K-Culture Afternoon Delight: KREW Cooks Up Creativity and Camaraderie

Fresh from the clearing skies after a bout of rain, Batch 12 KREW members and alumni gathered once again for the much-anticipated “K-Culture Afternoon Delight”, held at the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) last Friday, August 1.

The event opened by highlighting the invaluable contributions of KREW members to the success of KCC’s recent projects. With major activities lined up in the coming months, the KCC expressed its heartfelt gratitude and extended an invitation for the KREW to continue their active support in future endeavors.

The highlight of the afternoon was a lively “Cook-Off”, where current KREW members and alumni came together to showcase not only their culinary skills but also their creativity and teamwork. Approximately 25 members gathered for the event, each arriving with excitement and an eager heart to cook, share, and of course, feast.

The chosen dish for the day was none other than tteokbokki—a beloved Korean street food staple cherished by both Koreans and Filipinos alike for its comforting, spicy, and savory flavors that transcend cultural boundaries.

To spice up the challenge, KREW members were divided into groups of five prior to the event, with each team allowed to bring up to three special ingredients that would make their version of tteokbokki stand out. Some teams opted for the classic route, bringing eggs and spring onions to perfect a traditional recipe. Others embraced culinary fusion with creative combinations: one group crafted a hearty blend of tteok-galbi (Korean grilled short rib patties) mixed into their tteokbokki, while another drew inspiration from the popular “so-tteok so-tteok” (skewered sausage and rice cakes), incorporating fish cakes, sausages, and rice cakes drenched in spicy sauce.

A standout creation came from a team that boldly infused Filipino flavors into their dish, adding longganisa (Filipino sweet sausage) to a creamy rosé tteokbokki, merging the richness of dairy with the iconic Korean heat for a unique twist.

This hands-on activity was more than just a cooking competition—it became an avenue for members to exchange ideas, celebrate their shared love for Korean cuisine, and collaborate in a fun, relaxed setting. Laughter filled the kitchen as teams worked together, playfully critiquing each other's dishes and sharing culinary tips along the way.

Though the afternoon began with a “cook-off” spirit, it gracefully transitioned into a warm communal feast. By the end of the event, participants were seen walking around the kitchen islands, sampling and appreciating each other’s creations, turning the competitive cook-off into a delightful celebration of community and culture.