[K-FOOD GOES GLOBAL] Estonian YouTuber shares meals, tradition of Korea by way of movies
A 24-year-old Estonian YouTuber utilizing the moniker Mai uploads movies of every little thing associated to Korea, from meals and music to language and tradition. She additionally movies and uploads movies of herself making some conventional Korean staples, resembling(inexperienced onion fritters) or(Korean rice wine) from her house in Estonia.The title of her YouTube channel, “Kimchi Ghost Mai,” encapsulates her space of curiosity, and a few of her movies generate tons of of 1000’s of hits. She has over 20,000 subscribers.She was first launched to the nation by way of none apart from BTS.“I obtained into Ok-pop due to BTS, with the music ‘Dope’ [2015],” Mai mentioned in a current e mail interview with the Korea JoongAng Day by day. “Again then, nobody danced like that, and [to me], they danced like Michael Jackson.” She made a number of visits to Korea, together with her final go to being her fourth, and he or she stayed right here for six months earlier than flying again house.Mai says it gained’t be her final go to, and he or she already has plans to return to Korea once more.Working as a designer in her house nation, she additionally has goals of opening her personal(fish-shaped pastries generally filled with pink bean paste or choux cream) stand in Estonia, to introduce and promote the Korean conventional snack to Estonians.Korean meals, or “Ok-food,” constitutes a giant chunk of Mai’s current movies. The next are edited excerpts of the interview with Mai about Ok-food.I used to be on trip to London in 2016, and I appreciated Ok-pop for some time at that time so I actually wished to attempt Korean meals for the primary time. I visited a restaurant in New Malden, the place they supposedly had been serving actual Korean meals. I ordered kimchi[stew] and my mother bibimbap. The kimchi jjigae was the spiciest factor I ever tried! I nonetheless consider it is without doubt one of the spiciest issues I’ve tried up till now. Even the kimchi jjigae and spicy meals I attempted in Korea do not evaluate to that spiciness I had that day. I sadly was unable to complete the soup that day, however my mother cherished the bibimbap! And after I visited Korea, I’ve tried many issues, however I believe two of my huge favorites arebulgogi [marinated beef in a pot] andjjigae [spicy tofu stew].I like Korean meals for its taste. It is candy, salty, spicy and the stability of flavors is wonderful. Additionally the feel of the noodles. And I even have to say what number of aspect dishes you get! It is loopy, I purchase one dish and 5 come out as a substitute! It is a very pleasing expertise consuming in conventional Korean eating places.Ok-pop and the Hallyu wave is surprisingly will not be that huge in Estonia, however surprisingly sufficient Estonians would possibly know extra about Kimchi than Ok-pop! Kimchi has turn out to be type of a brilliant meals right here, identified for it is well being advantages.In Estonia there are two Korean eating places which might be very fashionable, and it looks as if the most well-liked dishes there are typically bulgogi and fried hen. At any time when I take anybody there who hasn’t tried Korean meals, I at all times suggest bulgogi, and each time they find it irresistible.I do consider that one of many largest promoters of Ok-food are the Ok-pop stars, dramas and TV reveals! At any time when I watch the Korean actuality present “I Reside Alone” or a drama, in scenes the place they’re consuming one thing, my mouth begins watering and I need to attempt them as properly. Additionally, if it is one thing I have not tried but, I turn out to be curious.BY LEE JAE-LIM [[email protected]]