Everything About Hot Pot 👲

What is Hot Pot?

Hot pot generally refers to a cooking method where a pot is used as the utensil, heated by a heat source, and filled with water or soup base to cook a variety of foods. The essence of hot pot lies in the fact that, unlike other dishes already prepared on the table, people put their favorite vegetables, meat into the pot while waiting for them to cook, and then ladle them out to eat after they are cooked, so the food always goes into the mouth piping hot.

In addition to the traditional sesame dipping sauce, the soup base is also crucial. Spicy, salty, fresh—people can choose according to their dietary habits and preferences, suitable for all ages. Especially in the cold winter, it is an excellent choice for a meal.

Origin of Hot Pot

There are two theories about the origin of hot pot. One claims that hot pot existed during the Warring States period, with pottery pots being used. The other theory suggests that hot pot originated in the Han Dynasty, with "dou" referring to hot pot. Archaeological findings in the burial artifacts of the Western Han Marquis of Haihun revealed physical evidence of hot pots.  It can be seen that hot pot has a history of more than 2000 years in China.

Different Flavors of Hot Pot

The mentioned spicy, salty, and fresh flavors are just general descriptions. Specifically, one of the most important factors influencing the taste of hot pot is the soup base. Soup base can be categorized into the following types: plain soup base, spicy soup base, yin-yang (Double-flavor) hot pot, mushroom soup base, and tomato soup base.

The plain soup base is crafted by simmering chicken bones, pork bones, or beef bones in a pot over low heat for several hours. It serves as the most fundamental soup base, offering a light and refreshing taste. This versatile base is suitable for pairing with various ingredients and boasts high nutritional value.

Conversely, the spicy soup base skillfully blends spiciness and saltiness. Generally, spicy soup base is most renowned in Sichuan and Chongqing, where people have a penchant for spicy flavors due to climatic conditions. The exquisite interplay between the aroma of chili and the saltiness provides an unforgettable taste experience for enthusiasts of spicy cuisine.

Yin-Yang hot pot combines both a plain soup base and a spicy soup base, making it a highly popular dining choice. It utilizes a unique copper pot, divided into two halves by copper plates, creating a yin-yang symbol. One side holds the plain soup base, while the other side contains the spicy soup base. Diners can add their preferred food to the pot for cooking. This eating method significantly achieves harmony between those who enjoy spiciness and those who do not. Despite using a single copper pot, both preferences can be accommodated without interference.

Mushroom soup base is prepared with a focus on wild mushroom ingredients, offering an exceptionally delicious and nutritious taste. It is also suitable for individuals who do not favor spicy flavors. Yunnan Province in China is known for having the most varieties of wild mushrooms, including chicken mushrooms, matsutake mushrooms, and boletus, among nearly 100 species that can be cooked in the hot pot. This type of hot pot is associated with health benefits such as immune system enhancement, anti-tumor properties, anti-cancer effects, and blood sugar reduction.

Tomato soup base offers a delightful blend of sweet and sour flavors, coupled with a smooth texture that sets it apart from traditional spicy hot pots. Chefs meticulously prepare the soup base by simmering several fresh tomatoes, allowing their essence to infuse the soup through slow cooking. The resulting aroma is an instant delight to the senses, whetting the appetite. Notably, the various nutritional components of tomatoes contribute to the hot pot, enriching it with essential vitamins, magnesium, iron, and other trace elements.

How about it? Are you eager to give Chinese hot pot a try?

If you haven't had the chance to visit China and try hot pot, don't worry – sencha.lv has brought the authentic taste right to you: the secret soup bases. Once the water is boiling, just pour in the soup base you like and add your favorite things – cabbage, potatoes, noodles, salami, chicken, ribs, seafood, and more. Then, you can enjoy a quick, tasty, and nutritious feast! With the cold winter here, invite friends and family to gather around the table and enjoy a warm and hearty hot pot together.

Spicy soup base purchase link👉：Sičuaņas Stila Karstā un Pikantā Zupas Bāze Hot Potam 70g - Rīsu kūkas un citi - Āzijas Virtuve Rīgā ⛩️ Iepērcies Interneta Veikalā Sencha.lv

Mushroom soup base purchase link👉: Umami Sēņu Hot Pot Zupas Bāze 60g - Rīsu kūkas un citi - Āzijas Virtuve Rīgā ⛩️ Iepērcies Interneta Veikalā Sencha.lv

🎄✨ Riga Christmas Magic Begins! ✨🎄

🐰🎡 First, two exciting Christmas markets are waiting for visitors. At the Ziemassvētku tirdziņš Esplanādē, people can see adorable little rabbits and ride the Ferris wheel with their loved ones. There's a legend that riding the Ferris wheel with someone you love means you will be happy forever. Why not take advantage of Christmas to experience this happiness with friends and family? Time: 30.11 – 01.01

