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CHEWY BUTTER MOCHI! easy and just a few ingredients!! this dessert has taken Korean social media by storm and is super viral for a reason! Crispy outside, chewy inside (like tteok or mochi) and custardy sweet. 

⏰ Takes less than 1 hour from start to finish!

🧈 INGREDIENTS (feeds 2-4) 
- 160g glutinous rice flour 
- 60g white sugar 
- 200ml whole milk (room temp) 
- 30g unsalted butter (~2.12 tbsp, room temp)
- 1 egg (room temp)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract 
- 1/2 tsp salt 

🤗 SOME KEY TIPS:
- condensed milk makes for an incredible dipping sauce! 
- Remember to bring your butter, milk and egg to room temp before cooking! 
- Always pre-heat the oven! 
- Baking is more precise than cooking. If you don’t have one already, it’s time to get a kitchen scale. 

#buttertteok #buttermochi #easyrecipes #dessert #baking
4.37M
109K
531
3mo ago
itshelenmelon
CHEWY BUTTER MOCHI! easy and just a few ingredients!! this dessert has taken Korean social media by storm and is super viral for a reason! Crispy outside, chewy inside (like tteok or mochi) and custardy sweet. ⏰ Takes less than 1 hour from start to finish! 🧈 INGREDIENTS (feeds 2-4) - 160g glutinous rice flour - 60g white sugar - 200ml whole milk (room temp) - 30g unsalted butter (~2.12 tbsp, room temp) - 1 egg (room temp) - 1 tsp vanilla extract - 1/2 tsp salt 🤗 SOME KEY TIPS: - condensed milk makes for an incredible dipping sauce! - Remember to bring your butter, milk and egg to room temp before cooking! - Always pre-heat the oven! - Baking is more precise than cooking. If you don’t have one already, it’s time to get a kitchen scale. #buttertteok #buttermochi #easyrecipes #dessert #baking
DELICIOUS broccoli in just 5 minutes!! 🥦 this korean broccoli banchan is the latest in my banchan series and is VERY delicious yet comes together with MINIMAL effort! Serve warm or cold (preferably cold!). 

This recipe serves 2 people. Feel free to double it for a family or if you’re meal prepping! 

Ingredients & Measurements: 
— 5 to 6 oz of broccoli (or about 1 broccoli head!) 
— 1 tbsp sesame oil
— 0.5 tsp kosher salt 
— 0.5 to 0.75 tsp minced garlic 
— sesame seeds to taste
— chili flakes to taste (optional) 

#broccoli #easyrecipes #veggies #banchan #koreanfood #koreanrecipe
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48.1K
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10mo ago
itshelenmelon
DELICIOUS broccoli in just 5 minutes!! 🥦 this korean broccoli banchan is the latest in my banchan series and is VERY delicious yet comes together with MINIMAL effort! Serve warm or cold (preferably cold!). This recipe serves 2 people. Feel free to double it for a family or if you’re meal prepping! Ingredients & Measurements: — 5 to 6 oz of broccoli (or about 1 broccoli head!) — 1 tbsp sesame oil — 0.5 tsp kosher salt — 0.5 to 0.75 tsp minced garlic — sesame seeds to taste — chili flakes to taste (optional) #broccoli #easyrecipes #veggies #banchan #koreanfood #koreanrecipe
tested SO many different methods, temps and times to achieve the PERFECT at-home korean sweet potato!! If you know you know, goguma is soooo sweet and delicious while also being healthy, high in fiber and quite filling! 

it’s common to see roasted sweet potatoes sold in asian convenience stores, especially in Korea and Japan, but it’s actually quite hard to replicate the caramelization at home without the proper techniques!! 

Tip 1: Smaller and thinner sweet potatoes are sweeter and yield better, more consistent results! Peak season is NOW (December thru February). 

Tip 2: use the top rack of your oven! IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE I PROMISE! 

Tip 3: dunk in an ice bath half way. this will make them super easy to peel! 

All it takes is 1 hour for incredibly soft, sweet, and caramelized korean sweet potatoes! 

