Asian MUNCHIES!!

Munchies, an offshoot of Vice Magazine, recently has been releasing videos on food and drink in Asia.  These videos are well produced.  To people living outside of Asia, they can provide a glimpse into Asian cultures that some people may not see on a regular basis.  With that being said, those of us who are living in Asia can appreciate and even relate to these videos.  If you want to know more about the culture that you are currently living in, these videos could be a good starting point.

For the first video, Munchies introduces us to the increasingly popular craft beer bar culture that has been rising in Japan.  This video takes place in Tokyo.  For a person that is not living in Tokyo, it makes me want to explore my own area for my own craft beer finds.  (To those living in Central Japan (Chubu), check out Craft Beer Chubu)  It is great to see that people are slowly realizing the plethora of craft beers that are being produced in their area.  The major Japanese breweries have a large share of the beer market.  Let's hope this craft beer revolution gives them a run for their money.  At least, they may start on thinking on how to improve their own brews.  This is slowly starting to a certain extent.  Just look at Grand Kirin as an example.

Are you a fan of Japanese sake?  I am a huge fan of nihonshu (日本酒) expect for the hangover.  Sake is a quite refined drink that many people compare to wine.  I could certainly see the comparison.  Sake has a few distinct styles and grades to choose from.  In this video, Munchies takes us on an introductory tour of sake in Tokyo.  After watching this video, I learned a little more about my favorite drink.  So before drinking your next glass of sake, watch this video and then you even further appreciate what is in your glass.

For those of us who have been to Korea or have Korean friends, you are quite aware of soju, Korea's firewater.  Soju is the liquid cement that binds Korean culture.  Soju is everywhere in Korea, and it seems that people are either drinking it or experience the aftermath of a soju drinking session.  For those are interested in Korean culture, soju and drinking culture at large is very important to understand.  Drinking is a major component in Korean society.  Also, there are many social rules when it comes to drinking in Korea.  If you really want to impress your Korean friends, learn up on these rules, and then you will fit in.  The social pecking order is important in Korea.  This even holds true when it comes to a night out on the town.