The Book?
What a book that really speaks to my soul. I Want to Die But I Want to Eat Tteokbokki is Baek Sehee’s debut novel that follows the author’s sessions with her psychiatrist recorded over three months.
I guess the only thing I have an issue with is that there is barely any mention of ddukbokki (my preferred way to spell in the book but it’s understandable. Also, the illustration of the dish is not the best so it doesn’t give the best imagery of what real ddukbokki looks like and why it’s to die for. It’s clear why Baek feels the way she does in the society she lives in.
Her feelings and thoughts on the people in her life, her career in publishing and interests outside of work are very reflective to someone living in Korea, a country where different energies circulate, but they can easily influence a person’s emotional views, for better or for worse. Baek writes about her anxious, jealous, depressive and even suicidal notions, a lot of it is overthinking but in a climate where labels, identity and standards are subconsciously forced upon us. It’s to be expected.
I highly recommend getting I Want to Die But I Want to Eat Tteokbokki especially those who reading books on mental health.
The Dish?
I’ve paired this book with the dish that myself and Baek Sehee would die for – ddukbokki, and the recipe comes from myself. I’ve been making ddukbokki or rather rabokki for the past ten years and I’m quite confident my recipe is good having watched and tasted the finest from street vendors in Seoul, and multiple tries in the kitchen. Mine is a little more spicier but I encourage you to try it nonetheless.
You can find my recipe here and I guarantee you it’s spicy, tasty and close to what you can get in Korea!
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