🍷 The Vecrīgas Ziemassvētku tirdziņš at Doma laukums is even more grand in scale. Visitors can taste hot food, sweet mulled wine, and various snacks. Additionally, there's a huge Christmas tree, a charming gingerbread house, and live band performances. Here, you can taste mulled wine and enjoy the aroma of delicious food on a snowy night, admiring the twinkling Christmas tree decorations and the joyful looks in people's eyes. It's an unforgettable experience. Special activities for children are planned from Thursday to Sunday, and on weekends, kids can even ride horses. Time: 03.12 – 07.01

🎥 Christmas is a time to be with family, and Kinoteātris K. Suns offers a warm choice. During Christmas, this cinema provides free movie-watching services for children, a not-to-be-missed opportunity for families with children. Time: 23.12 – 07.01

🎁 If children and craft enthusiasts want to make something by hand, they can participate in craft activities at Rīgas Porcelāna muzejs (Riga Porcelain Museum). For just 9 euros, you can use white or colored porcelain castings to create your hollow-out decorations, undoubtedly making special gifts for family or friends. Time: 01.12 – 30.12

🌕📸 As night falls, the old town's Gaismas teiksmu taka is lit up with lights, the bright moon and little horses illuminating people’s hearts in the dark winter nights. The moonlight is especially beautiful, providing a great opportunity to take photos and create wonderful memories. Time: 03.12 – 04.02

🤗💖 This Christmas season, whether it's participating in lively markets, family movie nights, or making unique handicrafts, Riga offers joyful and warm moments for everyone. Welcome everyone to experience Riga, filled with the Christmas atmosphere.

👉For more detailed information, you can also visit this website: https://svetki.riga.lv/.

Christmas Market in Latvia ☃️

Have you ever heard that the world's first Christmas tree originated in Riga in 1510? For this reason alone, it's essential to fully experience the Christmas atmosphere of this city this year, and the Christmas market is an excellent way to feel the warmth of this festive season.

After the pandemic, traditional Christmas markets have finally returned to our lives. In the center of Riga, two markets are particularly worth visiting.

• Dome Cathedral Market

Starting on December 3rd this year 2023 and ending on January 7th next year 2024, the most traditional Christmas market will be held on the square near the Riga Dome Cathedral in the old town, accompanying everyone through this wintertime.

At the market, you can buy mulled wine, gingerbread, roasted almonds, and other winter specialty foods, as well as coffee, smoked meat, other everyday foods, and of course, other traditional Latvian foods. In addition, various handmade crafts, jewelry, and other items are also worth paying attention to.

The small colorful lights everywhere, the red and white striped ceilings, the bustling crowd, and the sounds of chatting make this winter not lonely but instead filled with a warm feeling. If you also visit this market, feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.

• Riga Nativity of Christ Cathedral Market

If you've ever transferred buses at Esplanade, from the end of November to the beginning of next year, make sure to take some time to visit again. Apart from the delicious mulled wine, wool products, decorations, and wooden items, there's also a stunning Ferris wheel. Visitors can see some of Riga's unique aspects from a different perspective at a height of 15 meters.

Additionally, a highlight not to be missed by both adults and children is the Rabbit Kingdom – a spacious enclosure home to dozens of lively and adorable rabbits. Watching them run freely in front of people, you'll find your spirit gradually healing. Of course, visitors have the opportunity to feed the rabbits, but you need to purchase specially peeled carrots from the shops. If you want to experience this joy, remember to bring some cash, as the carrots can only be purchased with cash.

Of course, besides these two Christmas markets, there are many other great places worth visiting and exploring. The ubiquitous light decorations, and various Christmas-related items displayed in supermarkets, all remind us that 2023 will quietly bid us farewell amidst warmth. 

🎅 Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas! Sencha.lv Team ❄️

Winter is coming, it is a perfect time for watching K-dramas! ❄️

 

1. Welcome to Samdal-ri

Aired: Dec 2, 2023

Episodes: 16

Casts: Ji Chang Wook/Shin Hye Sun/Kim Mi Kyung/Kang Mi Na/Shin Dong Mi/Kang Young Seok

The drama is set against the backdrop of Jeju Island and tells the story of photographer Jo Eun-hye (played by Shin Hye-sun), who, in the eyes of others, seems to be a life's winner. However, her world crumbles due to a scandal, and she leaves her busy life in Seoul and returns to her hometown on Jeju Island. There, she encounters her first love, weather forecaster Cho Yong-pil (played by Ji Chang-wook), in a healing romance, as well as the daily village stories of her sisters who, despite life's hardships, never forget to smile.