#goguma #sweetpotato #cookinghacks #dietfood 
#easyrecipes
2.40M
43.1K
350
7mo ago
itshelenmelon
tested SO many different methods, temps and times to achieve the PERFECT at-home korean sweet potato!! If you know you know, goguma is soooo sweet and delicious while also being healthy, high in fiber and quite filling! it’s common to see roasted sweet potatoes sold in asian convenience stores, especially in Korea and Japan, but it’s actually quite hard to replicate the caramelization at home without the proper techniques!! Tip 1: Smaller and thinner sweet potatoes are sweeter and yield better, more consistent results! Peak season is NOW (December thru February). Tip 2: use the top rack of your oven! IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE I PROMISE! Tip 3: dunk in an ice bath half way. this will make them super easy to peel! All it takes is 1 hour for incredibly soft, sweet, and caramelized korean sweet potatoes! #goguma #sweetpotato #cookinghacks #dietfood #easyrecipes
my 5-minute fool-proof garlic bok choy recipe!! It’s got ALL the right flavors while still being super easy to cook. Even beginners can make it well!! This recipe serves 2-4 people as a delicious side dish. 

I tested this recipe with baby bok choy, regular bok choy and Shanghai bok choy. It works for all of them! You MAY need to blanch regular bok choy (with the whiter stems) a few seconds longer than the Shanghai style, though. 

Measurements for the sauce: 
— 2 tsp soy sauce 
— 1 tsp oyster sauce 
— splash of sesame oil 
— splash of water
— minced garlic to taste (2 cloves) 

#bokchoy #garlic #chinesefood #easyrecipes #healthyrecipes #veggies #sidedish
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11mo ago
itshelenmelon
my 5-minute fool-proof garlic bok choy recipe!! It’s got ALL the right flavors while still being super easy to cook. Even beginners can make it well!! This recipe serves 2-4 people as a delicious side dish. I tested this recipe with baby bok choy, regular bok choy and Shanghai bok choy. It works for all of them! You MAY need to blanch regular bok choy (with the whiter stems) a few seconds longer than the Shanghai style, though. Measurements for the sauce: — 2 tsp soy sauce — 1 tsp oyster sauce — splash of sesame oil — splash of water — minced garlic to taste (2 cloves) #bokchoy #garlic #chinesefood #easyrecipes #healthyrecipes #veggies #sidedish
must do in vietnam for a custom souvenir!! made the CUTEST stamps of my family’s pets and loved ones ❤️ they’re ready same day OR next day, depending on how many you get. You pay about $10 (250,000 VND) per person/pet! 

PRO TIP: you can make a couples stamp for wedding invites! It’d be $20 for two faces. Wish I knew about this when I was engaged! 

Highly recommend showing the owner multiple photos and having him tell you which is best, since he’s the one carving it for you! 

I went to Phuc Loi Stamp in the Old Quarter in Hanoi. I’m sure other cities like HCMC have this, too!! Make sure to give the other local businesses some love tho!!! There’s a few stamp shops here all in a row ❤️

#vietnam #vietnamtravel #hanoi #customstamp #traveltips
2.00M
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4mo ago
itshelenmelon
must do in vietnam for a custom souvenir!! made the CUTEST stamps of my family’s pets and loved ones ❤️ they’re ready same day OR next day, depending on how many you get. You pay about $10 (250,000 VND) per person/pet! PRO TIP: you can make a couples stamp for wedding invites! It’d be $20 for two faces. Wish I knew about this when I was engaged! Highly recommend showing the owner multiple photos and having him tell you which is best, since he’s the one carving it for you! I went to Phuc Loi Stamp in the Old Quarter in Hanoi. I’m sure other cities like HCMC have this, too!! Make sure to give the other local businesses some love tho!!! There’s a few stamp shops here all in a row ❤️ #vietnam #vietnamtravel #hanoi #customstamp #traveltips
Japan hack for roasted sweet potatoes!! The ones from don quijote are ELITE!! i know donki’s known mostly for souvenirs, makeup and skincare but they actually also sell roasted sweet potatoes and the juiciest strawberries too! i tried the sweet potatoes on a whim on my first trip because they smelled so good, and now I ALWAYS get one when im in Japan! They ALWAYS hit the spot!! The caramelization goes crazy lol. 

TIP: Don Quijote can definitely be SUPER overstimulating and busy. But if you just go to the ones outside of the most touristy areas (like Shibuya or Shinjuku), it’s calm and easy! I went to the Roppongi location and it was super nice. 

