One of the oldest foods in human history, eggs, has been a staple on our tables for a long time, responsible for providing essential nutrition to humanity with its rich content of protein, amino acids, calcium, and various other nutrients. Depending on the cooking method, eggs offer a wide range of flavors and textures, making them an incredibly versatile ingredient. In this edition, let's explore the recently trending egg dishes and discover the new charms of eggs.

'Boseul Boseul' @Yeoksam-dong, Seoul

The so-called 'ketogenic diet,' which reduces carbohydrate intake and increases fat and protein intake, has sparked a new trend in dieting, giving rise to numerous 'keto recipes.' One of them is 'keto gimbap,' where eggs are plentifully used instead of rice. Located in Yeoksam-dong, Seoul, 'Boseul Boseul' is considered the originator of keto gimbap and is responsible for providing a healthy meal for office workers in the Gangnam area.

In each roll of Boseul Boseul's gimbap, an equivalent of five eggs' worth of jidan (egg garnish) is included. The signature menu is the 'Boseul Keto,' which features a generous amount of well-cooked carrots and minari (water parsley) rolled into the fluffy egg roll. With its mild flavor and smooth texture, it captivates people's tastes. Another popular menu is the 'Bacon Keto Mayo,' which contains five thick slices of bacon, providing a delightful sense of fullness.

There's another reason that makes the gimbap here special – they use onion oil in the gimbap. The onion-infused oil, preserving the nutrients of the onion, not only enhances the savory taste but also adds a lingering, fragrant aroma. Those who haven't tried Boseul Boseul's gimbap may exist, but anyone who has tried it is unlikely to stop at just one bite.

Address | 1st Floor, Namgok Building, 59 Nonhyeon-ro 85-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Hours | Daily 08:00–21:00 (Last order 20:30)

‘Jeonju Jeonjib’ @Sadang-dong, Seoul

As Lunar New Year approaches, the food that comes to mind is undoubtedly 'jeon’ (korean pancake). Thinking of various jeon with crispy egg coating, one may become reminiscent of the lively atmosphere of the holiday season. Located in Sadang-dong, Seoul, 'Jeonju Jeonjib' is the perfect place to visit at such times. With a variety of 16 different jeon, it enriches not only the palate but also the heart.

Jeonju Jeonjib freshly cooks the jeon as soon as you place an order. The flagship menu is the assorted savory jeon, including donggeurangttaeng (meat fritters), dongtaejeon (pan-fried battered pollack fillet), kkaennipjeon (pan-fried battered perilla leaves), dubujeon (pan-fried battered bean curd), sesongyijeon (pan-fried battered king oyster mushrooms), and hobakjeon (pan-fried battered zucchini), filling the plate generously. Since each jeon has a different taste and texture, the joy of comparing and tasting them is abundant. Assorted savory jeon is served in two courses, allowing you to enjoy the food a bit warmer, a special consideration unique to this place.

The diverse selection of makgeolli (unrefned rice wine) adds another charm to Jeonju Jeonjib. From Gangwon Province to Jeju Island, you can accompany the jeon with makgeolli from various regions. Enjoying a sip of sweet makgeolli alongside a bite of jeon, you may feel as if you have returned home, experiencing a comforting sense of warmth.

Address | 19 Dongjak-daero 7-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul

Hours | Monday to Wednesday 14:00–01:00 / Thursday to Saturday 14:00-02:00 / Sunday 14:00–23:00

'Samchon Sanghoe' @Bupyeong-dong, Busan

After a satisfying meal, there's always room for a sweet dessert. When thinking about desserts that come to mind during the cold winter, one cannot overlook hotteok (syrup-filled pancake). Among them, the gyeranhotteok (syrup-filled pancake with fried egg) from 'Samchon Sanghoe' in Busan is emerging as a tempting visual delight as well as a new specialty in the bustling Bypyeong Kkangtong Market.

This gyeranhotteok, which is the signature menu at Samchon Sanghoe, features a fried egg placed between two halves of a seed-filled ssiathotteok (Korean pancake with seed and brown sugar filling). It was inspired by the concept of an egg in a hamburger. The sight of the hotteok and fried egg crisping up on a large pan is simply mouth-watering. The thick gyeranhotteok looks hearty enough to serve as a satisfying meal.

Although it may seem like a simple menu at first glance, the combination of sweet hotteok, savory fried egg, ketchup, and mayonnaise creates a taste that is more complicated yet harmonious than any other dessert. The sweetness and heartiness of gyeranhotteok is self-explanatory as to why it has become a ‘must-eat’ at the Bupyeong Kkangtong Market, capturing the footsteps of numerous visitors every day.

Address | 3A-10, Bupyeong 1-gil 48, Bupyeong Kkangtong Market, Jung-gu, Busan

Hours | Every day except Tuesdays (Closed on Tuesdays)

Photo Naver Place, Instagram @ha._.0e