Of Hot Dogs and Hot Dog Soup

Recently I had the opportunity to explore Lotte World. We skipped the tiny outdated amusement park and its  geriatrically overcrowded manufactured lakes complete with claustrophobic fenced-in swan paddle boat rides and headed straight  for the department store.

Shopping was boring so we found the grocery store section. To my surprise there were two hot dog counters serving some very creative dogs.

That's from left to right: Bulgogi, Dok Kalbi, Chicken Breast Bun, NY Chili Dog, Cheese  Dog, Relish Dog and Plain.

Left to right: Reuben Dog, Slaw Dog, Caesar Dog, Cobb Dog,Chili Cheese Dog and Frank Dog.

Earlier in the week we visited Sun Young's friend's newly purchased franchise restaurant Nolbu Budaechigae. 

Nolbu is a chain that takes on several different forms from location to location. The branch we visited specializes in Budaechigae or "army soup". It originated during the impoverished days of the Korean War. Soldiers and locals would combine what they had to offer and came up with this. It's a spicy concoction of instant noodles, hot dogs, bologna (which was referred to as ham), udon style noodles, potatoes, carrots, peppers and more. How to cook a wolf indeed.

Here's ours boiling away.

All in all this was pretty good and I would go back for more hot dog soup over at Nolbu Budaechigae. I am loving all the new and different variations and influences I am seeing of American food on Korean food. Can't get enough. 

-Matt