#donquijote #japantravel #japantrip #goguma #sweetpotato
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3mo ago
itshelenmelon
Japan hack for roasted sweet potatoes!! The ones from don quijote are ELITE!! i know donki’s known mostly for souvenirs, makeup and skincare but they actually also sell roasted sweet potatoes and the juiciest strawberries too! i tried the sweet potatoes on a whim on my first trip because they smelled so good, and now I ALWAYS get one when im in Japan! They ALWAYS hit the spot!! The caramelization goes crazy lol. TIP: Don Quijote can definitely be SUPER overstimulating and busy. But if you just go to the ones outside of the most touristy areas (like Shibuya or Shinjuku), it’s calm and easy! I went to the Roppongi location and it was super nice. #donquijote #japantravel #japantrip #goguma #sweetpotato
KBBQ corn cheese…but AT HOME! It’s super quick and easy to make yourself and only takes a few staple ingredients! This takes me less than 10 minutes every time and is wayyy better than when you get it at a korean restaurant or pocha! 

You’ll need: 
- 1 can of corn
- 2 tbsp kewpie mayo 
- 1/2-1 tbsp unsalted butter
- Garlic powder to taste (I used 1/2 tsp) 
- Onion powder to taste (I used 1/8 tsp) 
- Black pepper 
- Shredded mozzarella cheese 
- Green onions (OPTIONAL) 

If you want to take this easy recipe a step further, you can use your broiler and a skillet, but this recipe is for those who just want to use the stove! 

#koreanfood #corncheese #easyrecipes #corn #kbbq
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7mo ago
itshelenmelon
KBBQ corn cheese…but AT HOME! It’s super quick and easy to make yourself and only takes a few staple ingredients! This takes me less than 10 minutes every time and is wayyy better than when you get it at a korean restaurant or pocha! You’ll need: - 1 can of corn - 2 tbsp kewpie mayo - 1/2-1 tbsp unsalted butter - Garlic powder to taste (I used 1/2 tsp) - Onion powder to taste (I used 1/8 tsp) - Black pepper - Shredded mozzarella cheese - Green onions (OPTIONAL) If you want to take this easy recipe a step further, you can use your broiler and a skillet, but this recipe is for those who just want to use the stove! #koreanfood #corncheese #easyrecipes #corn #kbbq
how to make lord of the rings lembas bread! In the movies one small bite is enough to keep a grown man full, but not this one 🤭 

This is an easy 30-minute recipe perfect for your next lord of the rings movie marathon!! The bread comes out very similarly to a biscuit and scone 😋 

Ingredients
— 300g all purpose flour (2.5 cups)
— 1 stick unsalted butter (cold, cubed) 
— 1 tbsp baking powder 
— 1 tsp salt 
— 60g brown sugar (1/3 cup) 
— 1 tsp cinnamon 
— 2/3 cup whole milk OR 1/2 cup heavy cream 
— 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 
— 1 tsp honey (OPTIONAL) 

💡TIP: if you don’t have a rolling pin for baking, use a water bottle! 

💡TIP: if you are kneading by hand, cube your butter into small squares for an easier time mixing

💡TIP: leftovers will keep for up to 5 days! 

#lordoftherings #lembasbread #easyrecipes #dessert #baking
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1mo ago
itshelenmelon
how to make lord of the rings lembas bread! In the movies one small bite is enough to keep a grown man full, but not this one 🤭 This is an easy 30-minute recipe perfect for your next lord of the rings movie marathon!! The bread comes out very similarly to a biscuit and scone 😋 Ingredients — 300g all purpose flour (2.5 cups) — 1 stick unsalted butter (cold, cubed) — 1 tbsp baking powder — 1 tsp salt — 60g brown sugar (1/3 cup) — 1 tsp cinnamon — 2/3 cup whole milk OR 1/2 cup heavy cream — 1/2 tsp vanilla extract — 1 tsp honey (OPTIONAL) 💡TIP: if you don’t have a rolling pin for baking, use a water bottle! 💡TIP: if you are kneading by hand, cube your butter into small squares for an easier time mixing 💡TIP: leftovers will keep for up to 5 days! #lordoftherings #lembasbread #easyrecipes #dessert #baking
gamja jorim (korean potato bites) is SOOO YUMMY. They’re the perfect banchan or side dish you’ve likely seen at korean barbecue! This is my easy recipe that takes just 20 minutes and is perfectly fool-proof for beginners in the kitchen :) 

As with many other korean side dishes, you can serve this hot or cold. Just eat within 3 days! 

