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Trying 쭈꾸미 for the First Time: A Spicy Surprise I’ll Never Forget

Living in Korea has given me many firsts, but one of the most unforgettable came in the form of a small, spicy dish called 쭈꾸미 (jjukkumi). I had seen the name on restaurant signs before and heard my Korean friends talk about how good it was. Still, I was hesitant. I wasn’t sure if I could handle the taste or the look of this unfamiliar seafood dish. But my friends wouldn’t give up. Every time we went out to eat, they’d say, "Try it just once, you’ll love it!" After hearing this more times than I can count, I finally gave in.

쭈꾸미 is a type of baby octopus, usually stir-fried with vegetables in a bright red, spicy sauce made of gochujang (Korean chili paste), garlic, sesame oil, and other seasonings. It’s served sizzling hot, and often eaten with rice, perilla leaves, or even wrapped in lettuce. To be honest, I was nervous as the dish arrived, steam rising and the smell filling the air. But I picked up a piece with my chopsticks, took a bite and instantly, my fear melted away.

The texture was chewy but not tough, and the flavor was deep and addictive. The heat from the sauce wasn’t just spicy it was exciting, full of flavor that woke up all my senses. I looked at my friends with surprise and laughed. “This is actually so good!” I said. They laughed back, saying, “We told you so!”

That moment taught me something important: trying new foods isn’t just about eating it’s about breaking your own boundaries. Since then, I’ve made a promise to myself: I’ll keep trying more unfamiliar dishes while I’m here. Korea has so much to offer, and every meal feels like an adventure waiting to happen.

So if you ever get the chance to eat 쭈꾸미, don’t hesitate like I did. Go for it. You might just find a new favorite dish in the most unexpected place just like I did.