"Is This Combination Possible?" Unexpected Anju and a Drink

Let me think about it... (serious)

For some, this might not be an unexpected anju (drinking snack). It could even be one of the anju they eat yesterday or today. However, for those who have enjoyed more conventional anju like Sundaeguk (Korean blood sausage soup), Odengguk (fish cake soup), Samgyeopsal (pork belly), Gopchang (beef intestines), or Mulnaengmyeon (cold noodles), there are certain anju that inevitably provoke surprise (many question marks and exclamation points): "Is this really an anju?" These are foods usually eaten as snacks, or dishes they never even tried as anju because they seemed incompatible. I gathered reports from various acquaintances about these unexpected anju and considered their opinions. So, no room for rebuttal! On a good day, not a frustrating one, try pairing a drink with the anju introduced today. It might be your chance to discover an unexpected anju you never knew.

Yanggaeng (Sweet Red Bean Jelly)

Yanggaeng was always at my grandmother’s house. Now, I occasionally recall its nostalgic taste at convenience stores, but as an anju? At first, I was somewhat taken aback, but after hearing a friend’s opinion, it made sense.

Friend 1 who drinks soju with yanggaeng as anju: "Of course, I also like drinking with tteokbokki or Sundaeguk as anju. But sometimes, those aren’t convenient. Living alone, the tteokbokki portions are too big, and ordering only Sundaeguk for delivery feels off (plus, delivery fees seem higher). Boiling water in a pot feels bothersome. When I open the cupboard, there’s nothing. Those living alone will probably agree with me. Then, I noticed yanggaeng lying around staring at me, so I quickly made it my anju. The sweetness of yanggaeng balances the sharp taste of soju perfectly?it’s a fantastic combination. Now, whenever I crave soju, I find myself choosing yanggaeng without realizing it. It’s clean and really good."

Ice Cream

Isn’t ice cream usually eaten after drinking to soothe the stomach? How can you eat ice cream and drink alcohol together? Question marks filled my mind. Well, considering that products combining Papico, Melona, and soju have been released, maybe I was the only one unaware of this flavor. Cold ice cream and the sharp taste of soju?how would it taste?

Friend 2 who drinks soju with ice cream as anju: "If you haven’t tried ice cream as anju, you’re not a real drinker. Ice cream eaten with alcohol is probably several times tastier than ice cream eaten after drinking. Of course, it depends on personal preference. It doesn’t go well with beer, so you have to eat it with soju. Personally, Baskin-Robbins Rainbow Sherbet is my favorite. Usually, I eat ‘Mom is an Alien’ or Almond Bonbon, but for anju, Rainbow Sherbet is the best. Its cool and refreshing taste pairs really well with soju. When Baskin-Robbins was closed, I also ate Together brand. I’ve heard that Patbingsu (red bean shaved ice) is also excellent as anju, so I plan to try it soon."

Yakgwa (Honey Cookie)

Yakgwa, which has gained attention as a hot dessert! Variations like yakgwa-flavored donuts, cookies, and bread have been reborn as various treats, and it’s also a worthy anju. Yakgwa boasts a hearty fullness that can substitute for a meal and pairs well not only with soju but also with Makgeolli. Isn’t this an unmistakable Korean palate?

Friend 3 who drinks soju with yakgwa as anju: "I often eat yakgwa as a snack, so I always have some in my bag, drawer, or on my desk. Naturally, it evolved into an anju. The sweet yakgwa matches the bitter aftertaste of alcohol really well. On days when the alcohol tastes unusually sweet, the unique greasy flavor of yakgwa pairs perfectly. (In other words, it tastes good no matter how you eat it.) When I use yakgwa as anju, 1. It’s simple, 2. It fills your stomach and heart, and 3. It helps you not get tired of drinking easily. I’m spreading the word far and wide."

Pizza & Hamburger

Can hamburgers and pizza be anju? Having only used refreshing soups or spicy dishes as anju, I couldn’t imagine it. What kind of charm do they have?

Friend 4 who drinks soju with hamburgers and pizza as anju: "Hamburgers were originally something I ate as a hangover cure, but I realized they taste even better when eaten with alcohol. The salty taste of the hamburger and the savory, greasy flavor of fries go really well with soju. Since I ate them as a hangover cure, my body seems to process alcohol better (LOL). McDonald’s Big Mac is my favorite, and Burger King’s Whopper also pairs well. Cheeseburgers are perfect too. You know chicken burgers, right? Just hamburgers are the best anju. You should definitely try it. Not only with soju, but also great with beer. I also highly recommend pizza, but personally, I prefer cheese pizza or pepperoni pizza over those loaded with toppings like sweet potato, potato, or pineapple. The greasy pizza and the sharp taste of soju are a really good match."