INGREDIENTS & MEASUREMENTS: 
— 1 pound potatoes (yellow or Yukon gold) 
— 1/2 cup water 
— 2 tbsp light soy sauce 
— 1 tbsp sesame oil 
— 2 tbsp honey (or Korean corn syrup) 
— 1 to 2 tbsp minced garlic 
— OPTIONAL: 1/2 tsp gochugaru 

#potatoes #gamjajorim #easyrecipes #koreansidedish #koreancooking
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8mo ago
itshelenmelon
gamja jorim (korean potato bites) is SOOO YUMMY. They’re the perfect banchan or side dish you’ve likely seen at korean barbecue! This is my easy recipe that takes just 20 minutes and is perfectly fool-proof for beginners in the kitchen :) As with many other korean side dishes, you can serve this hot or cold. Just eat within 3 days! INGREDIENTS & MEASUREMENTS: — 1 pound potatoes (yellow or Yukon gold) — 1/2 cup water — 2 tbsp light soy sauce — 1 tbsp sesame oil — 2 tbsp honey (or Korean corn syrup) — 1 to 2 tbsp minced garlic — OPTIONAL: 1/2 tsp gochugaru #potatoes #gamjajorim #easyrecipes #koreansidedish #koreancooking
make instant kimchi with me!! Geotjeori is a non-fermented fresh kimchi that’s delicious and perfect for when you want kimchi and you want it NOW! It’s also incredibly beginner friendly and ready in about an hour versus days! If you don’t like the funkiness of kimchi, you might like this kind. 

I adjusted this side dish recipe to maximize the authentic flavor of geotjeori while minimizing the need to buy a bunch of new ingredients! That said, if you have ingredients like saewoojeot (salted fermented shrimp) and plum extract in your fridge, you can (and should) add those into your kimchi paste mixture! 

Ingredients & measurements: 
— 1 medium size napa cabbage
— 1/4 cup coarse salt (kosher salt works!) 
— 5 tbsp gochugaru (flaky kind is best) 
— 1 tbsp minced garlic 
— 2 tbsp fish sauce 
— 1 tbsp sugar (or plum extract) 
— korean chives to taste (or green onions) 
— splash of sesame oil 
— roasted sesame seeds to garnish (OPTIONAL) 

#kimchi #geotjeori #easyrecipes #banchan #koreanfood
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6mo ago
itshelenmelon
make instant kimchi with me!! Geotjeori is a non-fermented fresh kimchi that’s delicious and perfect for when you want kimchi and you want it NOW! It’s also incredibly beginner friendly and ready in about an hour versus days! If you don’t like the funkiness of kimchi, you might like this kind. I adjusted this side dish recipe to maximize the authentic flavor of geotjeori while minimizing the need to buy a bunch of new ingredients! That said, if you have ingredients like saewoojeot (salted fermented shrimp) and plum extract in your fridge, you can (and should) add those into your kimchi paste mixture! Ingredients & measurements: — 1 medium size napa cabbage — 1/4 cup coarse salt (kosher salt works!) — 5 tbsp gochugaru (flaky kind is best) — 1 tbsp minced garlic — 2 tbsp fish sauce — 1 tbsp sugar (or plum extract) — korean chives to taste (or green onions) — splash of sesame oil — roasted sesame seeds to garnish (OPTIONAL) #kimchi #geotjeori #easyrecipes #banchan #koreanfood
eat your skincare with korean seaweed soup (miyeokguk)! This was my FAVORITE as a kid!! Not only is miyeokguk delicious, but it’s also PACKED with nutrients and benefits for your skin and hair health. Korean seaweed is an underrated superfood! That’s why it’s one of the most meaningful meals you can make for someone you love…especially on their birthday and for postpartum moms. The soup is incredibly nourishing and comforting, light and healthy. 

All you really need is 30 minutes, some Korean seaweed and beef. The rest are Asian kitchen essentials! 

INGREDIENTS (feeds 2): 
— 15g dried Korean seaweed
— approx. 0.5 lb beef (any soup beef works!)
— 1 tbsp sesame oil
— 0.5 tbsp minced garlic 
— 3-3.5 cups water
— 1.5-2 tbsp soup soy sauce (1 tbsp to saute + 0.5-1 tbsp to season broth) 
— 0.5 tsp pepper 
— 1/8 tsp seafood dasida OR anchovy fish sauce (멸치액젓) OR tuna sauce (참치액)

TIP: you can enhance your soup with an anchovy broth tablet (and skip the last ingredient above!) 

TIP: leftovers in fridge last up to 3 days. Leftovers in freezer last 3-4 months! 

