Have you ever wondered how monks stay calm all the time?
Well, among many other factors, the most important one is the food that they eat.
In this article, we will explore Korean Buddhist temple cuisine, a tradition recognized as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.
What is Korean temple food?
“Food is the first medicine” – a saying you will often hear in a Buddhist temple.
Buddhism was introduced in Korea during the Three Kingdom period. And since then, it has influenced its art, culture, and history.Korean temples are not just a place to worship but also a center of learning, meditation, cultural exchange, and community.
Temple food is a tradition that reflects the Buddhist values of mindfulness, compassion, and harmony. Eating food is considered a practice in itself. It obeys the philosophy of non-violence, balance, and simplicity.Temple cuisine is prepared in harmony with nature, so it is healthy and eco-friendly. Dishes are prepared in a way that supports meditation and brings balance to all the senses. Monks eat their meal in silence, being mindful of every bite.
Korean temple food is so different from everyday Korean food. It is a 100% plant-based diet.
The key features of temple food are:
- Seasonal and local: the temple uses vegetables and fruits that are in season and grown locally, mostly in nearby places such as farms and temple gardens
- No use of pungent vegetables: vegetables such as green onions, leeks, garlic, and chives are strictly prohibited as they can hinder focus during the mediation
- Fermented ingredients: ingredients such as rice vinegar, soybean paste, or soy sauce to provide nutrients and a distinct taste
- Vegetarian: no use of meat or fish is allowed.
- Simple and Healthy: very little use of seasoning to make the food light and nourishing
The temple cuisine has a vast range of dishes. The food is simple yet tasty. The food is made to support meditation and satisfy hunger.
Some popular Dishes
- Lotus leaf rice: It is a flavourful dish. It is made by steaming sticky rice with ingredients such as pine nuts, lotus roots, vegetables, and jujubes wrapped in a lotus leaf.
- Namul: It refers to the side dishes that are made using seasonal vegetables. Its preparation includes Ingredients such as sprouts, spinach, soy sauce, and sesame oil
- Doenjang jjigae: It is a stew that gives you a warm and comforting feeling. It is often made using tofu, soybean paste, and vegetables such as mushrooms, potatoes, or radish.
- Baek kimchi: It is known as the white kimchi. It is a variety of kimchi that has a very mild taste and is made without using chilli pepper powder, which both children and the elderly can enjoy. It is made using napa cabbage and pine nuts.
- Beoseot-tangsu: It is the vegetarian version of the popular dish tangsuyuk. In the vegetarian version, mushrooms are used instead of pork.
Conclusion:
Temple cuisine reminds us to slow down and be grateful. It teaches us that eating is not just about filling our stomach but nourishing our mind, body, and soul. It is about finding peace with nature and ourselves.When you visit korea, try the temple meal at least once. You will experience the spiritual side of the Korean cuisine.
Written by – Aparna Sharma
About the Author –
Aparna has a deep curiosity for languages and global cultures. She enjoys diving into stories that offer fresh perspectives and meaningful connections. For her, writing is a way to process ideas and connect with others who share similar interests.