Bossam is a popular Korean dish consisting of tender, thinly sliced steamed or boiled pork belly. The pork is typically cooked to perfection, rendering it incredibly moist and flavorful, and then served with an assortment of fresh accompaniments, including crisp lettuce leaves, spicy radishes (mu-saengchae), and flavorful kimchi. It's designed to be eaten as a wrap, allowing diners to customize each bite with various textures and tastes, creating a harmonious blend of savory pork, fresh greens, and spicy, tangy condiments. Bossam is a social dish, often enjoyed with drinks.
Main Ingredients: Pork belly (or shoulder), ssamjang (dipping sauce), fresh lettuce/perilla leaves, various kimchi (e.g., bossam kimchi, mu-saengchae).
Side Dishes: Served with various banchan (side dishes) like pickled vegetables, garlic, green chilies, and sometimes a clear soybean paste soup (doenjang-jjigae).
Beverage Pairings: Soju, Makgeolli (Korean rice wine), beer.
Dining Tips: Build your perfect wrap by layering a piece of pork with kimchi, mu-saengchae, garlic, and ssamjang on a fresh leaf. The unique bossam kimchi and mu-saengchae are crucial for the authentic experience, offering a spicy and refreshing counterpoint to the rich pork. Enjoy it with a glass of makgeolli for a classic Korean pairing. This dish is perfect for sharing, making it a great option for group meals.
Derived Dishes:
Bossam Jeongol (Bossam hot pot)
Bossam Bibimbap
Bossam Dupbap (Bossam over rice)
Spicy Bossam
Garlic Bossam
Similar Dishes: Pork Belly Buns (China), Carnitas (Mexico), Lechon Kawali (Philippines), Schabowy (Poland), Roast Pork (Various cultures).
Restaurant Type: Bossam specialty restaurants, Korean traditional restaurants, jokbal (pig's trotters) and bossam restaurants.
Best Time to Eat: Dinner, late-night snack (anju), group gatherings.
Average Price per Person: $20-$35
Foreigner Preference (out of 10 stars): ★★★★★★★★☆☆ (8/10)
Spiciness (out of 10 stars): ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆ (4/10 - primarily from accompanying kimchi and sauces)
Saltiness (out of 10 stars): ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ (6/10)
Sweetness (out of 10 stars): ★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ (3/10)
Top 5 Restaurants in Seoul Preferred by Foreigners (Please note: these are representative examples and may vary by individual preference and time. It's always best to check recent reviews):
Won Halmoni Bossam - Many branches across Seoul, e.g., 20, Jong-ro 33-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (A very famous and widely accessible chain known for its traditional bossam.)
Manjok Ohyang Jokbal - 12-1, Seosomun-ro 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (While famous for jokbal, their bossam is also highly regarded.)
Ssaam Ssam Bossam - Various locations, e.g., 23-1, Wausan-ro 29-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (Popular for individual-sized portions and various bossam options, good for solo diners or small groups.)
Ojang-dong Heungnamjip - 114, Mareunnae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (A historic restaurant known for its naengmyeon, but also serves traditional bossam.)
Nolboo Budaejjigae & Bossam - Many branches, e.g., 2, Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (A popular chain offering both budae jjigae and bossam, reliable for quality.)
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