Global idols discuss cultural differences in spicy flavors on IDOL'S TABLE

Cast members of the Mnet Plus original talk show IDOL'S TABLE compared how spiciness varies by country, noting that Thai spiciness is momentary while Korean flavors offer a continuous mixture of sweet and umami. The idols also recalled trainee days when eating the spiciest Dongdaemun Tteokbokki caused one member's lips to swell to twice their size.

Global idols have confirmed that the way spiciness is perceived varies by country. In a pre-release video for the Mnet Plus original talk show 'IDOL'S TABLE', the cast members shared the characteristics of spicy flavors experienced in their respective cultures and their food experiences in Korea.

"Thailand is momentary, Korea is continuous"... Differences in the 'texture' of spiciness by country

The cast discussed the unique characteristics of spicy flavors in each country. Regarding Korean spiciness, one participant defined it as a complex mixture of spicy, sweet, and umami flavors, citing kimchi as a representative example. In contrast, they noted that Chinese spiciness is characterized by the coexistence of the numbing sensation of 'ma' and the spiciness of 'la', using spicy liquid dishes like Shuizhu (water-boiled meat) as an example.

Regarding the characteristics of Thai spiciness, it was described as "feeling like it stabs you for a moment and is painful, but disappears in 10 minutes." In Thailand, the level of spiciness in Som Tum is determined by how many chilies are added; one cast member mentioned that while they usually add two to three, others add as many as 10, showing diverse standards for spiciness. The conversation also touched upon how pungent spicy flavors like wasabi and shichimi are common in Japan.

'Red flavors' from trainee days... From Fire Chicken to Dongdaemun Tteokbokki

For the idols, spicy food served as a medium to evoke nostalgia from their trainee days. The cast recalled the taste of 'Fire Chicken' they used to eat at convenience stores on their way home after practice. They shared experiences of how it was spicy and difficult at the time, yet so delicious they wanted to keep eating it. However, they also shared how their tastes changed after debuting, noting that they no longer enjoy noodle dishes unless they include premium ingredients like truffle.

An episode involving Dongdaemun Tteokbokki also emerged. One cast member recounted an experience during their trainee days when they chose the spiciest option at Dongdaemun Tteokbokki, resulting in pain so intense that their lips swelled to twice their size after 5 to 10 minutes. They also mentioned the environment and menus of the restaurants trainees mainly used, recalling times when they had to settle for just rice and kimchi in restaurants where all the food was red.

"You've become fully Korean"... Changing tastes led by kimchi and ssamjang

The change in eating habits due to long-term life in Korea also became a topic of conversation. Reactions of "You've become fully Korean" were elicited by the sight of them dipping peppers in ssamjang to eat with white rice. In particular, the sight of them feeling an appetite while smelling the scent of sour kimchi in the refrigerator showed how deeply the idols have become immersed in Korean food culture.

The talk continued with stories regarding the cooking skills of MINNIE, who is from Thailand. The cast mentioned that while MINNIE does not usually enjoy cooking, she enjoys Pad See Ew even when using a meal kit, raising expectations for the upcoming cooking competition.

Source: Mnet K-POP (YouTube)