2. Death's Game

Airs: Dec 15, 2023

Episodes: 8

Casts：Seo In Guk/Park So Dam/Go Youn Jung/Nam Kyung Eup/Kim Ji Hoon

He's perennially unemployed, his ex-girlfriend has moved on, and he's just lost all his life savings to a bitcoin scam. Burdened by societal pressures, Choi Yi Jae (played by Seo In Guk) decides to take his own life. Insulted by his flippant attitude towards dying, Death (played by Park So Dam) comes to punish him with her game: he must experience death over and over again through 13 other lives. But if he can find a way to survive the imminent death coming for these lives, he gets to live out their lifetime. His life was a bust, but what about the lives of others? (Source: webtoons.com)

3. Gyeongseong Creature

Airs: Dec 22, 2023

Episodes: 7

Casts：Park Seo Joon/Han So Hee/Kim Su Hyun/Kim Hae Sook/Jo Han Chul/Wi Ha Joon

In the spring of 1945, a plethora of doubts pointed toward a hospital in the capital city, where humans and monsters stood in irreconcilable opposition. Park Seo-Joon plays the role of Jang Tae-sang, the richest man in the capital with extensive connections. Han So-hee portrays the universally acknowledged and unfailingly dedicated detective Yoon Chae-ok. Together, they delve into the mysterious and tumultuous world of the 1940s.

4. My Happy Ending

Airs: Dec 30, 2023

Episodes: 16

Casts：Jang Na Ra/Son Ho Jun/So Yi Hyun/Lee Ki Taek

The story narrates how the female protagonist (played by Jang Na Ra), after an unfortunate childhood, tries to rid herself of her own desires and obsessions in her subsequent successful life.

5. My Man Is Cupid

Aired: Dec 1, 2023

Episodes: 16

Casts：Jang Dong Yoon/Lim Jin Ah/Park Ki Woong/Moon Ye Jin/Kwon Ah Reum/Kim Do Ah/Han So Hyun

A romantic comedy about a charming fairy, Cheon Sang Hyuk (played by Jang Dong Yoon), who after being struck by his own sword and losing his wings, and centuries later, reconnects with his destined love, Oh Baek Ryun (played by Lim Jin Ah), in the year 2021.

6. Sweet Home Season 2

Aired: Dec 1, 2023

Episodes: 8

Casts：Song Kang/Lee Jin Wook/ Lee Si Young/Park Gyu Young/Go Min Si/Yoo Oh Sung/Oh Jung Se/Kim Mu Yeol/Jung Jin Young

Residents of Green Home Apartments, including Cha Hyun Soo (played by Song Kang), fight against monsters to leave their base and venture out into the world. At a baseball stadium, survivors from all over begin to live together. They are threatened by the monsters outside and also by the monstrous desires of the people among them. (Source: AsianWiki)

Christmas Events in Riga 🎄

✨ As Christmas approaches, Riga will have a series of spectacular Christmas events. This week's blog post will introduce the events taking place in Riga this weekend. Those interested in these activities should not miss the opportunity to experience them firsthand. Until Christmas ends, our posts will continue to update you with the latest Christmas activities, ensuring you don't miss out on any exciting events.

Starting this Friday (08.12) and continuing until December 26th, Vērmane Garden will host a dazzling environmental installation art exhibition. This will be a dreamlike experience, making you feel as if you are in a sparkling fairyland. Christmas is a time of miracles, often said to be when all wishes come true. Why not spend a charming evening with your loved ones under a starlit sky lit up with lights, enjoying the beautiful lights and a warm glass of red wine, savoring this rare moment of happiness?

🎵🎵🎵Additionally, Riga will host several fantastic concerts this weekend, which should not be missed by those interested.

On December 9th, the Sunny Groove Dixie band will present the "Skursteņslauķu jampadracis" concert. Experiencing the Christmas atmosphere and lucky stories on the spot will provide a unique experience. Winter snowflakes, Christmas joy, all these will harmoniously blend. Imagine the snowflakes gently falling, close your eyes, and it feels like they will never stop. The concert "Gadalaiku krāsas. Ziema skan" will offer us a great opportunity to feel the colors and sounds of winter.

On December 10th, there will be five different concerts. This includes the children's concert "Ziemas skaņas," where you can listen to pure children's voices, temporarily forget your worries, and relax your mind. Also, "Vidus" will present an innovative concert "Prieks pasaulei" in a non-traditional way, perfectly blending Christmas carols with dance rhythms. The lighting effects will complement the rhythm and range of the music.

