What is Anju? A Guide to Korean Drinking Snacks
- Numaru Prague
- 29. 4.
- Minut čtení: 2
What is Anju? A Guide to Korean Drinking Snacks
If you've ever spent a night out in Korea or at a Korean restaurant, you'll notice drinks never arrive alone. There's always something on the table to accompany them, from bubbling stews to sizzling meats. These are anju (안주): dishes specifically designed to be enjoyed alongside alcohol.
In Korean dining culture, eating and drinking are inseparable companions, and ‘anju’ is considered a food category. Spicy, rich, comforting, or greasy – anything that complements alcohol qualifies as anju, though each drink tends to have its perfect culinary match.Let's explore some classics we love at Numaru.
Chicken + Beer = Chimaek!
No discussion of anju would be complete without mentioning chimaek – the iconic combination of chicken (chi) and maekju (beer). What makes Korean fried chicken different? It's double-fried for extra crispiness, and has a thin, crackly crust! At Numaru, we offer four Korean fried chicken variations: 1. Fried: The crispiest version, served without sauce 2. Yangnyeom: Tossed in sweet chilli sauce 3. Kkanpun: Tangy, sour and slightly spicy 4. Czech Honey: Sweet and delightfully stick The satisfying crunch and bold flavours of Korean fried chicken perfectly balance an ice-cold lager or pale ale!
Kimchi Jjigae + Soju = Deep, Warming Experience
Soju is the most famous Korean alcoholic beverage, traditionally made from rice. Soju's smooth, clean, and subtly fiery character demands something equally bold in return! Enter kimchi jjigae, the iconic Korean stew – spicy, savoury, and extremely satisfying, crafted with aged kimchi, tofu, and pork.
Soju is meant to be savoured and shared. Similarly, kimchi jjigae brings people together as it bubbles in the centre of the table, warming both body and spirit. This pairing creates the perfect atmosphere for meaningful conversations and leisurely drinking.
Tofu-Kimchi + Makgeolli = Comforting Harmony
Makgeolli, Korea's traditional rice wine, offers a slightly fizzy, subtly sweet, and completely unique experience. Its milky appearance and tangy, fermented flavour pair nicely with hearty dishes like tofu-kimchi. Tofu-kimchi is a simple yet iconic anju: soft tofu served with stir-fried kimchi and pork. The pork's richness and kimchi's tanginess beautifully balance makgeolli's creaminess, creating a refreshing harmony of flavours with each bite and sip. At Numaru, we serve this delicious combination in a deep-fried tortilla for easy dipping. This pairing also provides perfect comfort on rainy days, offering a nostalgic coziness, like a warm blanket with a favourite book. í dokonalé pohodlí zejména v deštivých dnech – nostalgické a hřejivé jako oblíbená kniha pod dekou.
Elevating Your Experience
At Numaru, we also feature a carefully curated wine selection, personally chosen by our chef to enhance your dining experience. Pair our fish dishes like Salmon Gimbap with a crisp white wine, or complement our beef K-BBQ with a robust red!
