Introduction
The global phenomenon that is *Squid Game* swept across screens, captivating audiences with its suspenseful plot, compelling characters, and stark commentary on social inequality. Beyond the life-or-death games and shocking twists, the series also subtly presented elements of Korean culture, with food playing a significant role. While the dalgona candy challenge became an instant internet sensation, *Squid Game*’s food offerings extend far beyond this sweet treat, providing cultural context, symbolism, and a window into Korean daily life. The food shown in the show can be a representation of the desperation, nostalgia and the social commentary.
The Iconic Dalgona Candy Challenge
Few images from *Squid Game* are as instantly recognizable as the sight of contestants struggling to carefully extract shapes from a brittle disc of dalgona candy. This honeycomb toffee, often sold by street vendors in South Korea, became a symbol of the series’ precarious challenges and the players’ desperate attempts to survive.
Dalgona is made by melting sugar and adding baking soda, which creates a light, airy texture that is then pressed into a thin circle with a stamped shape. The objective, as seen in the series, is to carefully extract the stamped shape (a star, a circle, a triangle, or an umbrella in *Squid Game*) without breaking it. The process requires precision and patience, mirroring the strategic thinking needed to navigate the games.
Following the series’ release, dalgona candy experienced an explosive resurgence in popularity. Social media platforms were flooded with videos of people attempting the dalgona challenge at home. DIY dalgona kits became hot commodities, and street vendors selling the treat saw massive increases in business. The *Squid Game* effect transformed a simple Korean snack into a globally recognized symbol of the show’s tension and ingenuity.
The historical context of Dalgona is quite interesting. It was particularly popular in the seventies and eighties. Back then, a street vendor would give a free dalgona to people who could successfully separate their shape out of the candy, similar to what happened in the show.
Dosirak: A Glimpse into Everyday Korean Life
Beyond the games, the simple and humble dosirak, or packed lunch box, offers a poignant glimpse into everyday Korean life. The dosirak presented to the players is a stark contrast to the high-stakes environment of the game, representing a sense of normalcy and perhaps a longing for simpler times.
Dosirak are a staple in Korean culture, often prepared by mothers or spouses and sent with family members to school or work. They typically contain a variety of side dishes (banchan) served with rice. In *Squid Game*, the dosirak offer a glimpse of these traditional components, even in their simplest form. These often include kimchi, a fermented cabbage dish considered a national food in Korea. There could also be rice, eggs and some other side dishes.
The act of sharing food is also deeply ingrained in Korean culture. While the circumstances of the game prevented true sharing, the dosirak reminds viewers of the importance of community and connection. The players’ hunger and desperation highlight the stark contrast between their current reality and the familiar comfort of a home-cooked meal.
Minimalist Meals and the Symbolism of Scarcity
The meals provided to the players in *Squid Game* are intentionally minimalist and often unappetizing. This is not merely a detail of the set design; it is a deliberate choice that underscores the themes of desperation and social inequality that run throughout the series. The sparse portions and bland ingredients mirror the players’ limited choices and the dehumanizing conditions they face.
Food becomes a symbol of power and control within the game. The organizers provide the bare minimum to keep the players alive, highlighting their vulnerability and dependence. The lack of variety and quality in the meals further emphasizes the players’ diminished status and the stark contrast between their lives and the opulence enjoyed by the VIPs who observe the games.
The food rations are symbolic of how the poor and vulnerable are being treated within a capitalistic society. The lack of access to proper nourishment can have severe impacts on the players.
Soju and the Pursuit of Forgetfulness
Soju, a clear, distilled alcoholic beverage, is a ubiquitous presence in Korean social life. It is frequently consumed at meals, gatherings, and celebrations. In *Squid Game*, soju takes on a darker role, serving as a coping mechanism for the players as they grapple with the trauma of their experiences and the moral compromises they make.
The scenes where soju is consumed are often charged with tension. Players gather to drink after a particularly harrowing game, seeking solace and temporary escape from the harsh reality of their situation. Alcohol lowers inhibitions, leading to confrontations, confessions, and moments of fleeting camaraderie.
While soju is a social drink in many contexts, in *Squid Game*, it becomes a tool for self-medication. The players use it to numb their pain, suppress their guilt, and forget, at least temporarily, the horrors they have witnessed and the choices they have made.
Korean Cuisine and the Show’s Wider Influence
Beyond the specific foods featured prominently in *Squid Game*, the series has sparked a broader interest in Korean cuisine and culture. Viewers have become more curious about other Korean dishes, ingredients, and traditions. Korean restaurants around the world have reported increased business, and online searches for Korean recipes have surged.
Some other Korean dishes or ingredients are also subtly featured in the show. In some scenes, there is a glimpse of ramyun (instant noodles) and kimbap.
For those looking to explore Korean cuisine, there are many options available. Korean restaurants offer a wide range of dishes, from hearty stews and grilled meats to flavorful noodle dishes and vegetarian options. Online resources provide recipes for home cooks who want to try their hand at preparing Korean dishes themselves. You can also support your local Korean restaurants as well.
Conclusion: The Flavors of *Squid Game* Beyond the Game
The food in *Squid Game* is far more than just sustenance; it’s a powerful tool for storytelling. It provides cultural context, symbolizes the players’ desperation, and highlights the social commentary that lies at the heart of the series. From the viral sensation of the dalgona candy to the humble dosirak lunch boxes, the food in *Squid Game* offers a poignant glimpse into Korean culture and the universal themes of survival, hope, and the human cost of inequality. The show gives a reflection on the reality of the world’s social-economic issues.
By showcasing these culinary elements, *Squid Game* has not only entertained audiences but also sparked a global conversation about social issues and increased interest in Korean culture. While the games themselves are fictional, the underlying themes and the cultural details, including the food, resonate with viewers around the world, making *Squid Game* a truly impactful and memorable series. The show has made impacts on all sorts of areas and the food is one of them.
