Replying to @Auntie Em 🍉🫒 Making My Korean Parents’ First Full English Breakfast. It was quite an undertaking but so much fun too. I made English back bacon, Northern England black pudding, British bangers (sausages), Baked beans served with fried eggs, tomatoes, mushrooms and toasts.
Making a traditional Full English Breakfast for my Korean parents was an absolute adventure, and honestly, a bit of a culinary mission! I wanted them to experience this iconic British meal in all its glory, from the sizzling English back bacon to the hearty British bangers and, of course, the infamous black pudding. Little did I know, their reactions would be even more entertaining than the cooking itself! The moment the plate arrived, piled high with fried eggs, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, and toast, their eyes widened. My mom, always observant, immediately commented, "They eat so much!!" It was clear that the sheer volume was already a cultural revelation. We started with the back bacon. Unlike the streaky bacon they're used to, the thicker cut and lean-to-fat ratio of English back bacon was a novelty. My dad, after his first bite, exclaimed, "The fat chunk is delicious!" followed by a resounding "Well done!" It was a relief to see them enjoy something so quintessentially British. The sausages were next, and those British bangers truly hit the spot. My parents both nodded in approval, simply stating, "Delicious." It led my mom to muse, "British people must eat really well," which I took as a high compliment to the meal itself. But the real star of the show, and the source of the most memorable reactions, was undoubtedly the black pudding. I braced myself. My mom picked up a piece, studying its dark color, before asking, "Looks like chocolate?" Then came the big moment: "Soondae??" she asked, recognizing a similarity to Korean blood sausage. This comparison was fantastic! After tasting it, both parents declared it "Interesting" and admitted, "Never tasted something like this before." My dad, with a twinkle in his eye, even called it "Luxurious soondae!" It was amazing to see them connect a new food to something familiar from their own culture, making it less alien and more intriguing. The baked beans, a staple I love, also got a good reception, especially when combined with other elements. As the meal progressed, we even experimented with some unlikely pairings. Out came the kimchi! And to my surprise, it wasn't just good, it was a "Perfect combo!" My mom even added, "Bussin!" when trying kimchi with the black pudding. Who knew the spicy kick of kimchi could elevate a Full English? It just goes to show how adaptable and complementary different culinary traditions can be. To round off the experience, we had a proper English tea. My dad, with a very British-sounding declaration, said, "I fancy black tea!" It was a delightful end to a wonderfully chaotic and heartwarming meal. Seeing their genuine curiosity and enjoyment, and even a few moments of awe (like dropping a utensil!), made all the effort worthwhile. This breakfast wasn't just about food; it was about sharing cultures and creating unforgettable memories. If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend introducing a traditional Full English to someone from a different culinary background – the reactions alone are worth it!

























































I love how the kimchi always ends up in every meal they try 😂