If you're looking for a true home-cooked meal, there's no better experience than from Seoul. That is of course if you're looking for home-cooked Korean food. Although you won't find your traditional meat and potatoes here, you will find staples from Korean cuisine that transcend all cultures. Come with an open mind and empty stomach and you'll find something that will meet your fancy.

Take my friend for example. She actually walked into Seoul one day for the lunch and turned right back around because she thought it was not for her. Fast forward a year later, she was open to trying it again, after some reassurance from yours truly as well as perusing at the menu. Well folks, we have a convert! And I'm sure you would be too once you tasted these beauties. They are perfectly fried and have a great crunch on the outside. Inside there's plenty of fresh veggies, nooddles and chicken. The dipping sauce is a great sweet & sour sauce that doesn't overpower the eggroll. No grease or grim here, just some all natural eggrolly goodness.

I come to Seoul whenever I get a chance, which isn't very often depending on my travel schedule. I've had a slower travel schedule over the past few months so made it to Seoul a few more times than usual. The braised beef short ribs is my all time favorite at Seoul. I know it by photo rather than it's real name, Galbi Jjim. It's a very popular Korean dish and just looking at it you can see why. The short ribs are cooked until they are fall off the bone tender. It's braised with onions and scallions in a flavorful soy based broth. It's juicy and is served with a side of rice. You also get four other sides that can change day to day and, to be honest, I don't know what they are other than the traditional kimchi. Although I'm not a fan of kimchi because of the spice, I do usually like the others which may be a seaweed salad and some black beans. That's the most adventurous part of the eating at Seoul ecause it's a different combination of sides every time.

Whether you're in my current home town or you find yourself traveling out and about definitely give Korean food a try. It's not as scary as you might think. Even though you may not be able to pronounce the name of the dish, you can use the photos to eat with your eyes first. You really can't go wrong with that philosophy. I hope I've inspired you to try something new. I know my friend is super happy to finally try Seoul and it will most definitely be a regular in her meal time rotation.