Tteokbokki as comfort food — exactly what I needed

Some dishes exist to comfort and Tteokbokki is absolutely in that category. The deeply umami quality works on something almost primal — you feel the warmth of it immediately. kimchi brine does work that no substitute can replicate.

the communal banchan side dishes are as important as the main. There's something about the a home banchan spread context that reinforces the comfort effect. makgeolli rice wine alongside is the traditional way and it makes complete sense. I come back to this dish when I need something dependable and restorative.