We began the first Hangzhou International School PAFA Kitchen of the new year on a beautiful winter Monday morning. This edition featured a Korean street food kitchen led by Kristine and Yunjeong, assisted by other Korean moms.
The excitement filled the room as everyone arrived, happy to see one another and eager to share their holiday experiences. While we waited for all the participants to gather, everyone enjoyed some Korean sugar-coated rice cakes and cinnamon-flavored Korean tea.
The class started with a lesson on how to make kkakdugi, which is pickled radish kimchi. Soon, the delightful aroma of Korean flavors filled the air. Next, we learned to make gimbap with its various fillings. It was fun to see everyone’s skills as they learned how to roll it.
While the class was mastering this technique, the Korean moms prepared some delicious hot odeng tang (soup) and rose tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) to share with us, made to their personal recipes.
Finally, it was time for the best dish: dessert! We learned how to make hotteok, a Korean pancake filled with sweet and nutty goodness, served with a scoop of ice cream on top.
It was the perfect way to end the session, leaving us with a delightful sweetness in our tongues. Overall, it was a lovely morning filled with learning, laughter, and burgeoning friendships.
