World Exposition Milano 2015 is currently well under way, with the participation of some 145 countries from around the world. Traditional food offered at each national pavilion at the expo is one of the highlights of the world fair that can't be missed. Designed around the theme of a "Moon Jar," a large traditional pottery jar, the Korean Pavilion has garnered wide attention with its traditional food -- bibimbap, japchae and kimchi, among others -- that is being served on a simple plate. In addition to the main menu items, the pavilion offers sweet desserts, which are drawing fresh attention from Milanese and international visitors alike.
According to CJ Bibigo, the restaurant chain running the Korean restaurant at the pavilion, the most popular dessert item is the goldfish waffle. In the shape of a fish, the crisp pastry is filled with red bean cream and a scoop of gelato. The waffle is served with some berries. In Korea, goldfish waffles (bungeobbang) have long been regarded as the nation's most popular winter snack. A bit more sweetness is added in Milan with the additional gelato. Another popular winter snack, sweet nutty pancakes (hotteok), is also being served with a scoop of ice cream at the expo. The paste mixed with the flour and glutinous rice, filled with brown sugar, makes it both chewy and sweet.
Ice flakes are popular, too. It's a combination of red beans and ice cream on top of shaved ice with a crunchy grain powder sprinkled over top, kind of like a breakfast cereal. For those who are uncomfortable with ice, an assortment of fruit sliced into bite-sized pieces and drizzled with plum sauce is recommended.
Finally, crispy rice gelato offers a glimpse into Korean cuisine. The crispy rice -- the main ingredient of the dessert -- is made from the crust of scorched rice (nurungji) found at the bottom of a traditional rice cauldron that has been placed into the fire. In the past, when people were starving, it was a great nutritional supplement. The Milan expo delights visitors with this fresh combination of crunchy rice and gelato.
On June 23, in celebration of the expo's Korea Day, the pavilion will host traditional Korean gugak music, b-boy dancing and ballet performances, a taekwondo demonstration, a traditional Hanbok attire fashion show and a film festival.
More information is available at the pavilion's official website:
http://expo.visitkorea.or.kr/eng
By Lee Seung-ah
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photo: CJ Foodville
slee27@korea.kr
According to CJ Bibigo, the restaurant chain running the Korean restaurant at the pavilion, the most popular dessert item is the goldfish waffle. In the shape of a fish, the crisp pastry is filled with red bean cream and a scoop of gelato. The waffle is served with some berries. In Korea, goldfish waffles (bungeobbang) have long been regarded as the nation's most popular winter snack. A bit more sweetness is added in Milan with the additional gelato. Another popular winter snack, sweet nutty pancakes (hotteok), is also being served with a scoop of ice cream at the expo. The paste mixed with the flour and glutinous rice, filled with brown sugar, makes it both chewy and sweet.
Young expo-goers try out the goldfish waffles at the Korean Pavilion.
Ice flakes are popular, too. It's a combination of red beans and ice cream on top of shaved ice with a crunchy grain powder sprinkled over top, kind of like a breakfast cereal. For those who are uncomfortable with ice, an assortment of fruit sliced into bite-sized pieces and drizzled with plum sauce is recommended.
Finally, crispy rice gelato offers a glimpse into Korean cuisine. The crispy rice -- the main ingredient of the dessert -- is made from the crust of scorched rice (nurungji) found at the bottom of a traditional rice cauldron that has been placed into the fire. In the past, when people were starving, it was a great nutritional supplement. The Milan expo delights visitors with this fresh combination of crunchy rice and gelato.
A goldfish waffle with berries.
Crunchy rice with gelato.
Sweet nutty pancakes with ice cream.
On June 23, in celebration of the expo's Korea Day, the pavilion will host traditional Korean gugak music, b-boy dancing and ballet performances, a taekwondo demonstration, a traditional Hanbok attire fashion show and a film festival.
More information is available at the pavilion's official website:
http://expo.visitkorea.or.kr/eng
By Lee Seung-ah
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photo: CJ Foodville
slee27@korea.kr
