As she sits at the table, she smells the strong aroma of kimchi, the saltiness of spam, the freshness of the scallions and patiently waits for another delightful Korean cuisine. 

Like most things in life, simple things create culture, character, and identity. This news column brings light to the special connection one might have with food and their identity. This column hopes to share the many unique stories that one may have with their favorite foods. 

The cuisine mentioned earlier, was 김치찌개 (Kimchi-jjigae) and it originates from Korea. The first time Grace Cho, a 10th grader at BHS, tried Kimchi-jjigae was when she was four. She adamantly insisted that she try a bite of her parents’ soup amidst their worries that it would be too spicy. They clearly underestimated her. 

Grace said, “I think I’ve always loved Kimchi-jjigae. It’s probably going to always be my favorite Korean meal.”

This special soup filled to the brim with kimchi, scallions, spam, onions, and tofu, followed her along throughout her life. After vacations, after school, on occasional nights at dinner, she always craves the taste of her culture. This food resonates with her culture as it shows the authenticity of Korea’s unique take on food and their welcoming culture. Coming home she explains that she was almost always bombarded with the question “Did you eat yet?” and to her response, her parents set out a bowl of rice and the warm soup. Sitting down and tasting the spicy, warm stew of Kimchi-jjigae, she could almost taste the attention and care that her parents put into this meal and her. 

Grace explained, “I feel like a lot of Korean dishes have that warm welcoming feeling in them. It’s really just our culture.” 

Who knew that a simple dish would solidify her identity as a Korean American. 

By sharing Grace’s story, I hope people make their own special connection to their identity through their favorite foods. If you would like to share your own story, please email me! ([email protected])