Cycle 15 – Item 161

14 (Fri) June 2024

Dol Meonggae

3.5

at Oki Sushi

-Seongsu, Seongdong, Seoul, Republic of Korea-

with HSK

While the term “meonggae (멍개)” refers generally to various types of sea squirts, the most common being the orange ones that come in red shells (see for example 3.062 Meonggae Bibimbab), dol monggae (돌멍개) is a different kind.  The shells are dark, rough in texture, and spherical, virtually indistinguishable from a small rock – indeed, “dol = stone” – perhaps an evolutionary camoflauge (though I can’t imagine who’s hunting them, other than humans) (the standard ones are brightly colored).

Never encountered it, never heard of it, until today, when the chef brought over a plate.

Loved them.  Though never a fan of the standard ones, which I find to be unpleasantly bitter, these were much more delicate in flavor, like a clam with a trace of bittersweetness.  Worked both when dipped in soy + wasabi or chogochujang.  If I ever see them again on a menu, I’ll order.

(See also RESTAURANTS IN KOREA)

(See also GLOBAL FOOD GLOSSARY)

(See also HANSIK)