FOOD TO OFFER TO PRETTY ‘NOONA’ OR CUTIE ‘OPPA’
Jung Hae-in stars in “Something in the Rain” on Netflix. If you go by its Korean title, it literally translates to “Pretty noona who buys me food.” “Noona” is honorific term used by boys to older sisters or girls. Hae-in plays the character of Jun-hui, a boy who fell in love with his older sister’s friend.
Jun-hui is not a freeloader. He treats Jin-a (Son Ye-Jin) to nice restaurants, and uses the meals as an excuse to meet with her. Here are some meals and snacks that you can share with the Jun-hui or Jin-a of your life.
Coffee + pastry
“Something in the Rain” features plenty of cups of coffee. They were so numerous that you can almost smell the beans from the screen. Take back what was ruined by people who wants to sell products to you. Make conversation over a cup of coffee sweet again!
Korean barbecue
Hae-in said that he would invite a foreigner to eat Korean barbecue with him. Who can blame him? Korean barbecues are addicting. Maybe it has to do with the balance of the fats of the meat, the lettuce, gojuchang and the side dish you put in between. Or maybe, the act of cooking and grilling can really lift the spirit. Make a move on your crush and create bite-size wraps that you can offer to him or her. Never underestimate the power of the perfect bite.
Street food snacks
A lot of nostalgia is built around street food. Age does not matter when it comes to eating isaw, fishballs, carioca and banana cue. Offer this as a break from stressful tasks or rewards for job well done. It’s a sure-fire way to make them remember you the next time he or she eats them on their own.
Beer and chicken
The combo is known in Korea as “chimaek” ( chicken and maekju/beer). Give this a try if your crush needs to let off some steam or just wants to open up to you. Sinking your teeth into meat and drowning it with alcohol can get rid of stress. This just might be the key for them to associate you with comfort and happiness.
Your favorite dish
Introducing your favorite meal will allow the person you like to see who you are. Taking them to a good restaurant will show them your good taste.
Ramen
“Would you like to have ramen before you go?” is Korean slang for wanting something to happen between the sheets. But it can mean a totally innocent invitation, too. Koreans always add a twist to their ramen by adding fresh ingredients to their instant food fare. Ramen is delicious, comforting and easy to cook. It’s perfect food for the rainy days and one that you can share together if you decide to stay indoors.