Hello everyone!
As I’ve already mentioned in my previous posts I’ve always been fascinated by Korean culture, and it’s cuisine is undoubtedly one of my favorite aspects. Recently, I visited Omma, a Korean restaurant in Zagreb, and tried their kimchi-jjigae! This iconic & traditional Korean dish is a kimchi-based stew, known for its bold, spicy, and tangy flavors. Made with aged kimchi, tofu, pork, and a medley of spices, it’s the ultimate comfort food. I LOOOOVEEE kimchi, I love how good it is for your body and the spicy taste of it! Korean people eat about 20 kg / 40 pounds of kimchi on a yearly basis. They have a saying “김치국부터 마시지 말라.” = “Don't drink kimchi soup thinking that someone will give you rice cake." This proverb is the Korean equivalent of "Don't count your chickens before they hatch." Do I need to explain more ;)? Another saying goes that if your mouth starts to water simply by looking at kimchi, you are really Korean (I guess I am Korean🤣?)
The steaming hot stew was served with a bowl of rice (that you can put in the stew) and a variety of traditional side dishes, including extra kimchi and pickled vegetables. The rich, tangy broth was incredibly flavorful, and the soft tofu melted perfectly in my mouth. It was the ideal meal to warm me up on a cold, rainy day, leaving me feeling both satisfied, energized and safe from any colds🫡.
To elevate the experience further, I paired the meal with “Grička vještica” beer. This Croatian craft beer, brewed by Zagrebačka brewery, is named after the legendary tale of “The Witch of Grič,” a historical figure tied to the city’s folklore. It’s a dark beer with a strong, rich flavor that perfectly complemented the spicy and sour notes of the kimchi stew. The pairing was a delightful mix of cultures — Korean cuisine and Croatian beer — creating a truly unique and memorable dining experience. (If you don’t know Korean people love beer, like.. really really like beer)
Omma’s cozy atmosphere and authentic dishes, it felt like a mini getaway to Korea right in the heart of Zagreb. I’ve been wanting to visit there since 2015. but that time hasn’t come yet :).
If you’re a fan of Korean food or eager to try something new, I highly recommend visiting!! And don’t forget to add a local touch (even tho they usually have Cass [korean beer]).
Thanks for reading :)!
*Photo credit goes to Zagrebačka Pivovara :)!
