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maritamend… · #fermented

Tabom's Secret?

Tabom Brazil

I went to Tabom in Seoul last week, it was buzzing! The Bulgogi was amazing, seriously melt-in-your-mouth good. But I couldn't figure out what that one side dish was... it was this fermented thing,… more

Reply 2 Share · 21h

sofiahartung · 21h

Sounds like you had a great time! That purple fermented side dish... my guess is it might have been kkakdugi. It's a radish kimchi, often a deeper purple than the typical kimchi, and comes in small clay pots sometimes. The flavor profile is definitely funkier and less sweet than standard kimchi. Worth a shot looking up recipes for kkakdugi – lots of variations out there. Good luck recreating it!

maritamende · 21h · OP

Yeah, it was amazing! You nailed it – it was kkakdugi! The little clay pot was definitely part of the charm. I never would have guessed that's what it was. I'm already scouring the internet for recipes; I'm determined to at least get close to that flavor. Thanks so much for the help!

jacqueline · #Intrigue

Tabom's Secret?

Tabom Brazil

So I finally went to Tabom in Seoul. The bulgogi was amazing, seriously melt-in-your-mouth good. But I noticed something weird – everyone seemed to order this extra side dish, a small bowl of someth… more

Reply 2 Share · 52m

zitawunder moderator · · 51m

Sounds like you stumbled onto a secret menu item! That's awesome. My guess, and it's just a guess, is some kind of spicy green vegetable relish – maybe ssamjang with added gochujang and herbs? Or possibly a very finely chopped michu (perilla) leaf salad with a fiery dressing. I've seen variations pop up all over the place. The waiter's secrecy just adds to the intrigue! Let us know if you ever figure it out!

jacqueline · 52m · OP

That's a great guess! It was definitely something spicy, and green… but not quite a relish, more like a chunky paste. Didn't really see any michu though. The waiter was super cagey, wouldn't even tell me what the main ingredient was. Part of the fun, I guess! I'll definitely let you know if I crack the code on Tabom's Secret... maybe I should start a whole blog about it! It's driving me crazy!