Want to Grab Korean BBQ? The Beauty of Communal Dining
When reminiscing about the beginnings of friendship, people may think of shared memories and experiences that strengthen their bonds. In Asian culture, food is a meaningful symbol of love, community, and unity. Some common examples are the cut fruit that mothers brought while kids were studying or the feeling of being too full from all the food that grandmothers kept forcing. Although the fruit tasted slightly like onion or their stomachs felt like bursting, people recall these moments fondly and recognize them as expressions of love. Sharing food and communal dining is a meaningful way that Korean and other Asian cultures use to bring communities together.
Korean Barbeque is a special meal that requires diners to cook the meat themselves on a shared grill in front of them. When the meat is ready to eat, it is placed in a lettuce wrap along with rice, garlic and ssamjang, which is a special Korean sauce. This combination is delicious and a great way to savor the food. However, compared to many years ago, Korean Barbeque restaurants are now filled with a diverse set of ethnicities, ages, and groups.
Grilling 갈비 (“Galbi”), which are Korean ribs, on a shared grill
Recent years have shown a significant shift in ethnic food appreciation. One core memory for Asian children is probably being teased or judged at school lunch for the smell of their ethnic food. Now, ethnic food continues to grow in popularity, especially with social media trends and food bloggers. Matcha lattes, sushi, curry, and many other Asian foods are now prominent in non-POC (People of Color) diets. For some, it may be daunting or even uncomfortable to see this sudden shift. However, this appreciation and openness to ethnic food may be a sign of a better future for POC children.
With growth also comes criticism. Those unfamiliar with Korean barbeque sometimes criticize the act of grilling the meat themselves. They may find it uncomfortable as it is the opposite of the Western dining experience. However, it is important to recognize that communal dining represents Korean culture and values. Koreans value communal dining because it brings people together subtly and comfortably. It is common to eat Korean Barbeque to celebrate milestones, such as birthdays, job promotions, graduations, or anniversaries. After work, it is also common for companies and organizations to treat their employees to Korean Barbeque. The goal is to bring employees together to create a sense of company unity and loyalty. The act of grilling meat is also a sign of love and respect for the other diners as well.
Korean culture has grown popular over the years, and with that, Korean Barbeque has become a known dish in the U.S. Some Koreans still might find it strange to see White people and other ethnicities at restaurants genuinely enjoying their food. But this image represents what communal dining is valued for bringing people together! During these times of tension and division, hopefully, the appreciation of other cultures can unite and bring more love to the world.