JMT Vegan Food Encountered at 'Korea Vegan Fair 2022'

From Jeyuk Bokkeum and Drinks to Pizza!

The 'Korea Vegan Fair 2022' successfully concluded on the 10th. Not only food companies but also vegan companies dealing with beauty and fashion participated, filling COEX B2 Hall to capacity. Each company provided samples and gifts to visitors through events, offering opportunities to directly taste and try their products. Held under the theme 'Let's Vegan,' this vegan fair attracted the attention of not only those interested in veganism but also those who were not. Here are three items purchased and tasted directly at the vegan fair.

Unlimit Plant-based Jeyuk Bokkeum (Stir-fried Spicy Pork)

‘Unlimit,’ a plant-based meat brand, is spreading the infinite possibilities of plant-based meat. At the vegan fair booth, visitors could find various plant-based products including Unlimit’s flagship jerky, rice balls, and dumplings. Among them, I purchased the plant-based Jeyuk Bokkeum, a convenient meal option.

Each pack contains two vacuum-sealed portions, making it hygienic and easy to store. The cooking method allows for either microwave or air fryer after thawing. For a more proper cooking experience, you can spread them out one by one in a wide frying pan without overlapping and cook on low heat for about 3 minutes.

The Jeyuk Bokkeum, made from plant-based protein marinated in red seasoning, was cooked in a frying pan. Although the spicy aroma rose during cooking, it was not spicy at all. The flavor was mild and well-balanced. The texture was firm rather than mushy, making it possible to wrap rice in it like seaweed. Adding vegetables like onions or green onions is also recommended for a richer taste.

Cheese Leaf 100% Plant-based Margherita Pizza

‘Cheese Leaf’ is an alternative food company selling 100% plant-based products. They make vegan cheese for those who follow a vegan diet or have lactose intolerance. The main ingredients are cashew nuts and coconut oil. At this vegan fair, visitors could try plant-based cream cheese made with blueberries and pink salt, as well as plant-based cheese used in vegan pizza. I purchased and tasted the pizza made with vegan cheese.

The vegan cheese pizza is frozen and packaged with an ice pack. It is about 27cm in diameter, fitting perfectly in a frying pan, and is not pre-cut. After thawing at room temperature, it can be cooked using an air fryer or oven. Another good method is to place the thawed pizza in a frying pan, cover it with a lid, and cook on low heat until the crust is crispy and the cheese melts.

The pizza just taken out of the frying pan did not differ much in aroma or appearance from a non-vegan cheese pizza. It had the scent of tomato sauce along with the savory aroma of cheese. The crust was very thin and crispy, and the tomato sauce tasted like a non-sour pasta sauce. The vegan cheese stretched like non-vegan cheese but was a bit more watery. It stuck slightly in the mouth like moist rice cake. The savory taste was similar, but there was a slight aftertaste of heaviness. Although the texture and taste were somewhat different from regular cheese, it was not off-putting. If pizzas with various toppings such as olives or vegan bulgogi are released, they could be enjoyed even more deliciously.

Maeil Dairies Amazing Oat

While writing a vegan beverage article about milk alternatives last time, I became more interested in vegan drinks made from oats or soybeans. Then I encountered Amazing Oat launched by Maeil Dairies. It is a vegan drink made from oats sourced from Finland. I chose the ‘Barista’ among the three types: ‘Unsweet,’ ‘Original,’ and ‘Barista.’

Amazing Oat Barista, as the name suggests, is the product among the three that pairs best with coffee. It is also the oat milk option provided at Cafe Paul Bassett.

Contrary to expectations of sweetness, it has little sweetness and a clean, mild taste. It is less sweet and smoother than the Original. When drunk alone, it is somewhat bland but does not have the fishy or heavy taste sometimes found in soy milk. It shows its true value when paired with strong coffee. Compared to lattes made with milk, the aftertaste is nuttier and less greasy. It pairs well with cereals or misutgaru (Korean grain powder drink). It is delicious and comfortable for the stomach. Truly ‘amazing.’

Text & Photos by Yoon Eun-ae, Kim Bomi

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.