Every week, I document another dish that impressed and satiated me during my food adventures around New York City
Blood sausage has not been mentioned too much on this blog. That’s mostly because the squirm-inducing dish is not always my favorite. And it’s not because I have a problem eating blood
Insa has been on my radar since the owners of The Good Fork opened this Korean food hall/karaoke bar in the middle of gentrifying Gowanus in 2015. I just never had a chance to make it out here at meal time until recently. And truthfully, it wasn’t until I read that Chef and owner Sohui Kim became a semi-finalist for a James Beard Award, that I made it a priority to come and see what the fuss is about.
The fuss is often made over both the private karaoke rooms (there were two tweenagers birthdays happening while I was eating) and the tableside barbecue. I didn’t partake in either.
Instead, I ordered two very unusual (for me) appetizers. Both were really unique and delicious. The Seafood “Corn Dog” is not at all what I would have expected. Stuck on two carnival-like sticks and topped with mayo and ketchup, the hearty seafood sausage was deep fried (minus breading), tender, and tasty.
But I was slightly more taken by the sondae (or blood sausage).
I hope this gets ordered more than you’d expect because it’s the best blood sausage I’ve ever tasted. And I think it’s the best option for converting blood skeptics.
Not only does the perfectly crisp sausage have a consistent snap (and beautiful rich purple color), but the sweet/funky mineral flavor is highly addicting. It features some nice garlicky spices and with a dip or two into the salty perilla, it’s difficult to stop at just one bite.
The other thing I loved about this soondae is the texture. Not only is sticky rice mixed in but you get a web of chewy japchae noodles that help soak up the porky flavors. It’s bloody delicious!! Price: $15
| INSA |
| 328 Douglass Street (between 3rd and 4th Avenue), Gowanus, Brooklyn (718) 855-2620 |
| insabrooklyn.com |