#miyeokguk #koreanfood #soup #easyrecipe #postpartum
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2w ago
itshelenmelon
eat your skincare with korean seaweed soup (miyeokguk)! This was my FAVORITE as a kid!! Not only is miyeokguk delicious, but it’s also PACKED with nutrients and benefits for your skin and hair health. Korean seaweed is an underrated superfood! That’s why it’s one of the most meaningful meals you can make for someone you love…especially on their birthday and for postpartum moms. The soup is incredibly nourishing and comforting, light and healthy. All you really need is 30 minutes, some Korean seaweed and beef. The rest are Asian kitchen essentials! INGREDIENTS (feeds 2): — 15g dried Korean seaweed — approx. 0.5 lb beef (any soup beef works!) — 1 tbsp sesame oil — 0.5 tbsp minced garlic — 3-3.5 cups water — 1.5-2 tbsp soup soy sauce (1 tbsp to saute + 0.5-1 tbsp to season broth) — 0.5 tsp pepper — 1/8 tsp seafood dasida OR anchovy fish sauce (멸치액젓) OR tuna sauce (참치액) TIP: you can enhance your soup with an anchovy broth tablet (and skip the last ingredient above!) TIP: leftovers in fridge last up to 3 days. Leftovers in freezer last 3-4 months! #miyeokguk #koreanfood #soup #easyrecipe #postpartum
20-course omakase i HIGHLY recommend and just $63!! Ginza Sushi Banya Kai is in Tokyo and hits all the points I look for: high quality fish, great presentation and ambiance, plus authentic, affordable, and approachable to tourists/foreigners (they provide printed English menus)! I’d 100% come back again while in Japan ❤️

#sushi #omakase #tokyo #japantrip #japantravel
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3mo ago
itshelenmelon
20-course omakase i HIGHLY recommend and just $63!! Ginza Sushi Banya Kai is in Tokyo and hits all the points I look for: high quality fish, great presentation and ambiance, plus authentic, affordable, and approachable to tourists/foreigners (they provide printed English menus)! I’d 100% come back again while in Japan ❤️ #sushi #omakase #tokyo #japantrip #japantravel
Teaching friends how to make Syrian Yabrak!

Helen and Erica spent 7 hours with me learning this dish for the first time — moments like this make me so grateful I get to share Syrian culture with the people I love

Full recipe below

Prep
• Soak rice 1 hour
• Soak grape leaves in hot water

Rolling
• Drain rice (keep 1 cup water)
• Mix rice with ground beef, salt, pepper, oil
• Place 1 tbsp filling on each leaf
• Fold sides + roll tightly

Lamb Prep
• Boil lamb with cardamom until foam forms
• Rinse + place at bottom of pot

Assembly
• Add garlic cloves
• Stack rolls around the pot
• Cover with a plate
• Add salt, pepper, and water (1 inch above)
• Weight on top
• Boil 45 min → add lemon → cook 1 hr on medium-low
• Check water every 10 min

Grape leaves may need extra time to soften. Keep adding lemon and water and taste the broth as it cooks. Take one leaf out and try it to check if it’s fully cooked and tender.

Finish
1. Drain broth
2. FLIP + ENJOY!

Have you made this before?

Love you @itshelenmelon @_realhangry
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9mo ago
itshelenmelon
Teaching friends how to make Syrian Yabrak! Helen and Erica spent 7 hours with me learning this dish for the first time — moments like this make me so grateful I get to share Syrian culture with the people I love Full recipe below Prep • Soak rice 1 hour • Soak grape leaves in hot water Rolling • Drain rice (keep 1 cup water) • Mix rice with ground beef, salt, pepper, oil • Place 1 tbsp filling on each leaf • Fold sides + roll tightly Lamb Prep • Boil lamb with cardamom until foam forms • Rinse + place at bottom of pot Assembly • Add garlic cloves • Stack rolls around the pot • Cover with a plate • Add salt, pepper, and water (1 inch above) • Weight on top • Boil 45 min → add lemon → cook 1 hr on medium-low • Check water every 10 min Grape leaves may need extra time to soften. Keep adding lemon and water and taste the broth as it cooks. Take one leaf out and try it to check if it’s fully cooked and tender. Finish 1. Drain broth 2. FLIP + ENJOY! Have you made this before? Love you @itshelenmelon @_realhangry
my easy bibimguksu for spicy Korean noodles! Takes 10 minutes!! this Korean cold noodle dish is seriously so good and you can dress it up or down, depending on how much effort you’re feeling! I LOVE making this as a quick, lazy meal aka girl dinner. It uses kitchen staple ingredients ❤️

INGREDIENTS & MEASUREMENTS (serves 1) 
- 1 HEAPING tbsp gochujang 
- 1 tbsp soy sauce 
- 1 tbsp sesame oil 
- 1 tsp vinegar (or 1/2 tbsp for more tangy) 
- 1/2 tbsp minced garlic 
- 1 tsp sugar 
- 1/8 tsp pepper (or to taste) 
- 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds 
- 1/2 tsp gochugaru (OPTIONAL) 

