PYEONGCHANG — South Korea is known for its incredibly flavorful cuisine: Kimchi, a staple dish of fermented, seasoned vegetables; loaded rice bibimbap bowls topped with red chili paste; and sweet desserts, like red bean buns.
I couldn't wait to try all these dishes and more at the Winter Olympics, which I'm covering for my job as a features editor. But I had no idea what I might actually find. At the 2014 Sochi Olympics, photographs of less-than-stellar fare surfaced from media Twitter accounts and the water was described as "beer-colored." I hoped PyeongChang would be better, and, so far, it is. I've indulged in delicious Korean barbecue, which is prepared on grills built right into the dining table, and gimbap, a kind of Korean "sushi" with rice and other ingredients rolled in dried sheets of laver seaweed.
But, I've also stumbled across some very unexpected foods — with smells, textures, and tastes I've never experienced. Here are some of the most interesting items I've eaten in PyeongChang while covering the 2018 Games.
Tuna and mayonnaise-flavored chips
At the grocery store next to my hotel at Phoenix Snow Park, where freestyle skiing and snowboarding events take place, I came across an entire aisle of crisps devoted to seafood flavors, including squid, octopus, and, my personal favorite, tuna mayonnaise.
A "taco" sandwich
I got this 'wich from the deli next to my hotel. The wrapping advertised a "taco" sandwich, however the filling was a small bit of chili with some melted American cheese.
And a mac & cheese sandwich!
The "mac & cheese" was just noodles and melted American cheese mixed with an unidentifiable meat and corn. Not my fave.
Two sticks with a fish/meat mixture
According to the very sweet check-out woman at a convenience store near Phoenix Snow Park, these are meant to be microwaved for one minute before consumption. I asked what they're made of and after a lot of hand-gesturing and Google translating on our iPhones, I think she said they're a mix of fish and meat (maybe sausage?). When I nuked them in the micro though, a strange odor wafted through the kitchen and I decided to forego the food. Fish-sausage sticks: 1, Me: 0.
Name-less noodles
When the Olympic Park's concession stand near the figure skating arena ran out of dumplings, I ordered these red noodles instead, having no idea what I was getting into. I'm not great with spicy foods, but the burn was so intense my eyes began tearing and I actually coughed up a noodle.
Hunky chocolates
Advertised on the packaging as "bean to bar," these chocolates were truly a delight to behold — and taste. The one on the left is milk chocolate and the one on the right tastes exactly like a red velvet cupcake. Happy belated Valentine's day to me!
Long parka bread
How cute is this man wearing a parka made out of bread?! I saw him in a Korean bakery near Phoenix Snow Park with a sign reading "long parka bread." I had to treat myself. My cashier assured me he was very tasty, with cream and corn inside his "parka."
Still, I felt bad devouring my new friend. But not too bad.
Sea breeze mugwort bread
I bought this "sea breeze mugwort bread" at the same bakery, and, to be honest, wasn't sure what mugwort was when I handed over my credit card. (After a quick Google search, I discovered that mugwort is actually an herb that Koreans use in cakes, teas, soups, and pastries.) The mini loaf has a spongy texture with an earthy aftertaste.
Strawberry popcorn
This mixed-bag had butter, caramel, chocolate, and, yup, strawberry-flavored popcorn! I found it in the figure skating arena's media workroom, where I file stories to my editor after competitions.
Glutinous red bean-filled rice doughnuts
Well, at least they're honest. These very "glutinous" doughnuts were sprinkled in sugar, with a sweet, red bean paste inside. This is an extra-sugary twist on the traditional red bean bun, a popular Korean pastry.
Dangling honey squid legs
I had my friends determine my fate on Instagram (with 67 percent voting yes and 33 percent voting no). They weren't bad, but I wouldn't buy them again. Sweet, salty, and overpoweringly fishy. My hotel room still reeks of honey squid legs.
And, finally, this poor bun-less hot dog
Found this lonely dog at a concession stand near the figure skating arena. I guess this counts as going low-carb. In the saddest way possible.
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