Korean Bar Snacks: From Soju To Spritzers, 5 Dishes That Pair Perfectly With Any Drink
When it comes to bar bites, what makes them stand out is not only their crunchy, crispy textures and their catchy, zingy flavours. Certain bar bites become favourite snacks because of their versatile taste profile which renders them as suitable pairings with a number of different spirits and cocktails.
Korean bar bites including crispy rice cakes and even an anchovy mix are such alternatives which can be prepared and served alongside a number of different drinks. Their blend of spicy, pungent, acidic and umami flavours makes them complex mixes which compliment the clear taste of a spirit like vodka, the slightly sweet and acidic note of the soju and even the smoky and spicy flavours of a premium Scotch.
Read on below to know more about some of the Korean bar bites which are so tastefully crafted that they can be paired with versatile spirits ranging from a glass of soju to a cocktail to sparkling spritzers:
Tteokbokki
Chewy rice cakes are covered in spicy gochujang sauce to prepare this mix of umami and spicy flavours. Tteokbokki or rice cakes are sometimes even fried to lend them a crispier texture. These bar bites are complete with a spicy-sweet sauce and simple flavour compositions which pair well with tangy and herbaceous drinks like a gin and tonic crafted out of 30 ml Tanqueray No. 10 Gin or any other premium gin of choice and even other smokier options like a mezcal paloma which carries deeper, earthy flavours.
Eomuk Tang
Another bar bite that is a favourite among many is the eomuk tang or the fish cake soup skewers. These are essentially soft fish cakes made out of pollock or cod seasoned with garlic and soy sauce in a fish cake paste, propped up on skewers. These are served with a light, savoury broth that carries umami and tangy flavours. Such a subtly flavoured bar bite can pair well with versatile drinks like soju or even a perfectly crafted martini cocktail made using 30 ml Tanqueray No. 10 Gin or any other premium gin of choice.
Anchovy Mix
This Korean anchovy snack mix consists of baby anchovies flavoured with garlic, soy sauce, mirin and some rice syrup among other umami, tangy, acidic and spicy ingredients. This is a favoured bar bite among many for its chewy taste and its lightly sweet-savoury qualities that make it a good munchie. This anchovy mix or myulchi bokkeum can be paired with simple highballs crafted out of 30 ml Johnnie Walker Red Label or any other premium whisky of choice or even a frothy pint of beer.
Gimmari
A classic alternative for serving with drinks or cocktails, fried seaweed rolls are crispy options that go well with a caramelised and smoky whisky, such as a 30 ml Johnnie Walker Black Label or any other premium whisky of choice served on the rocks. Gimmari has a crunchy finish and an umami rich taste and this can be paired with a spicy dip made using sriracha infused with gochujang. The bar bite can also go well with Korean rice wine or makgeolli and fizzy spritzers such that its fried element undercuts the fizz in these drinks.
Chilled Steamed Tofu With Soy-Garlic Sauce
Simple to prepare and straightforward in its flavour profile, steamed tofu that is allowed to chill before being dabbed in soy-garlic sauce is a subtle bar bite that can be served with different smoky cocktails and drinks which contain a bit of spice, such as a chilli margarita made using 30 ml Don Julio Blanco or any other premium tequila of choice. This bar bite complete with soft textures and earthy, spicy and deep flavours is versatile enough to pair well with multiple mixes containing complex fruity, citrusy tasting notes as well.
Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
