Recipes: Soup
차 | cha
Whether it's a festive holiday, ancestral rites, or a simple craving for a touch of sweetness, Korean cuisine has got you covered with its unique and delicious treats. Among these are Bamcho, Hodo Jeongwha, Pat-sirutteok, and many others waiting to be discovered and savored.
Recipes
Bamcho: Candied Chestnuts
Hodo Jeonggwha - Soy Candied Walnuts
Pat-sirutteok Red Bean Layered Rice Cake
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StoryTime
Before tea plants were introduced to Korea, Korean “teas” existed. These early varieties of “cha” were likely used for medicinal purposes and were derived from various plants, lichens, and fungi, each chosen for its perceived health benefits. Some of these teas were even used to flavor water, making the medicinal drinks more palatable.
The appearance of green and/or black tea in Korea can be traced back to the Three Kingdoms period or possibly even earlier. According to legend, Princess Suriratna of India (who later became Queen Heo Hwang-ok) brought tea plants from India to Korea around 48 to 50 AD. This historical connection adds to the rich tapestry of Korean tea culture.
Did You Know?
Korean "Teas" include drinks made from ginger, ginseng, corn, barley, chrysanthemum, pine needles, and much more.
