The Many Type of Kimchi

My life is very simple when it comes to South Korean famous delicacy – Kimchi. I have also thought that kimchi is cabbage and spicy paste (what a simple brain I have) BUT NOOOOOO… apparently there are many many MANY type of kimchi. I am in awe…

Kimchi originally was a way to preserve vegetables during the winter months, this was back in the olden days lah. What began as pickles in a salty brine turned into the kimchi we know today, of course with the addition of various spices and condiments ie. paprika powder. Kira macam telah diberi nafas baharu gitew.

Nabak Kimchi is clear and soup, one that I have yet to try. 

Chonggak Kimchi a.k.a Young Radish is actually interesting as it is named base on how in the olden days Korean bachelors braid their hair. FYI, chonggak = “bachelor” in Korean language.

After a bit of help from Mr Google, I was made to understand that there are more than 50 kimchi varieties based on the raw materials being used, its processes, as well as spice and preparation methods. Not only that, it is also identified according to region, right down to its temperature and other environmental conditions, and this has led to the creation of more than 100 different varieties of kimchi.

Pakimchi (green onion kimchi) is crispy and much easier to make it seems.

I’ve learnt that Korean cabbage and radishes are among the most popular vegetables for kimchi, but I was surprised to found out that there are other types of kimchi aside from this 2 vegetables ie cucumbers, chive, carrots, onions and eggplants. You might be as surprise as I am to know that kimchi can also be in soup form – spicy red soup or spicy clear soup. There is also kimchi pancake and kimchi fried rice too, kimchi meehoon ada tak rasanya?

Oi Sobagi or Cucumber Kimchi is crunchy in texture and perhaps one of the recipes that doesn’t require one to ferment it.

In general, kimchi making process involves seasoning the vegetables and fermenting them until they soften and absorb the flavours. Its recipe gives kimchi fishy gochugaru (flaked peppers) flavor, ginger, garlic paste and fish sauce, and of course the spice. It is said that there are also Kimchi-jjigae or meat and seafood kimchi such as chicken kimchi, oyster kimchi, codfish kimchi, squid kimchi and etc but this is to added to improve and varies its flavor.

Yeolmu Kimchi or Water Radish Leaf Kimchi is popular dish during the summer.

Stuffed green chili pepper kimchi or in Korean Putgochumulkimchi reminds me of solok lada for nasi kerabu.

In general, kimchi making process involves seasoning the vegetables and fermenting them until they soften and absorb the flavours. Its recipe gives kimchi fishy gochugaru (flaked peppers) flavor, ginger, garlic paste and fish sauce, and of course the spice. It is said that there are also Kimchi-jjigae or meat and seafood kimchi such as chicken kimchi, oyster kimchi, codfish kimchi, squid kimchi and etc but this is to added to improve and varies its flavor.

Baechu-kimchi is basically cabbage kimchi or mostly referred to as kimchi.

Other common kimchi :
Napa Cabbage Kimchi is served in winter and early spring.
Perilla leaf kimchi (from Daun Pudina family) or Kkaennip kimchi, this fragrant kimchi commonly eaten during summer time as well.
Apparently Buchu kimchi or garlic chives kimchi is one of the easiest to make. Jom make.

Kimchi pancakes is made with wheat flour and perhaps leftover kimchi.

Kimchi fried rice or kimchi-bokkeum-bap is basically like our nasi goring but using kimchi, and some with cheese.

Gosh! All these kimchi are making me hungry. Jom makan kimchi!