Cycle 14 – Item 80

26 (Sun) March 2023

Dubu Kimchi Hansik Gyoja

1.0

by me

at home

-Changgok, Sujeong, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea-

solo

I’ve always been cynical about vegetarian versions of meat dishes, which as yet are vastly inferior to their real-deal counterparts (see for example 12.050 Plant Whopper).

But now that I’m trying to reduce my consumption of meat, I was tempted to try a vegetarian version of mandu.  I figured that the meat in the dish – typically ground pork, mixed with tofu and onion and noodles and other ingredients, including kimchi – isn’t really the star attraction, so a plant-based substitute wouldn’t be as noticeable.

In recent years, Pulmuone has been steadily releasing a wide range of plant-based products (see for example 13.203 Dubu Tenders), though they seem to come and go, suggesting that they haven’t quite found their groove.

Meh.  From the first bite, the texture was kinda dry and crumbly, lacking in meaty juiciness.  Flavor-wise, the meatlessness wasn’t an issue, though the seasonings were bland, despite the kimchi.  I won’t be buying this again – and if not my favorite brand, I doubt that I’ll explore vegetarian mandu again.

(See also HANSIK)

(See also PULMUONE)