Taste and adjust to your liking! Top with thinly sliced cucumber, a soft boiled egg and more roasted sesame seeds ❤️

#easyrecipes #koreancooking #bibimguksu #koreancoldnoodles #spicynoodles
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3mo ago
itshelenmelon
my easy bibimguksu for spicy Korean noodles! Takes 10 minutes!! this Korean cold noodle dish is seriously so good and you can dress it up or down, depending on how much effort you’re feeling! I LOVE making this as a quick, lazy meal aka girl dinner. It uses kitchen staple ingredients ❤️ INGREDIENTS & MEASUREMENTS (serves 1) - 1 HEAPING tbsp gochujang - 1 tbsp soy sauce - 1 tbsp sesame oil - 1 tsp vinegar (or 1/2 tbsp for more tangy) - 1/2 tbsp minced garlic - 1 tsp sugar - 1/8 tsp pepper (or to taste) - 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds - 1/2 tsp gochugaru (OPTIONAL) Taste and adjust to your liking! Top with thinly sliced cucumber, a soft boiled egg and more roasted sesame seeds ❤️ #easyrecipes #koreancooking #bibimguksu #koreancoldnoodles #spicynoodles
steal my chinatown food crawl itinerary!! 🗺️ This one’s for Flushing, which is known to be bigger, better, cheaper, and more authentic than Manhattan Chinatown. BUT if that’s what you’re looking for, I have a food crawl video of Manhattan Chinatown, too!! 

This food crawl hits 9 spots in 4 hours and ranges from soup dumplings to rice rolls, flaky chinese chicken sandwiches to peking duck buns, crab roe noodles and even dessert like tofu pudding, mochi and boba! 

EVERYTHING is typically just a 2 minute walk from each other and you can get there via the Flushing Main Street subway stop :) 

Watch my video for details like what to get! But at a glance…

Stop 1: Liu Liu Shen Jian Wang (New World Mall) 
Stop 2: Fu Yuan 
Stop 3: Shanghai You Garden
Stop 4: White Bear 
Stop 5: Xie Bao (New York Food Court) 
Stop 6: Soybean Chen Flower Shop
Stop 7: Gao Xiao Pa
Stop 8: Molly Tea (or any boba shop really!) 
Stop 9: Soybean Mochi Cart 

#chinatown #flushing #foodcrawl #cheapeats #nyceats #chinesefood #dumplings #mochi #tofu
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10mo ago
itshelenmelon
steal my chinatown food crawl itinerary!! 🗺️ This one’s for Flushing, which is known to be bigger, better, cheaper, and more authentic than Manhattan Chinatown. BUT if that’s what you’re looking for, I have a food crawl video of Manhattan Chinatown, too!! This food crawl hits 9 spots in 4 hours and ranges from soup dumplings to rice rolls, flaky chinese chicken sandwiches to peking duck buns, crab roe noodles and even dessert like tofu pudding, mochi and boba! EVERYTHING is typically just a 2 minute walk from each other and you can get there via the Flushing Main Street subway stop :) Watch my video for details like what to get! But at a glance… Stop 1: Liu Liu Shen Jian Wang (New World Mall) Stop 2: Fu Yuan Stop 3: Shanghai You Garden Stop 4: White Bear Stop 5: Xie Bao (New York Food Court) Stop 6: Soybean Chen Flower Shop Stop 7: Gao Xiao Pa Stop 8: Molly Tea (or any boba shop really!) Stop 9: Soybean Mochi Cart #chinatown #flushing #foodcrawl #cheapeats #nyceats #chinesefood #dumplings #mochi #tofu
juicy tender korean pork belly wraps!! This is my easy beginner friendly recipe for bossam that maximizes flavor and minimizes time and effort required! This dish is usually pretty pricey at Korean restaurants, so learn to make it at home for MUCH cheaper! For me, it’s become a staple meal to impress friends!!

