records trace its origins to 3,000 years ago. Koreans at the time needed a convenient way to maintain their diet when they couldn’t have fresh greens during the winter. Although they originally dried their food to ensure it didn’t rot, they eventually learned of the fine art of dipping vegetables inside salt, then placing them in containers underground to assist in the fermentation process.

What They Ate

At the time, chili peppers weren’t around. Instead, the people fermented radishes, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, leeks, and other common vegetables introduced to Korea during the 10th and 11th centuries. When chili peppers arrived in the 17th century, it changed the depth and dimension of the dish dramatically. People began to experiment with different flavors, adding everything from salted fish to onions.  

How It Evolved

Korea offers hundreds of varieties of kimchi today. Although it’s often spicy, changes to the recipe have breathed new life into Korean cuisine. The side dish can be spicy, tangy, crisp, refreshing, and occasionally sweet with a touch of spice.

As it became more popular for its health benefits, the dish earned a place in global cuisine. Today, people enjoy it on everything from grilled cheese sandwiches to scrambled eggs to pizza.

If you’re craving kimchi and other authentic Korean cuisine in Honolulu, HI, visit Seoul Tofu House. The locally owned restaurant serves up a delightful menu of flavorful soondubu, including a kimchi variety that is sure to satisfy your taste for something savory and spicy. Visit the website to browse their lunch and dinner offerings, or give them a call at (808) 376-0018 to place your order.