Gwangjang Market mein walk kar raha tha tabhi ek smell aaya — strong, earthy, slightly bitter. Smell ko follow kiya — ek bade pot mein chhote brown pupae bobbing the dark broth mein. Beondegi (번데기) — Korean steamed silkworm pupae.
Honestly bata raha hoon, pehla bite challenge tha. India mein aise insect-based foods rare hain. But teesre tak — texture interesting lagne laga. Northeast India mein silkworm dishes available hain, toh culturally Korea aur Northeast India mein similarity hai.
Indian context
India mein Northeast region (Nagaland, Manipur, Assam) mein silkworm aur insect-based foods hain — bilkul Korean beondegi jaise. Mainstream India ke liye ye unfamiliar hai but culturally Northeast India aur Korea mein similarity hai. Jain ya strict vegetarian travelers ke liye obviously not suitable. Per cup 2000-3000 Won (Rs.120-180).
Ye toh pata hi nahi tha!
Beondegi Korea ke post-war years mein protein snack ke roop mein famous hua. Meat expensive thi, silkworm pupae Korea ki silk industry ka byproduct the. Throw away karne ke bajaye Koreans ne snack bana liya. Aaj older Koreans ke liye nostalgia food hai, younger generation aur tourists ke liye “challenge food”.
Final words
Beondegi tourists ko alag karta hai — curious aur cautious mein. Smell strong hai, appearance intimidating hai, concept honestly bahut hai. But culturally important hai. Tumhe pasand karna zaroori nahi. Lekin ek baar try karna story ke liye worth hai.
