Alexandria, VA – Kimchi, bulgogi, and bibimbap have become staple Korean dishes in the American cuisine rotation in the last few years, and DMV locals and visitors need to be introduced to the abundance of Korean restaurants in Annadale, VA. Cue Mina Kim, the owner of Virginalicious, the first Korean Food Tour company in Northern Virginia.
The Alexandria resident has lived in the area for 13 years, and the home-cooked dishes that her mother made in their Busan, Korea kitchen were still calling to her from across the ocean. The only time she could quiet these cravings was to drive to Northern Virginia’s Koreatown to indulge in favorite dishes such as soondubu jjigae (spicy Korean soft tofu soup). During one of these meals, the idea to share her love for food, especially Korean food was formulated into the creation of Virginialicious.
“The name comes from my new home of Virginia and the word delicious that I tend to constantly use when I really like something,” said Mina. Recognizing that food insecurity is a problem in the DMV, it was outlined in the company’s mission statement to donate a portion of all their tour sales to the local nonprofit Food for Others so those in need have one less obstacle to worry about.
Virginialicious is an immersive food experience targeted to guests 13 years and older and was developed to make the unfamiliar approachable. Every tour begins with each guest being adorned with a nametag with their name written in Korean. This small gesture sets the tone for guests to be guided on a three-hour walking excursion through the streets of Annadale. The tour costs $75 per person and includes visits to four to six restaurants.
At each establishment, you are introduced to a signature dish, which could range from bossam, a pork lettuce wrap you are instructed to eat in one bite to Korean fried chicken known for the double-fried technique that makes the skin extra crispy. A standout was the haemul pajun, a seafood and scallion pancake served piping hot and accompanied by a dipping sauce. Like a tasting menu, each dish builds upon the next, allowing guests to develop a confident palate to explore the many Korean restaurants in the city.
After every tour, guests are presented with a memorable token of their time with Virginialicious. Mina’s parting advice to all her guests is, “Don’t be afraid to ask the restaurant owners for help; they are more than willing to offer assistance because they love to share Korean food traditions with those interested.” The company’s goal is to continue to shine a light on Korean businesses by creating more tours throughout the DMV and beyond.
Zebra readers can stay up to date with Virginialicious on Facebook and Instagram. To book a tour, readers are encouraged to book their excursion on the company’s website.
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Thank you for coming out to experience what Virginialicious is offering! We will continue to share the food and share the love.