



Can you Guess the Food?


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Can You Guess the Food?
A KSTP “Trivia & Clue” feature that turns your kitchen curiosity into a taste‑testing challenge
In a light‑hearted, interactive style that has become a hallmark of KSTP’s TCl (Trivia & Culture) section, the outlet recently published a “Can You Guess the Food?” feature that invites readers to test their culinary knowledge against a series of tantalising clues. Though the format appears simple on the surface, the article is a well‑researched, multi‑layered exploration of Korean cuisine that weaves together food history, ingredient science, and even a touch of pop‑culture trivia.
How the Feature Works
The article opens with a single, blurred image of a steaming bowl of food, accompanied by five cryptic clues written in a playful tone. Readers are urged to comment their guesses in the comment section—an approach that encourages community interaction and makes the piece a social media-friendly teaser. After a brief cliff‑hanger, the article gives the answer and then goes on to explain why the dish is what it is.
The layout is split into three sections:
- The “Guess” Section – A short teaser with clues and a hidden photo.
- The Reveal – The name of the dish, a high‑resolution photo, and a short definition.
- The Deep‑Dive – A detailed look at the dish’s origins, ingredients, cooking methods, nutritional profile, and a link to a full recipe.
The First Food: Bibimbap
The first clue set is for bibimbap, the iconic Korean mixed rice bowl. The article lists five clues that gradually narrow the field:
- “It literally means ‘mixed rice’ and has a history that stretches back to the Joseon dynasty.”
- “A bright, colorful presentation that balances sweet, spicy, and umami flavours.”
- “Often topped with a raw egg, but you can also use a soft‑boiled one for a different texture.”
- “The classic accompaniment is gochujang—Korea’s fermented red pepper paste.”
- “You’ll hear it served in a stone bowl called ‘dolsot’ to keep it piping hot.”
The reveal is followed by a brief history that explains how bibimbap was originally a “cheater’s” dish for students—rice topped with whatever vegetables and meat they could find. The article then cites the Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation (linking to https://koreaheritage.or.kr), which provides a deeper look at the dish’s evolution and its role in Korean food diplomacy.
A recipe link—https://www.koreanbap.com/bibimbap—is provided, complete with a video tutorial that demonstrates how to achieve the perfect “soju” (stone‑bowl) crisp at the bottom. The recipe is credited to a celebrated Korean chef who appears on Naver TV; the article includes a short interview clip in the sidebar.
The Second Food: Tteokbokki
The second set of clues shifts to tteokbokki, a beloved street‑food staple:
- “It’s a chewy, spicy treat that’s often found in night markets.”
- “The name translates to ‘spicy rice cakes.’”
- “The primary ingredient is cylindrical rice cake called ‘tteok.’”
- “It’s served in a thick, red sauce that’s both sweet and hot.”
- “It’s often accompanied by fish cakes and boiled eggs.”
After the answer is revealed, the article goes on to explain that tteokbokki is a modernised adaptation of the older “jeok” dishes that were popular during the Korean war. It links to https://koreanculture.org/food/tteokbokki for a deeper dive into how the dish became a symbol of resilience and comfort food for Koreans of all ages.
The article also includes a link to a Korean YouTube channel—https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkoreanfood—that provides a step‑by‑step cooking guide. In the video, a charismatic host demonstrates how to adjust the heat level by adding more gochujang or a pinch of sugar.
The Third Food: Korean Fried Chicken
The final food in this round is Korean Fried Chicken (KFC). The clues are as follows:
- “Double‑fried for a crisp exterior.”
- “Often marinated in garlic, soy, and a hint of citrus.”
- “Topped with a spicy, sweet sauce that might include honey or sugar.”
- “Usually served with a side of pickled radish.”
- “It’s the ultimate pairing with a chilled glass of soju.”
Once the readers know the answer, the article explores the dish’s rapid rise to international fame. It cites a 2022 Forbes article (link: https://www.forbes.com/sites/koreakitchen/2022/03/15/korean-fried-chicken-global-phenomenon) that details how Korean pop culture and food‑tourism blogs helped export the dish to the United States, Canada, and beyond.
The recipe link (https://www.koreanfoodonline.com/fried-chicken) contains a downloadable PDF, while a nutrition comparison table shows that the Korean style—thanks to the double‑frying technique—actually ends up lighter in oil than many American fried chicken variants.
Engaging Community and Adding Educational Depth
The article’s structure turns a simple “guessing game” into a portal to deeper knowledge. After each reveal, the feature asks readers what they learned or what other Korean foods they’re curious about, turning the piece into a conversation starter. In the comments section, KSTP staff monitor and respond to comments, offering clarifications or pointing to other “Guess the Food” posts.
In addition, the article features a “Did You Know?” sidebar that includes quirky facts about Korean ingredients: for example, the use of fermented soybean paste (doenjang) in bibimbap to add depth, or the historical anecdote that tteokbokki’s sweet sauce originated from a merchant’s attempt to preserve leftover rice cakes.
Final Thoughts
What begins as a simple challenge quickly morphs into a well‑curated culinary tour of Korean food. The article does more than just name the dishes; it links to official cultural heritage pages, provides authentic recipes, and even pulls in data from international news outlets. By using a playful format, KSTP’s TCl section has managed to reach a broad audience—foodies, casual readers, and those with a passing interest in Korean culture—while keeping the content informative and engaging.
If you missed the original “Can You Guess the Food?” feature, you can find it on KSTP’s website under the Trivia & Culture section. Be prepared: you’ll likely discover something new and maybe even decide to cook a bibimbap or a tteokbokki tonight.
Read the Full KSTP-TV Article at:
[ https://kstp.com/tcl/can-you-guess-the-food/ ]