Hallyu Korea. What's cooking?

Korean cuisine is fast replacing Japanese at trendy restaurants around the world. Indians know more about South Korea too. Cool locals, however, are enjoying global flavours, with a traditional twist

- VIR SANGHVI

Indians have a pretty good idea of what Japan is about. We are crazy for sushi, have grown up using Japanese electronic products, are familiar with such automobile brands as Toyota, Honda and, of course, Suzuki. Sony is far better known in India than most of our own brands.

On the other hand, until a few years ago, we knew very little about South Korea. Now, Indians have begun watching Korean shows and listening to BTS, and may soon know it better than we know most other East Asian countries.

But there is one area that where we are still bemused by Korea: The food. In New York, Korean is the trendy cuisine. Such restaurants as Atomix and Cote are among the city's most difficult reservations.

Not so in India. Yes, Korea has a disadvantage in that its most famous product, Hanwoo beef, has no future in India. But the Korean flavour profile, which can be spicy, should work for Indian palates.And there is no reason why such dishes as Korean Fried Chicken should not catch on here.

I went to Seoul last week for three days, for the announcement of the 50 Best Restaurants in Asia list. (This was 1-50; 50 to 100 had been announced a fortnight ago). I stayed at the Grand Intercontinental Parnas, which is where the ceremony was held, and was impressed by how much service in Korea has improved, though fluency in English remains a problem.