If you’re in the mood for some sushi rolls, but not really feeling the raw fish tonight, try out kimbap. It’s a popular Korean staple that is fairly quick and easy to make, and is also very portable friendly for picnics, airplane, and road trips. Kimbap is similar to Futomaki, the large Japanese sushi rolls, but it generally does not contain any raw fish or meat. Unlike sushi, it is not served with any soy sauce, wasabi, or ginger – the flavors are self-contained in the tasty rice rolls that make a wholesome and nutritious meal.

So what does a traditional kimbap consist of? Thin sheets of crispy, seasoned seaweed wrapped around white rice (bap), spinach, carrots, takuan (pickled daikon radish), and sometimes bulgogi (traditional Korean marinated barbecue beef).

Kimbap

Vegetable Kimbap, close up

Over the years, moms and chefs have tapped their creative juices in concocting up new fillings to put into their lovely kimbap. One restaurant that has taken the initiative in doing so is E-Mo, a hidden hole-in-the-wall, which of course, is located in K-Town. At E-Mo, they offer a variety of different flavors, ranging from traditional beef and tuna to cheese, sausage, and even jalapeno!  (Warning: it can be quite spicy). The kimbaps are freshly rolled to prevent the seaweed from becoming too soggy. I really liked their spicy tuna kimbap, but the cheese was a bit rich for my taste buds.