For those seeking peace and tranquility, consider attending "Lai tik snieg!". The "Ziemassvētku oratorija" concert will also feature organ music from the Riga Cathedral, combining its grand sound with Ave Sol's performance, showcasing the work of French Romantic composer Camille Saint-Saëns. Additionally, the winter Sunday "Series of Advent Concerts" is also worth attending, allowing people to quietly appreciate the artistic atmosphere. These concerts are free and open to the public.

If you have free time, why not experience this musically enchanting weekend❤️?

Tang Yuan 🍚 汤圆 Chinese Glutinous Rice Balls

On Spring Equinox, farmers in China have a tradition of taking the time off and eating glutinous rice balls. Additional rice balls are stuck on lengthy bamboo skewers and positioned around their fields to prevent birds from eating their crops. This exercise is known as “stick the hen’s beak.”

Depending on the region of China, Tang Yuan can be served in lots of exceptional ways. The most effective manner is to feature a touch of cooking liquid in the bowl. This facilitates holding the Tang Yuan heat for longer hence the filling stays runny.
In other regions of China, another famous way to serve Tang Yuan is to add thick syrup manufactured from darkish brown sugar and then sprinkled it with toasted soybean powder. Or Ginger syrup is a very popular serving of liquid.

So, how to make this sweet, nutty, runny filling sealed with a slippery, chewy wrapper, Tang Yuan (Chinese glutinous rice balls)?

Ingredients you will need are:

For the filling
    ▢ 80 g black sesame seeds
    ▢ 35 g sugar - or to taste
    ▢ 35 g softened butter - or coconut oil, lard

For the dough
    ▢ 120 g glutinous rice flour
    ▢ 45 g boiling water
    ▢ 60 g room temperature water - or beetroot juice

Watch this video if you're feeling lost!

DID YOU MAKE IT?!

Japanese Salmon Teriyaki Over Rice 🐠

    350g Fresh Salmon ( cut into 2 pieces)
    100g of Sugar Snap Peas
    100g of tenderstem broccoli
    1 red pepper ( finely sliced)
    100g of fresh beansprouts
    2 clove garlic (finely chopped)
    2 tbsp of sake
    2 tbsp of soy sauce
    1 tsp of sugar
    Oil for frying
    Roasted white sesame seeds

• 50ml of Master Teriyaki Sauce
• 100ml of soy sauce 
• pinch of sugar
  

How to make it?:

1.     Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add in the salmon (add water if needed).
   
2.     Now, wash, prepare and chop the vegetables. In a wok, add some oil, let it heat and then add in the garlic. Stir on medium heat for 1 minute, then add in the sugar snap peas, broccoli and red pepper. Stir fry for 3 minutes and then add in your beansprouts, sake, soy sauce, and sugar.
3.     In a separate pan, add some oil and fry the salmon on both sides for 5 minutes or until cooked.
4.     Serve the vegetables with some Japanese rice with the salmon on top and add more teriyaki sauce poured on top garnished with some white sesame seeds.

DID YOU MAKE IT?!

Ban Lan Gen 🌿 Herbal Tea Against Colds! 🤒

Also known as Isatis Root, Ban Lan Gen offers antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-stimulating properties and helps maintain balance during the changing seasons.

Ban Lan Gen has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, respiratory problems, and sore throats. It is known to be antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory. It is also believed to boost the immune system, making it a great choice for anyone looking to improve their overall health.

The taste of Ban Lan Gen is quite pleasant and slightly sweet, making it a great choice for those who don’t like the bitterness of other herbal teas. 🍵 The tea can be enjoyed hot or cold, so you can choose the one that best suits your taste.  Ban Lan Gen is also known to be a great source of antioxidants. These antioxidants help to fight against damage caused by free radicals, which can lead to a variety of health issues. The antioxidants found in Ban Lan Gen can help to protect your cells from damage, and reduce inflammation.

Experience the health benefits of Ban Lan Gen tea and make it part of your daily routine for a healthier, happier you!

You can get yours here -> click here!

Tea is a 100% natural product from natural Ban Lan Gen root and Echinacea granules!

How to use it?

Method of preparation: put one bag in a cup and pour 200-300 ml of hot water over the tea. Let the tea steep for 2-3 minutes. Store in a cool and dry place.

Recommended daily dose: one sachet, 2 times a day. During the flu epidemic up to 3 bags a day.

Function: Respiratory Support, Immune Support, Anti-Inflammatory, Detoxifying

Onion Pork Chops 🥩 In Sweet Soy Sauce (Serves 4)

With just two main ingredients the dish will quickly become a family favourite. These juicy pork chops with onions can be marinated in an oyster sauce before and sweet soy sauce and sesame oil will season the meat.

