Chapter 27.2 ?

Judging by Yoo Sung-woon’s expression, this seemed perfectly normal, but to Gio, who had been out of touch with society for exactly 31 years, it was just surprising.

“Hmm, it seems like beef.”

“…What other kind of meat would it be if it’s not beef?”

“Like I said earlier, there’s a high chance it’s monster meat, right? It’s cheaper than beef or lamb.”

“Is it not tasty?”

“It’s not that…”

Ssssss—

Yoo Sung-woon stirred the meat as he continued to speak.

“It’s just the general social sentiment. There’s no reason to avoid most meats unless it’s from some special parts that contain poison, but monsters are creatures that attack people… and most of them look pretty disgusting, right? It’s hard to welcome meat from a monster that eats humans.”

“Hearing it that way, that makes sense.”

“But generally, it’s meat that’s often used at home. Cheap, high-volume chunks of protein are always popular. Still, eating monster meat in a restaurant where you’re supposed to be treated well feels a bit off.”

“Isn’t it dangerous?”

“Not all monsters carry poison in their bodies?”

Yoo Sung-woon chuckled.

“And until about 20 years ago, people were still saying, ‘How could you eat something so dangerous?’ It was a different time, I guess. I was still young back then, so I don’t remember well.”

“Even though 20 years ago isn’t that long, it seems people’s perceptions changed quickly.”

“Well, the government and the association have done a lot of work here and there…”

A government that works so well that it can change Koreans’ perceptions about the meat they eat in just 20 years?

‘How did so many things change in just 31 years?’

It was a more surprising story than Gio himself evolving into a portrait in the flames. Yoo Sung-woon’s opinion might be a little different, but for Gio, that was the case.

“Sounds like the government is competent.”

“Well, if they don’t want their heads chopped off, they better be.”

“……”

“After several heads rolled, only the competent ones are left.”

Gio flinched. Why was this hyung talking like this before eating meat?

‘…Then again, hunters are like living war machines. I guess politicians wouldn’t be untouchable either.’

Gio quickly accepted this and joined in stirring the meat.

“Is it ready to eat?”

“Yeah, I think it’s done.”

“Thanks for the meal.”

“Hope it suits your taste.”

“I think it will.”

There are three main types of Korean bulgogi.

First, Seoul-style. Second, Gwangyang-style. Third, Eonyang-style. Of all of them, Gio’s favourite was this Gwangyang-style bulgogi.

The bulgogi marinated in broth and sauce that commonly known is Seoul-style bulgogi, but unlike the hot pot-like Seoul-style, Gwangyang-style is grilled dry on the grate. Each house does it slightly differently, but in most cases, the meat isn’t marinated in seasoning for long.

‘That’s why the meat’s flavour stands out more.’

The beef, beaten thin and spread out several times to make it tender, is grilled on a grate until the outside is crispy and the inside remains moist, and the juicy Gwangyang-style bulgogi is complete.

“……”

A piece of bulgogi from the grill was picked up.

Without sauce or rice, Gio put the whole piece of bulgogi directly into his mouth.

“……”

“How is it? Tasty?”

“It’s very delicious.”

Given that he was in a private room, he didn’t do more. If he were alone, he would have given it a standing ovation for how excellent it was.

“They must use good quality meat. The flavour of the beef isn’t gamey, and it’s rich. The texture is also very good. Judging by how much it was tenderized yet didn’t tear at this thickness, the chef’s skills must be impressive.”

“You… talk a lot when you’re eating something delicious, huh.”

“My apologies.”

It was just so delicious he couldn’t stop.

“But it’s really delicious.”

“I can see that.”

“It’s a flavour I want to try making.”

The charred exterior, grilled to a crisp on the charcoal, had a bitter taste characteristic of burnt meat for a moment, but it harmonized with the sweetness of the slightly charred meat.

The right amount of fat embedded in the meat gave it a rich flavour-like stock, and it alone was enough to reveal the quality of the meat.

“The seasoning is also just right.”

The deep sweetness soaked into the meat probably came from pears. Did they use grated pears to tenderize the meat? There was also subtle bitterness, likely from some kind of alcohol, which added a refined depth to the flavour.

“It pairs well with garlic. The aroma is just right, not overwhelming.”

The sharp scent of garlic nestled deep into the meat, pricking the inside of his tongue, but after being grilled on the charcoal, its harshness melted smoothly. The sesame oil must have been high quality as well, as its fresh aroma lingered.

“……”

“Hmm? What is it?”

“It seems like the soy sauce was homemade.”

“Are you a gourmet? How did you figure that out?”

“Am I right?”

“Well… I did hear it from the owner here.”

Gio nodded.

“I was wondering since the pepper flavour was particularly strong.”

“You really do have a sensitive palate. No wonder you love eating.”

“Even the dipping sauce… is delicious.”

The ingredients seemed similar to the bulgogi’s seasoning, but this curious sweet and sour flavour. The deep flavour of plum was blended naturally into the sauce, enhancing the taste.

‘It’s not plum syrup…’

It must have been vinegar made of plums.

“……”

Dipping the meat lightly into the brown sauce with bits of garlic showing, and pairing it with the steaming, fluffy white rice…

“……”

“Is it good?”

“Yes.”

“I see.”

As expected, rice was delicious when you eat a whole mouthful.

Seoul-style bulgogi:

Gwangyang-style bulgogi:

Eonyang-style bulgogi.

btw plum syrup that was stated here is plum cheong.