I know your country has some drinks which I never tasted or heard. Cha Yen, Cendol, Lassi, eggnog, Bandung... What are them all?? I just saw those names on Internet right before.
I know I could never know what you drink at home. So I know you don't have a clue about what Koreans drink! Today is the time to introduce you fun Korean drinks which you can easily try when you visit South Korea! Here goes 4 drinks!!
*this is not about Korean traditional drinks but very unique drinks, which particularly I think tasty!
1. Banana Milk[바나나맛 우유]
I am sure this is quite far from the real banana plus milk thing, such as banana milkshake. HOWEVER, if you want to want to know about what Koreans drink when they are... not really thirsty but want to drink something sweet on the street, go to the convenience store next to you and get the Banana Milk!
This milk, which looks like large Korean jars, is sold 0.8 million bottles today! And yesterday, and tomorrow as well!! This is really untouchable bestseller in convenience stores.
Where to try? - You must be able to find it at any convenience store.
How much? - About $1 (1000 ~ 1300 KRW)
How to drink? - Drink with a straw. You can find cute yellow straw which is only for the Banana Milk(if you can't ask to a shop keeper)
2. Sikhye[식혜]
Sikhye is a traditional sweet Korean rice beverage, usually served as a dessert. This white translucent drink contains grains of cooked rice, and sometimes served with pine nuts. Koreans really likes to drink iced Sikhye when they finish washing at Jjimjilbang[찜질방] - Korean style public bathhouse.
This is very delicious if you are a Korean. But like many traditional drinks in your country, it depends on.
Where to try? - At any convenience store, you can find yellow can of 비락식혜(Birak Sikhye). Also you can try it after bathing at Jjimjilbang. They must sell it.
How much? - About $1(800 ~ 1000 KRW) for Birak Sikhye, 2000 KRW at JJimjilbang.
How to drink? - Stir or shake well, and drink with grains.
3. Denmark Morning Cereal Milk[덴마크 모닝 시리얼 우유]
In Korea, there is eatable power called Misutgaru[미숫가루], which is consist of various grain powders. And people mix this powder with water or milk with some sugar or honey, and drink it. Its really tasty specially in summer. Many Korean moms make and give the whole bowl of this Misutgaru drink with ice, for her husband when its very hot. Misutgaru drinks taste like, a bit similar to cereal with milk? Or watever.
And the Denmark Morning Cereal Milk, which is supposed to be a lot far from the any Korean thing by its name, is actually a Misutgaru milk product for the convenience stores! "Denmark Morning" is the name of the product series, so never expect the taste of Denmark.
Where to try? - Many convenience stores have it, but not all. Try visiting 2~3 stores and look up the drink section.
How much? - 1100 ~ 1500 KRW
Hot to drink? - Shake well before open, open, and drink.
4. McCol[맥콜]
Have you tried barely tea? OK, some of you. Then how about barely soda? I know you never tried! Here is McCol for you! Barely soda, barely coke. That's all!
McCol was really popular in early 90's, and now it feels like a bit old fashioned. But there are still McCol fanboys because of its unique taste.
However, some people hate this drink because of a religious reason. Yes, RELIGIOUS reason. What a drink!! For you who scares of drinking it, I should inform this : The company which makes McCol is owned by the Unification Church and some people hates it. This is all.
Where to try? - Some convenience stores. try searching 2~3 stores' drink section.
How much? - 600 ~ 1000 KRW
How to drink? - Drink
How was it? If you have the chance to visit South Korea, try all of them!! Those are really easy to get.
Also if there is any interesting drink in your country, please introduce here :) Thank you.