Ingredients:

• 350g pork chops
• 3 Tbsp oil
• ½ an onion (shredded)
• 1 Tbsp Lee Kum Kee Panda Brand Oyster Sauce
• 1 tsp Lee Kum Kee Pure Sesame Oil 
• 1 tsp sugar 
• 1½ Tbsp Lee Kum Kee Sweet Soy Sauce
• ½ tsp cornstarch or Pearl Multi-Fried Powder

1.   Mix pork chops with Oyster sauce.
2.   Heat up 1 Tbsp oil in a pan and stir-fry onions for 1 min. Set aside.
3.   Heat another 2 Tbsp oil and pan-fry pork chops over low heat until golden brown and cooked through.
4.   Toss in cooked onions and sesame oil, sugar, sweet soy sauce as well as cornstarch. Stir well until heated through. Dish out and serve.

To reheat leftovers, place pork chops on a microwave-safe plate; cover loosely. Microwave 1-3 minutes or until heated through.

DID YOU MAKE IT?!

Korean Gungjung Tteokbokki ( 👑 Royal Court Rice Cake)

Gungjung Tteokbokki is a Korean royal court cuisine that originated from the royal palace in the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910). Gungjung means “palace or royal court” in English. As the name suggests, it was part of the royal cuisine and regarded as a high-class dish – an interesting contrast to the modern spicy version which is pretty much street food.

Unlike typical Tteokbokki (Korean spicy rice cakes), Gungjung Tteokbokki is not spicy but rather savoury and slightly salty. This deliciously colourful dish will be a great addition to your lunar New Year feast or Christmas Party!

Let's Make It!

Ingredients:

• 450g thin garaetteok/tteokbokki (Get yours here or here)
  
• 120g lean beef sirloin, eye round, chuck tender or rib eye
• 3 or 4 shiitake mushrooms fresh or soaked if dried
• 1/2 medium zucchini (about 4 ounces) You can also use garlic chives and/or colorful bell peppers.
• 1 medium carrot cut into thin, 2-inch strips
• 1/2 medium sweet onion thinly sliced
• 1 to 2 scallions cut into 2-inch lengths
• salt
• cooking oil for stir-frying

Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (Get yours here)
• 1 tablespoon rice wine or mirin
• 1 tablespoon sugar
  
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (Get yours here)
  
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (Get yours here)
  
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  
• pinch pepper
  

Karaage - Japanese Fried Chicken for 🎅 Christmas!

Let's celebrate Christmas Japanese style!  

The popular fast-food restaurant, KFC is a national favourite in Japan at Christmas. It is estimated that 3.6 million Japanese families celebrate with KFC on Christmas.

However, Karaage is a Japanese method of frying foods similar to KFC. It is a cooking technique in which various foods, most often chicken, but also other meat and fish, are deep fried in oil.

Sometimes, the chicken is fried multiple times to make the skin even crispier.  In this recipe, we will use chicken thighs and wings, but you could use any chicken cut as long as you have smallish-sized pieces and keep the skin on for extra crunch!

Ingredients:

• 4 Boneless chicken thighs with skin, cut into bite-size pieces

• 12 Chicken wings with skin

**Marinade**

• 120ml Soy sauce (get yours here)
• 60ml Sake
• 1 Knob ginger sliced
• 3 cloves garlic sliced
• 3 Spring onions

** Frying **

• 85g Pearl Multi-Fried Powder (get yours here)
• 1 egg
• 80ml Water
• 3 tbsp Flour
• Oil for deep frying
• Lemon wedges to serve

How to make it?

1. Combine all ingredients for the marinade in a bowl, and add chicken and marinade for at least 2 hours in the fridge. Overnight would be best!
2. Pre-heat oil for deep frying to 180°C in a wok.
3. Transfer chicken pieces into a sieve to drain off the marinade.
4. Add in a bowl: Multi-Fried Powder, one egg, 3/4 tbs oil and ice water to combine the fried powder batter, and mix well.
5. Dust chicken with flour and shake off excess.
6. Cover meat with the multi-fried batter.
7. Deep fry until golden around 20 mins.
8. Transfer to a wire rack to drain.
9. Serve with lemon wedges.

DID YOU MAKE IT?!

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In What Ways Can You Use 🌶️ Spicy Lao Gan Ma Sauce?

Lao Gan Ma Chili Sauces are one of the very original and unique sauces coming from Guizhou, China. It can pose as a shortcut to flavour for simple dishes such as stir-fry, BBQ grill, pasta, noodles, pan-fried salmon, fish, pork, chicken, beef, and more. It can automatically add a unique texture to every meal.

How to use it?