INGREDIENTS (serves 2; double recipe if serving 4):
- 1.5 pound pork belly (choose one with a GOOD, EVEN amount of fat! I recommend getting from Costco or Hmart)
- 6-8 garlic cloves 
- 1/2 white or yellow onion 
- 1 tbsp ginger sliced 
- 2-3 scallion stocks (OPTIONAL) 
- 1/2 tbsp brown sugar 
- 2 tbsp doenjang 
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 2-3 bay leaves (OPTIONAL)
- 1/2 tbsp instant coffee 
- 5 cups water 

FOR YOUR WRAPS: 
- sliced jalapeno, raw garlic chips, and ssamjang are musts! 
- salted napa cabbage is the authentic Korean way, OR lettuce will do just fine! 
- radish kimchi (musaengchae), OR regular kimchi
- saewoojeot (OPTIONAL) 
- white rice (OPTIONAL)

A few extra tips…to test if your bossam is ready, use the chopstick test! Just poke the thickest part of the meat. If it goes in and out super smoothly, you’re good to go! And make sure you’re using INSTANT coffee, not fresh ground! This is the “secret ingredient” to remove any porky smell or taste.

#easyrecipes #bossam #porkbelly #koreanfood #koreancooking
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4mo ago
itshelenmelon
juicy tender korean pork belly wraps!! This is my easy beginner friendly recipe for bossam that maximizes flavor and minimizes time and effort required! This dish is usually pretty pricey at Korean restaurants, so learn to make it at home for MUCH cheaper! For me, it’s become a staple meal to impress friends!! INGREDIENTS (serves 2; double recipe if serving 4): - 1.5 pound pork belly (choose one with a GOOD, EVEN amount of fat! I recommend getting from Costco or Hmart) - 6-8 garlic cloves - 1/2 white or yellow onion - 1 tbsp ginger sliced - 2-3 scallion stocks (OPTIONAL) - 1/2 tbsp brown sugar - 2 tbsp doenjang - 1/4 tsp pepper - 2-3 bay leaves (OPTIONAL) - 1/2 tbsp instant coffee - 5 cups water FOR YOUR WRAPS: - sliced jalapeno, raw garlic chips, and ssamjang are musts! - salted napa cabbage is the authentic Korean way, OR lettuce will do just fine! - radish kimchi (musaengchae), OR regular kimchi - saewoojeot (OPTIONAL) - white rice (OPTIONAL) A few extra tips…to test if your bossam is ready, use the chopstick test! Just poke the thickest part of the meat. If it goes in and out super smoothly, you’re good to go! And make sure you’re using INSTANT coffee, not fresh ground! This is the “secret ingredient” to remove any porky smell or taste. #easyrecipes #bossam #porkbelly #koreanfood #koreancooking
must try snack in korea!! Sticky rice fresh fruit mochi is SOOO good and slightly different than the Japanese kinds I’ve tried! This spot is located in Seongsu (a super popular area you’re likely to visit anyways!) but they have a few other locations around Seoul, too. 

📍Hanjungsun (Seongsu) 

My top recommendation is to try the shine muscat grape and strawberry flavors!! 

#mochi #seongsu #koreanstreetfood #seoulkorea #koreatravel
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itshelenmelon
must try snack in korea!! Sticky rice fresh fruit mochi is SOOO good and slightly different than the Japanese kinds I’ve tried! This spot is located in Seongsu (a super popular area you’re likely to visit anyways!) but they have a few other locations around Seoul, too. 📍Hanjungsun (Seongsu) My top recommendation is to try the shine muscat grape and strawberry flavors!! #mochi #seongsu #koreanstreetfood #seoulkorea #koreatravel
I DREAM ABOUT THESE NOODLES!! Chongqing Special Noodles is a local gem in San Gabriel (SGV) and their prices are SO SO GOOD. 

My two must gets I HIGHLY recommend are the youpo noodles for hand pulled chewy noodles (vegetarian friendly!) and the chongqing cold noodles! The cold noodles are similar to a dan dan noodle and got a ton of hype a while ago (shoutout Ronit!!). I love to share this dish as an appetizer between 2-3 people, then have one of the more substantial noodle dishes as the main! 

The only dish I haven’t loved here is the Sichuan dumplings. They didnt have much filling/meat in them. 

#chinesefood #sangabriel #sgveats #losangelesfood #noodles
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itshelenmelon
I DREAM ABOUT THESE NOODLES!! Chongqing Special Noodles is a local gem in San Gabriel (SGV) and their prices are SO SO GOOD. My two must gets I HIGHLY recommend are the youpo noodles for hand pulled chewy noodles (vegetarian friendly!) and the chongqing cold noodles! The cold noodles are similar to a dan dan noodle and got a ton of hype a while ago (shoutout Ronit!!). I love to share this dish as an appetizer between 2-3 people, then have one of the more substantial noodle dishes as the main! The only dish I haven’t loved here is the Sichuan dumplings. They didnt have much filling/meat in them. #chinesefood #sangabriel #sgveats #losangelesfood #noodles
took a chance on this but loved it!! made my own custom stone stamp of my Korean name!! I’ve ALWAYS wanted to do this because I write a lot of letters and looove DIY activities!! This one is in Insadong, Seoul, which is a really cute area with tons of shops, cafes and restaurants. 

