← The K-Food CalendarApril 20, 2026 · 2026년 4월 20일
A Plate & A GlassGogu (Grain Rain)

Jakseol Cha + Jogi

작설차·조기
Jak-seol Cha

First tea-leaf of the year, with grilled croaker

About the dish

Jakseol-cha with grilled croaker pairs the season's first young tea leaves with a clean, delicate fish. The faint aroma of the tea and the mild croaker show the refined harmony of Korea's tea and table culture — fitting for Gogu, the grain-rain term.

Key ingredient

Croaker (jogi) — gentle, easy-to-digest protein suited to the old and the unwell; rich in calcium and phosphorus for bone health, with vitamins for recovery. In season in spring, from Yeonggwang & Chuja Island.

Ingredients

Main: jakseol green tea, croaker · Seasoning: salt

Simple recipe

  1. Clean the croaker, grill lightly and flake the flesh.
  2. Steep the jakseol tea.
  3. Set out rice and side dishes.
  4. Add the croaker alongside.
  5. Serve neatly with the tea.

▶ Watch recipe videos

A Glass · Traditional pairing

Gwangyang Saeng Makgeolli Goldeu
Gwangyangjujogongsa · South Jeolla · ABV 5%

Gwangyang Saeng-makgeolli Gold — a rice makgeolli from Gwangyang Brewery (South Jeolla, 5%). Made with new-crop rice and native wheat nuruk for a smooth, clean finish.

The K-Food Calendar 2026
365 days of Korean food & traditional liquor pairings.
Get pre-order alerts →
See all of April → · Full calendar · info@kfood-calendar.com