• Serve with cheesy pasta or any type of pasta dish.
• Use as a finishing oil for stir-fries.
• Spread on a piece of bread.
• Boost the flavour of buttered rice or fried rice.
• Toss on top of a grilled steak or roasted chicken.
• Toss into a fruit salad that has been spritzed with lime juice.
• As previously stated, enjoy it with ice cream!
• Create dipping sauce or decorate noodles.

How Spicy is Lao Gan Ma?

I’d say it’s about as hot as “Louisiana” style hot sauce, which is to say that it’s completely mild but has a distinct flavour that makes it worth trying.

If you want to purchase one for yourself it’s  Available Here

Easy Korean Beef 🍖 with Black Bean Sauce

DID YOU MAKE IT?!

Post on social media and tag @sencha.lv

How to Make Easy Sesame Vermicelli? 🍜

Chinese Drunken Chicken Roll (serves 2)

Drunken chicken (traditional Chinese: 醉雞; simplified Chinese: 醉鸡; pinyin: zuìjī) is a way of preparing chicken using alcoholic beverages. Different varieties of the dish exist in Chinese, Taiwanese, Malaysian, Singaporean, Greek and Latin American cuisine. Ingredients:

• Boneless chicken thighs 2 pcs
• Red Date 2 pcs, soaked and diced
• Goji berry 10g, soaked
• Lee Kum Kee Drunken Chicken Marinade 1 bottle (get yours here)

How to make it

1. Use a meat tenderizer to pound the chicken thigh until the size is doubled and the shape flat. Put the chicken, red dates and goji berries onto a piece of aluminium foil, then roll and tighten the chicken.
2. Steam the chicken roll in medium heat for 40 minutes. Remove the aluminium foil after cooling. Soak the chicken into the marinade. Put it in the fridge for 2 hours. Slice and enjoy.

• Twist the two ends of the chicken roll to create a cylinder.
• Use the back of the knife if you do not have a meat tenderizer.

Halloween 👻 in Korea (Recipes, Kdramas and More!)

Is Halloween Celebrated in Korea?

Halloween is a popular holiday celebrated in many parts of the world, and October 31st is celebrated with a variety of different traditions and customs. Many fans of the popular Korean drama Itaewon Class saw Halloween being celebrated, so is this the case?

Kind of.

Halloween is definitely not a traditional Korean holiday, but the event is quickly gaining popularity in many parts of South Korea. Every year, the idea of celebrating Halloween seems to be gaining popularity, even if it has remained significantly different from traditional celebrations of the holiday.

There are some notable differences. You probably won’t see the same plastic skeletons and cloth-draped ghouls decorating people’s front porches. Trick or treating is not widespread outside of schools and college campuses, and holiday-specific haunted houses rarely make an appearance. However, in recent years, many amusement parks are starting to roll out Halloween-themed festivals and parades.

For the most part, the actual day is mostly celebrated by young adults, and marked by one main event...costume parties! On the night of October 31st, you can head out and expect to see people decked out in their cutest or scariest gear, heading to their nearest bar or a friend’s apartment for some spooky fun!

You can enjoy Halloween in a costume anywhere in the city, but for the flashiest night, expect either Itaewon or Hongdae to be the place. Especially Itaewon, the part of Seoul that’s known to be particularly foreigner-friendly, which likes to decorate its storefronts in anticipation of Halloween.

Once the big night comes, everyone who’s anyone will put on elaborate costumes of their liking and go roam around the streets of Itaewon. There may not always be an official costume contest held, but just parading around the streets filled with bars operates as a showcase for the dressers and general crowds in Itaewon. If you have seen the Korean drama Itaewon Class, you may already have an idea of what to expect, as it was shown quite accurately in this drama.

Is Halloween, Halloween without some party food?

With Halloween just around the corner, try some of these Korean-inspired Halloween dishes to take your ordinary celebration to another level. Perfect appetizers, desserts, and even drinks that are fun and scary… all while delicious, of course.

Halloween Kimbap - How about this little mixture of kimbap and the fun of Halloween together? Try it with little monster faces. Easy and simple to make, yet very creative. All you need is roasted seaweed, eggs, rice and some ham.

Rice Ghosts - These little cute rice ghosts are a very simple recipe to make yet extremely cute. Season the rice with vinegar and sesame oil, and cut out cute face shapes with seaweed.

Sausage Octopus - Many of you may already know this simple, yet fun recipe. Try this one and serve it with ketchup to make it a bloody festival of sea aliens!

But how about some drinks!?

