By Honorary Reporter Ana Caroline Bergamaschi Farias from Brazil
Photos = Ana Caroline Bergamaschi Farias

The Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Sept. 1 opened the exciting Korean Gastronomy Hansik Festival focusing on traditional food and history. 

The event featured workshops and tasting experiences, and I attended the preopening event along with journalists and social media influencers.  

The exhibition hall was adorned with captivating images and informative displays about the core elements of Korean cuisine including doenjang (soybean paste), ganjang (soy sauce) and gochujang (red pepper paste). These ingredients are the results of meticulous fermentation processes central to Korean culinary traditions in enhancing flavor and promoting health.

Visiting Korean chef Lee Eun-young Lee prepared jangtteok (spicy rice cake) pancakes made with gochujang for guests. The menu included delightful offerings such as tteokboki (spicy rice cake), gimbap (seaweed rice roll) and kimchi jeon (pancake), all carefully prepared by Korean restaurant owners in Sao Paulo.

I also got to speak to the chef. On how she prepares for a workshop, Lee said, "I tailor my classes for a Brazilian audience. One class delves into traditional Korean cuisine while another explores modern Hansik (traditional cuisine) trends modified for contemporary tastes." 

She also shared a message with Brazilians on Hansik, saying, "I want to show that Korean cuisine requires time and patience to prepare in contrast to the prevalent fast-food culture. This includes the fermentation process of developing flavors over time through patience and dedication to crafting exceptional tastes."

The festival runs through Oct. 6. Courses on Korean cuisine will end on Sept. 23, with classes featuring guest chefs held every Sunday through Oct. 1.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article was written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.