We’re on our way to Seoul. With a connecting flight in Dallas, we’re about 19 hours away from kimchi and patbingsu (Korean shaved ice) galore. To get a taste of Korea before we even land, the American Airlines business class menu has a number of options that are Korean-influenced. Of course, there are the boring Western dishes that those fearful of Asian food will order, but the options are fairly good: ramen noodles in chicken broth with mushrooms and fresh vegetables, cold udon with meat and vegetables, kimchi chicken, and even bibimbap with minced beef.
To accompany the bibimbap that Chris ordered, a little step-by-step guide on how to eat it is presented on the tray. It includes details on how to mix the beef, vegetables, and rice all together, directions on how to stir in some gochuchang (Korean red pepper paste) and sesame oil (packaged) to taste, and of course, enjoy.
We find it funny because we’ve eaten bibimbap so many times, but I suppose for someone who’s never eaten any Korean food, the directions might actually be needed and appreciated. We all have to start somewhere, right?