Bibimbap or rice mixed with vegetables is one of the well-known traditional Korean dishes. In order to make Bibimbap attractive to foreigners, historical documents on Bibimbap were carefully studied. Besides, surveys involving foreigners and actual ta...
Bibimbap or rice mixed with vegetables is one of the well-known traditional Korean dishes. In order to make Bibimbap attractive to foreigners, historical documents on Bibimbap were carefully studied. Besides, surveys involving foreigners and actual tasting/evaluation events were carried out. Based on the results, this study proposed an ideal Bibimbap recipe for foreigners and layed the foundation for globalizing the Korean food by presenting basic reference data.
The first time when Bibimbap appeared in historical documents was in the end of 1800s in Si-eu-jeon-seo. The theories on the Bibimbaps origin vary including the dish served for King, the recipe for handling left-overs, instant food for fast easting during the busiest farming season, fugitive food on the road, and food eaten during the Dong-Hak civil uprising. Bibimbap has followed various unique paths of development depending on regions. Among them, Jeonju Bibimbap, Jinju Bibimbap and Haeju Bibimbap are the most famous.
In the survey on the preference of Bibimbap, over 80% of the foreign respondents replied positively. However, considerable preference disparity was found in Bibimbap materials and sauces depending on their nationality and gender. As a replacement for beef, one of the main Bibimbap ingredients, tofu was the most favorite.
Based on the survey results on preference to traditional Bibimbap, tofu Bibimbap was newly developed. With this, four kinds of different sauces were served. Foreign participants displayed high preference to barbecue sauce both with traditional and tofu Bibimbap.
Compared with other Korean foods, much more concentrated efforts have been taken to make Bibimbap appeal to taste buds of foreigners. Still, more commitment to develop new sauces and ingredients will be essential. In addition, such activities as online promotion, diverse sampling opportunities, the operation of cooking experience program and the opening of Bibimbap restaurants in foreign countries, will be sure to boost the worldwide recognition of the Korean dish.