One of the dishes that some of my food tour guests are precocious yet scared about is Yukhwae or raw beef. In many cultures the idea of eating raw meat is considered a taboo so while many would like to try, they have a fear that they will catch a disease and die.

Well, listeners, I can tell you that I have had this dish many times and I am still alive and haven't had any problems. For those that don't know what it is. Yukhwae is thinly sliced lean beef that is seasoned with sesame oil, garlic, salt and pepper. It is served over slivers of Asian pear and topped with an egg yolk. Oh, for my guests there are first in Korea, the egg yolk further horrifies them.

This dish is considered to be a delicacy and would be served on special occasions such as holidays and festivals. Mainly because on these days the townspeople would butcher cattle so folks would have the privilege of eating beef. The beef would be very fresh and it would often come from the non-fatty parts of the cattle. The idea of mixing it with sesame oil and topping it with an egg yolk fortified the beef since it didn't have the marbling that other cuts have. The Asian pear would add sweetness. The beef would be served with raw garlic, chilies and vinegared red chili sauce for dipping.

These days this dish is often considered a drinking food. And the refreshing beef goes will with shots of soju. You can also get bibimbap or rice topped with many vegetables with raw beef.

If you like bulgogi in Korea, Yukhwae is basically bulgogi that is just uncooked.

This dish originated from the Jeolla province and it was a way that the cattle raisers would enjoy the dish. In Korea, unmarbled cuts of beef are considered to be cheap and unhealthy so it was difficult for the farmers to sell these lean cuts. So they found that it was delicious dipped in sesame oil and salt or with red chili paste. Soon they made other dishes from the lean cuts like the raw beef bibimbap.

There are other parts of beef that are popular to eat raw in Korea. The liver and the first stomach can often be found at restaurants. Eating the liver and the stomach is considered to be very healthy and good for the body.

The famous places in Seoul to have this dish is in Gwangjang Market and at Majangdong Beef market, but most high-end beef restaurants will often have this dish on their menu.

Yukhwae is one of those dishes that you have to have in Korea. A tip for those that are a bit squeamish about trying it. I would suggest you eat it in busy place famous for the dish. This way you know the beef is very fresh. Also, if you still can't bring yourself to try it, cook it a little bit on the grill. It is a delicious way to give it a try.