Blue cocktail - The Dark Sea

Ingredients:

Sugar rim: lime juice 라임쥬스 purple food colouring 보라색 색소 sugar 설탕

Drink: vodka 보드카 1.5oz blue curacao 블루 큐라소 1.5oz pineapple juice 파인애플 쥬스 3oz splash of grenadine 그레나딘

Steps:

1. Splash some lime juice on a plate, and add purple food colouring.
2. Dip the rim in the liquid and then dab it into a plate of sugar.
3. Add ice to the glass.
4. Mix vodka, blue curacao, pineapple juice and grenadine into a shaker. Shake well.
5. Pour the drink into the glass and add a splash of grenadine on the top.

Black cocktail - The Depths of The Red Sea

Ingredients

2 ounces of black vodka

3 ounces cranberry juice

Steps:

Gather the ingredients

Pour the cranberry juice into a highball glass filled with ice.

Float the vodka on top by pouring it over the back of a bar spoon to disrupt the flow. Or you can slowly drizzle the vodka onto the cranberry juice for a swirling effect.

Serve and enjoy.

DID YOU MAKE IT?!

Post on social media and tag @sencha.lv

Easy 🐠 Salmon Poke Bowl Recipe

The arrival of immigrants from China and Japan brought ingredients like sesame oil and soy sauce to poke, and slowly the simple, seasoned dish of raw fish evolved into what we know as poke today. Now, let's make our own!

Ingredients:

• 450 g salmon, cut into small cubes
• Rice or salad for the base
• ¼ cup pickled cucumber
• ½ an avocado, sliced
• Topping options: [edamame, julienned carrots, cabbage, avocado]

The Begining of Autumn 🍂 in China

Though China enjoys a vast land and diverse climate, it is wildly recognized that autumn (September ~ November) is the best season to travel. Because the weather is always comfortable with fresh air, cool temperature and less rain. No matter whether you want to hike, photograph or sightsee, you can get a very wonderful experience. It can be said that all destinations can be visited in autumn, especially in early and middle autumn (September ~ October).

What are some Chinese Autumn traditions?

Eating dumplings - In Shandong province, people make dumplings during the Start of Autumn, and they call it "Eating the Autumn". On that day, senior members of the family will stand in the middle of the hall and pray for the harvest in autumn. Most families will eat dumplings together after the Start of Autumn day.

Checkout out our simple 15min Dumpling Recipe 👉  Recipe

Eating red beans - Starting from the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and the Song Dynasty (960-1279), people in Yiwu, Zhejiang province, ate red beans at the Start of Autumn day. They take seven to 14 little beans, swallowing them with well water. When taking the beans, one must face west, it is said, so as not to get dysentery during the autumn You can try red bean paste 👉 Red Bean Paste

What about The weather differences?

In northern China (Beijing, Xian, Shandong, Luoyang, Pingyao…), it is cool or even a little hot in September, then you will feel a clear temperature decrease in October and November.

In eastern China (Shanghai, Huangshan, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Nanjing…) and southern China (Guilin, Zhngjiajie…) the weather is alike but there are more rainy days in early autumn and the wind is not so strong.

As for southwestern China (Chengdu, Kunming, Guizhou, Chongqing…), the weather is milder with occasional rain.

In northeastern China (Harbin, Jilin, Shenyang…), autumn is short and it feels like winter even though it is only October.

In southern coastal cities (Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Macau, Xiamen…), it is still rainy in September and then the weather becomes gradually travel-friendly. It is cool in autumn with the temperature slightly decreasing.

In northwestern China (Gansu, Xinjiang, Ningxia…) and Qinghai-Tibet plateau, it is mostly sunny and dry but still cold at night, so you need to pay close attention to the large temperature difference in case of getting a cold.

Inner Mongolia covers a vast region from west to east, but generally speaking, it is cool in September and cold in late autumn and the sunlight is strong at noon.

In the end, autumn is also celebrated in China, there is even a custom of "Touching Autumn" in the northern part of Jiangsu province. On the eve of the Start of Autumn, people can eat and take for free any fruits in private or public gardens, and the owners can not be angry, no matter how much they take. Many gardeners even leave some mellow fruits in the field on purpose for the tradition.

Would you participate?

15min 🥟 Dumplings With Soy Sauce

Dumpling is a broad class of dishes that consist of pieces of dough, often wrapped around a filling. The dough can be based on bread, flour, buckwheat or potatoes, and may be filled with meat, fish, tofu, cheese, vegetables, fruits or sweets. Dumplings may be prepared using a variety of methods, including baking, boiling, frying, simmering or steaming and are found in many world cuisines.