The workshop is in English and takes about 1.5 hours. I booked it on Klook for $40! 

#customstamp #seoulkorea 
#koreatravel #klookpartner #insadong
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itshelenmelon
took a chance on this but loved it!! made my own custom stone stamp of my Korean name!! I’ve ALWAYS wanted to do this because I write a lot of letters and looove DIY activities!! This one is in Insadong, Seoul, which is a really cute area with tons of shops, cafes and restaurants. The workshop is in English and takes about 1.5 hours. I booked it on Klook for $40! #customstamp #seoulkorea #koreatravel #klookpartner #insadong
Korean radish banchan is like kimchi’s low maintenance cousin! But takes only 20-30 minutes to make and is ready to eat immediately! 

Musaengchae (korean radish salad) is SUPER healthy, great for gut health, high in fiber and packed with vitamins and antioxidants. 

TIPS ON CHOOSING YOUR RADISH (MU): Go to an asian market and look for korean radish. If they don’t have it, substitute for daikon radish. They are in-season and taste the best in fall and winter. Look for a LONG and OVAL radish with a smooth surface without bumps! A slight GREEN GRADIENT is great. Choose one that’s not too big, not too small. 

TIPS ON PREPARING: Slice the radish in half first. This will make it easier to peel and chop into your thin matchsticks. 

MEASUREMENTS: 
— 1 korean radish 
— 2-3 tsp gochugaru 
— 1 tbsp minced garlic (4-5 cloves) 
— 1 tbsp white vinegar 
— 1 tsp sugar (I like it less sweet, some people do more) 
— 1-2 tbsp green onions 
— sesame seeds to taste (optional) 

#koreanradish #banchan #sidedish #easyrecipe #mealprepideas #kimchi #koreanfood
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itshelenmelon
Korean radish banchan is like kimchi’s low maintenance cousin! But takes only 20-30 minutes to make and is ready to eat immediately! Musaengchae (korean radish salad) is SUPER healthy, great for gut health, high in fiber and packed with vitamins and antioxidants. TIPS ON CHOOSING YOUR RADISH (MU): Go to an asian market and look for korean radish. If they don’t have it, substitute for daikon radish. They are in-season and taste the best in fall and winter. Look for a LONG and OVAL radish with a smooth surface without bumps! A slight GREEN GRADIENT is great. Choose one that’s not too big, not too small. TIPS ON PREPARING: Slice the radish in half first. This will make it easier to peel and chop into your thin matchsticks. MEASUREMENTS: — 1 korean radish — 2-3 tsp gochugaru — 1 tbsp minced garlic (4-5 cloves) — 1 tbsp white vinegar — 1 tsp sugar (I like it less sweet, some people do more) — 1-2 tbsp green onions — sesame seeds to taste (optional) #koreanradish #banchan #sidedish #easyrecipe #mealprepideas #kimchi #koreanfood

Helen | Food + Experiences 🍲 (@itshelenmelon) Instagram Stats & Analytics

Helen | Food + Experiences 🍲 (@itshelenmelon) has 155K Instagram followers with a 2.76% engagement rate over the past 12 months. Across 111 posts, Helen | Food + Experiences 🍲 received 997K total likes and 36.5M impressions, averaging 8.98K likes per post. This page tracks Helen | Food + Experiences 🍲's performance metrics, top content, and engagement trends — updated daily.

Helen | Food + Experiences 🍲 (@itshelenmelon) Instagram Analytics FAQ

How many Instagram followers does Helen | Food + Experiences 🍲 have?+
Helen | Food + Experiences 🍲 (@itshelenmelon) has 155K Instagram followers as of August 2026.
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Helen | Food + Experiences 🍲's Instagram engagement rate is 2.76% over the last 12 months, based on 111 posts.
How many likes does Helen | Food + Experiences 🍲 get on Instagram?+
Helen | Food + Experiences 🍲 received 997K total likes across 111 posts in the last 12 months, averaging 8.98K likes per post.
How many Instagram impressions does Helen | Food + Experiences 🍲 get?+
Helen | Food + Experiences 🍲's Instagram content generated 36.5M total impressions over the last 12 months.