Cycle 14 – Item 297

29 (Sun) October 2023

Chamsongi with Poached Eggs in Galbi Tang Soup

3.0

by me

at home

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

with the Family

Chamsongi is a mushroom.  A quick internet search reveals no English/Latin classification.  Based on the Korean name, appearance, and flavor, it would seem to be an alternative for songi (aka pine mushroom aka matsutake), that most prized of Korean fungi (see generally 11.270 Songi).  Recently introduced to the market, perhaps a newly developed genetic hybrid.  Whereas songi only grow in the wild (like truffles) and only sprout in the fall, they’re only available within a short time frame once a year, but presumably chamsongi could be grown all year.  The price of chamsongi, approximately 60,000 won per kg, is but a fraction of songi, which can range from 150,000 to 500,000 won per kg.

My first experience, I was reasonably satisfied.   For lunch, W had ordered galbi tang for delivery – in a separate pot, I poached a couple eggs in the broth and added a few slices of chamsongi at the end.  The texture of the mushroom was similarly dense and chewy.  The flavor had a mild pine fragrance, though nowhere near songi – about as much as the price differential would suggest.  But pretty decent value overall.

(See also HANSIK)