Learn how to make delicious dumplings in 15min. 🥟

Ingredients:

• 1 pack of Vici Traditional Dumplings with Chicken
• 3 tbsp Soy Sauce (get yours here)
• 1 tbsp Sesame oil (get yours here)
• 1 piece of bacon
• 100ml Water

Instructions:

1. Heat up the pan and lightly roast the bacon.
2. Add water and soy sauce.
3. Add the dumplings and put them on the cover. Let them sauté/steam for 10min.
4. After 10min, remove the cover and add the sesame oil. Stir and fry for the last 5min until the soy sauce has dissolved. Add oil if needed.
5. Dumplings should be soft, brown and lightly fried.

DID YOU MAKE IT?!

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How Does The Sports Day ⛹️‍♂️ in Japan Look like?

Once a year in October, Japanese elementary schools hold an event called undōkai, or “sports day.”

Sports Day, formerly known as Health-Sports Day, is celebrated in Japan on the second Monday of October every year. This year, the day falls on October 10. The aim is to promote sports and an active lifestyle to ensure a healthy mind and body, and it commemorates the opening of the 1964 Summer Olympics held in Tokyo. This day is used by many schools and businesses to hold their annual Field Day or undōkai. It typically consists of a range of physical events ranging from more traditional track-and-field events such as relay races to more uncommon events such as the tug of war and the ‘Cavalry Battle.’

How does a sports day look like in Japan?

The event is sort of a big deal in Japan. The undōkai at a elementary school usually starts just before nine with an opening ceremony and the unveiling of a quite wordy official slogan—as well as a brief celebrity appearance by the school’s mascot.

Some times the Health-Sport day festival can begins with a parade featuring all the different teams that will be participating, divided by neighbourhood, class, geographic area, or school. A local marching band normally plays, followed by a performance of the national anthem ‘Kimigayo’ and the raising of the Japanese flag. Local officials make speeches to welcome everyone, the people spread across the grounds to stretch, and the events finally begin.

In elementary undōkais the students compete in two teams, the Red and the White team, each with its own indefatigable cheerleading squad decked out in headbands and gloves in their team’s colour. Things kick off with cheerleaders—boys and girls—taking to the centre of the field with taiko drums and the team flag to support their teammates.

The Red Team song in Japanese might look like:

Furē, furē, aka gumi / Furē, furē, aka gumi, go, go, go! / Bokura wa kagayaku, taiyō no yō ni / Moeagaru kibō, chikara ippai ganbarō / Aka, aka, aka, go, go, go / Aka, aka, aka, go, go, go / Moero yo, moero, aka gumi

Translated into English, it’s something like:

Hooray, hooray for the Red Team / Hooray, hooray Red Team, go, go, go! / Like the sun, we’re burning bright / With blazing hope, we’ll fight and fight / Red, Red, Red, go, go, go! / Red, Red, Red, go, go, go! / Keep on burning bright, Red Team!

Did you know? October is an unusually late time to hold the Summer Olympics, but it was chosen to avoid the Japanese rainy season

The first usually involves groups of four students at a time using a wooden stretcher to transport a giant red rubber ball. Like other events at the undōkai, this one seemed designed to not only be fun for the participants but amusing for the parents looking on; the enormous rubber ball was a nice touch. It is a very unusual sport called ‘oodama okuri’ — where divided into teams, they pass the big ball back and forth above their heads in the shortest possible time.

In celebration of this holiday, many Japanese schools, business and towns hold special Sports Day events including the three-legged race, beanbag toss, and tug-of-war. ‘O-tama’ is also traditionally played. In this unique event, a very large ball is rolled in a relay race.

In between some of the events the students might also perform previously trained performances like a traditional Okinawan dance named Chābirasai or the Nanchū sōran folkdance that originated in Hokkaidō.

However, the highlight of the day is the running races, including the fifth- and sixth-grade relay race that culminates the undōkai. The day ended with a closing ceremony and the unveiling of the final score. A trophy is then bestowed on the winning team, and even the losing White team is handed a “second-place trophy” for its effort.

Sports Day Bentos

In addition to watching their kids play, families get to eat Japanese boxed lunches together. Unlike the western school lunch, Japanese mothers painstakingly prepare bento boxes. In fact, oftentimes the bento boxes themselves turn into the highlight of Sports Day.

These elaborate packages should be not only nutritious but aesthetically pleasing, as well. Children’s Bentos often include small portions of seasonal fish and vegetables in addition to a selection of meat, rice, pickles, and other items. Some Bentos, known as kyara-ben, even feature foods that have been shaped to resemble pop culture characters: think rice-based Pikachus with seaweed eyes and crab-stick cheeks; Poké Balls made by sticking half a cherry tomato to half a quail’s egg then winding a strip of seaweed around it, and finally topped off with a smaller circle of cheese.

Create your own Bento with us by following our recipe!

Recipe