Samhap (삼합), which means literally ‘three combinations’ or ‘three tastes’, is a Korean dish which mixes run-of-the-mill steamed pork, well-aged kimchi, and Hongeohoe (홍어회)… raw fermented skate. I’m told it’s similar to the Icelandic dish Hákarl (fermented shark), of which Anthony Bourdain is often quoted as saying is “the single worst, most disgusting and terrible tasting thing” he has ever put in his mouth, and which Gordon Ramsay, during a challenge with James May, has thrown up on television. Part of the reason that both these dishes are so difficult to eat is that sharks and skate don’t urinate; instead, uric acid is excreted through their skin. During the fermentation process this uric acid is converted to ammonia which gives the dish a smell even worse than its taste and naturally activates the gag reflex.

Recently we were invited by some Korean friends to a small restaurant which specialized in the dish, and after a few bowls of makgolli they convinced us to give it a try. I can honestly say that it was the single most disgusting thing I’ve ever eaten, and not just for the taste. The texture is somewhat rubbery and it’s full of bones, so you’ll spend at least half a minute masticating (get your mind out of the gutter, it means chewing) before you can swallow the foul tasting thing.

Of course, this post wouldn’t be complete without a video, so watch Rob and I on our second attempt at samhap. The memories of that night will also serve as a reminder that we shouldn’t forget to have a camera rolling on our first attempt.