몽테이블

Have you ever seen dried seafood at a store labeled “octopus legs”? Or wondered while eating takoyaki, “Is this really octopus?” In fact, a lot of what we commonly call “octopus” is actually jumbo squid. These two creatures differ in appearance, taste, and price. The outcome of your dish can vary greatly depending on which one you choose. So today, let’s clearly distinguish between octopus and jumbo squid. After reading this, you won’t be confused at the grocery store or when ordering takoyaki anymore.

When you think of Imsil County in North Jeolla Province, the first thing that comes to mind is cheese. But how did Imsil become the hometown of cheese in Korea during the 1960s, when cheese was still unfamiliar in the country? At the center of this fascinating story is Father Didier Serstevens, a Belgian priest. Let's explore how the Imsil cheese we now take for granted came into being, and how the devotion of a foreign priest laid the foundation for Korea's cheese industry. Discover the roots of Korea's cheese culture through the history of Imsil cheese.

It’s often said that just one type of soy sauce can complete the taste of Korean cuisine. But when you stand in front of the soy sauce section at the store, you’ll find various kinds like jin ganjang, brewed soy sauce, and guk ganjang — making it hard to choose. Recipes often say “2 tablespoons of jin ganjang” or “Season with brewed soy sauce,” but does it matter which one you use? Or should you strictly distinguish between them? In this post, we’ll clearly explain the differences between jin ganjang and brewed soy sauce and detail which dishes are best suited for each. After reading this, you’ll be able to confidently pick the right soy sauce for any dish!

Lately, there's a name that really stands out in the fruit section of grocery stores: “Stevia Tomatoes” . They taste as sweet as if sugar has been sprinkled on them, yet they're low in calories—making them a popular diet snack. But are these honey-sweet tomatoes really okay to eat as much as you want? In this post, we'll take a closer look at what stevia tomatoes are, how they differ from regular tomatoes, and thoroughly examine whether there are any side effects. By the end of this article, you'll be able to decide whether stevia tomatoes are a good fit for your diet.

Do you enjoy Chinese food? If so, you’ve probably tried dim sum and xiaolongbao at least once. These delicious dishes, filled with savory stuffing inside thin wrappers, are enough to make your mouth water just by looking at them. But while both are Chinese dumplings, what exactly sets them apart? If you’ve ever thought, “Can’t I just order xiaolongbao at a dim sum place?” — then this article is for you. We’ll clearly explain what each dish is, how they’re made, and the key differences between them. That way, you’ll be confident next time you order at a Chinese restaurant!

미개봉 식용유, 유통기한 지나도 괜찮을까? 요리할 때 절대 빠질 수 없는 재료가 있다면 바로 '식용유' 아닐까요? 튀김, 볶음, 부침 요리 등 하루에도 몇 번씩 사용하다 보니 주방에 항상 구비해두는 필수품 중 하나죠. 그런데 문득 주방 선반 구석에서 잊고 있던 미개봉 식용유를 발견한 경험, 다들 한 번쯤 있으실 거예요. "이거 써도 되나?" 하고 유통기한을 확인해봤더니 날짜가 훌쩍 지나버렸네요. 😲 이럴 때 정말 난감하죠. 버리기엔 아깝고, 먹자니 왠지 찝찝하고요. 특히 최근 '유통기한'이 '소비기한'으로 바뀌면서 더욱 혼란스러운 분들이 많을 텐데요. 오늘 이 글을 통해 식용유의 유통기한과 소비기한에 대한 모든 궁금증을 시원하게 해결해 드릴게요!

Do you like glass noodles? Japchae, deep-fried seaweed rolls, sticky rice sundae… glass noodles are a staple on Korean tables. With their chewy texture and versatility, they’re a beloved ingredient among Koreans, but hearing that “glass noodles make you gain weight” might make you hesitate. Especially for those who are dieting or managing conditions like diabetes, you might wonder, “Is it okay to eat glass noodles?” Today on mongtable, we’ll break down nutritional facts, glycemic index (GI), and how to eat them right so you can enjoy glass noodles in a healthy way.

What comes to mind when you hear “chicken soup”? Many people likely imagine a steaming hot chicken dish simmered in broth. In Korea, there are two traditional chicken-based health foods that may look similar but have distinct charms: Samgyetang (蔘鷄湯) and Baeksuk (白熟) . Both dishes involve boiling a whole chicken, making them beloved nutritious meals. However, they differ clearly in ingredients and how they’re eaten. Today, let’s explore the differences between Samgyetang and Baeksuk—and when you might choose one over the other. 🤔

What’s your "soul food"? Originally, this term referred to the cuisine reflecting the hardship and sorrow of African Americans in the southern United States. But these days, it's more often used to mean a nostalgic dish that comforts the soul. If you ask Koreans what their soul food is, many would probably say "samgyeopsal" (pork belly). The sizzling sound of meat grilling, the company dinners where coworkers toast and unwind, the fun family meals out—pork belly is deeply rooted in various parts of Korean life. But whenever people talk about pork belly, a certain claim always comes up: "Pork belly is actually a fatty cut that Westerners throw away, but Koreans pay a lot to eat it." Is that really true? Do foreigners really avoid such delicious meat? Let’s explore and uncover the fascinating stories behind the dish we all love—samgyeopsal.

Know the Difference Between Jocheong and Corn Syrup and Use Them Properly! "Why doesn’t my home cooking taste like restaurant food?" Have you ever thought that before? Even when using the same ingredients and following the recipe, something often feels slightly off. The secret might lie in the sweeteners you're using. In Korean cooking especially, jocheong and corn syrup often appear similar but are actually quite different ingredients. So today, let’s clearly break down the differences between jocheong and corn syrup—something many people get confused about! After reading this, you’ll know exactly when to use jocheong and when to reach for corn syrup.

All About Dalgona: From Its Origin to Squid Game Have you ever watched Squid Game with sweaty palms, nervously observing the Dalgona game? 🎮 Who would have thought that this simple sugar candy would capture the hearts of people around the world? Thanks to the Netflix drama Squid Game and the 2020 home café trend driven by "Dalgona coffee," Dalgona has now become a global sensation beyond Korea. More than just a sweet snack, Dalgona is a special treat that carries Korea's history and culture. Today, let’s explore the fascinating story behind this small and sweet candy—from its origins and history to how you can make it yourself at home.

From fancy appetizers paired with wine to ingredients that enhance the flavor of pizzas and pastas, cheese has become an essential and charming item on our dining tables. But have you ever stood in front of a supermarket cheese section, overwhelmed by the variety of names and shapes, not sure which one to choose? While there are countless types of cheese, did you know they can broadly be categorized into "hard cheese" and "soft cheese"? Just knowing this basic classification can make it much easier to understand and enjoy the world of cheese. In this article, we’ll explain what hard and soft cheeses are, how they differ, and which dishes they pair best with—clearly and enjoyably.