In Korea, people order this food on moving day. I’ve just opened a blog and feel like I’m moving in, so let’s talk about Jajangmyeon (짜장면, Black bean noodle) and Jjampong (짬뽕, spicy noodle), the most popular noodles in Korea! 🍜

Jajamnyeon VS Jjampong
Both Jajangmyeon and Jjampong are Chinese-style Korean noodle dishes offering cozy comfort to most Koreans from all generation. It is is incredibly popular in Korea. Historically, it’s been around for over 100 years. We even have a museum.

📍 Jajangmyeon museum: https://maps.app.goo.gl/p5RBhKrZjwQAJyan9
Jajangmyeon (짜장면) is a noodle in a thick black bean sauce, mingling with diced pork and vegetables. The result? An earthy flavor profile with a hint of mild sweetness from the onions. It is a dish that we’ve been savoring since childhoold. The sound of slurping noodles is intriguing, becoming a common subject in Mukbang videos on YouTube.

Jjampong (짬뽕)is a spicy noodle soup loaded with seafood, meat, and vegetables. Cooked with a smoky fire flavor, it bring heat to your body and your tongue.🔥 So be prepared for a bit of heat – most places tend to make it spicy.

Some restaurants even turn it into a spicy challenge,daring you to conquer the hellish spicy! The level marked with 🌶🌶🌶🌶 is described as
Soul-Exiting Insanely Spicy Flavor (Caution: Order after Consultation).
I mean… I still do not understand Spicy-Pride (맵부심).
If you’re fine with Shin Ramyun (신라면), you should definitely give the regular Jjampong a shot. It is addictively delicious. It’s a popular hangover cure – even if it’s not the gentlest on your stomach. It’s my go-to, every time. 😵
So Which One Wins?
It has been the classic restaurant debate we all face. They’re total faves for most Koreans, so to make our life easier, chefs came up with a cool COMBO called Jjam-Ja-Myeon(짬짜면).💡

Where To Go Eat Jajangmyeon, Jjampong?
Now that you’re ready to give this dish a go, there’s no need to walk far. Korean-Chinese restaurants (search for 중국집) are easy to find in any neighborhood, or you can choose to have your food delivered. Choices seem overwhelming? Consider checking out a hotel restaurant; they are still budget-friendly.
💁Tips: Ordering with a friend? Check out the set menu. It combines a few dishes at a reduced amount compared to ordering them individually. Tangsuyuk (탕수육, Korean Sweet and Sour Pork) is a must-try.

How to Cook Jajangmyeon, Jjampong?
If you’re new to this food, I’d say… go for instant ramen first! There are all kinds on the market. As for my favorites, I go for the classics: Chapguetti(짜파게티) and JIN Jjambbong(진짬뽕).
Or, check out these cooking videos: two cooks have become famous for their recipes. English subtitles available 🔈
Completing the dish
Danmuji (단무지, yellow pickled radish) is an absolute must when enjoying Jjajangmyeon and Jjampong! It’s the unsung hero that complements these dishes. It is sweet and sour flavor, combined with its crispy texture. It’s like having a coke with a hamburger. 🍔🥤
3 bottles on the table – pepper powder, soy sauce, and vinegar. Everyone has a unique way to customizing to enhance the flavors, so experiment!

💁Tips: Common combinations:
- Pepper powder + Soy Sauce + Vinegar = Dipping sauce for dumplings and similar dishes.
- Pepper powder = Adds more spiciness to the dish. I personally enjoy it in Jajangmyeon.
- Vinegar = Pour on Danmuji or a few drops on Jajangmyeon.
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Good restaurants in #Sinsa #Apgujeong #Gangnam
📍 Mutan
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