Seoul food

Ross and I really need to do some more planning for our trip in September. But, given the choice between sorting out travel insurance and familiarising ourselves with the local cuisine, you can guess which one we tend to choose. 

We are heading to Hong Kong and Korea - two countries that are rather difficult when it comes to gluten-free dining (but, hey, a good challenge never hurt anyone!). To help us on our journey, my lovely mother-in-law, Carol, has pointed us in the direction of these wonderful travel cards.  

I've been to Korea before - prior to discovering that I am gluten intolerant - so I know that I love the food. But, up until recently, Ross had not had the pleasure of trying it.

A year or more ago Ross and I visited every - I mean EVERY - Korean restaurant in Wellington to see if they could make us something gluten free. But to no avail. Many of the sauces used in Korean cooking contain gluten and we were told that it simply wasn't possible to feed us. 

We had all but given up on the idea when six months ago - a few months before we started planing our trip - we discovered amazing gluten-free Korean food in the most unexpected of places. 

We were wandering down Willis street on a lazy weekend and noticed a new market with an outdoor food court. Intrigued, we went and had a look to discover - lo and behold - that there was a Korean food stall that, not only catered for gluten-free, but had a menu with numerous gluten-free items labelled. In fact, they are the only stall that has anything labelled, which is astonishing given the trouble we have had in the past.

When I say they cater for gluten-free, I'm not talking about being able to do a rice and vegetable dish with meat and no sauce (don't you hate that!?). I am talking about being able to do a full range of snacks - BBQ popcorn chicken, anyone? - mains, and even dessert - all without hurting my sensitive wee stomach. 

And the food is incredible. Fresh, wholesome, delicious meals, with zingy Korean hot sauce that will make your taste buds sing, your eyes pop, and your nose run - all at the same time. 

Our delicious Seoul food. 

I might need to go to Capital Market again soon so that I can ask the amazing cooks at Miss Kangsta if they have any restaurant recommendations for when we are in Seoul.

All for the important purpose of organising our trip, of course. Not because I'm more than a little bit obsessed with their popcorn chicken....