🥘Don’t Miss These Foods in Korea #11 : Andong Jjimdak: The Sweet and Savory Braised Chicken
🥘Don’t Miss These Foods in Korea #11 : Andong Jjimdak: The Sweet and Savory Braised Chicken
Hello! Welcome back to our 'Don’t Miss These Foods in Korea' series. Today, for our 11th post, we are introducing a dish that everyone loves: Andong Jjimdak (Korean Braised Chicken). If you like chicken and a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, this dish will be your new favorite!
1. What is Andong Jjimdak?
Andong Jjimdak is a popular Korean dish made with chicken, potatoes, carrots, onions, and other vegetables. Everything is simmered together in a special soy sauce-based liquid.
The word 'Jjim' means "braised" or "steamed." In this dish, the sauce is cooked down until it is thick and rich. It has a 'Sweet and Salty' taste with a tiny hint of spiciness from dried red peppers. One of the best parts is the glass noodles (chewy transparent noodles) that soak up all the delicious sauce!
2. A Little Bit of History
This dish comes from a city called Andong, located in the southeast part of Korea. Andong is famous for its traditional culture, but food lovers know it best for the 'Jjimdak Alley' in the Andong Old Market.
There are two interesting stories about how it started:
The Market Story: In the 1980s, shop owners in the market created this dish to compete with Western-style fried chicken.
The Rich Village Story: Some say it was a special meal eaten by wealthy families in Andong a long time ago.
Today, it is loved by everyone in Korea as a healthy and filling meal.
3. What’s Inside? (Key Ingredients)
Andong Jjimdak is a very healthy meal because it has a mix of protein and vegetables:
Chicken: Tender and juicy pieces of chicken.
Potatoes and Vegetables: Soft potatoes and sweet carrots that taste amazing with the sauce.
Glass Noodles: These are chewy noodles made from sweet potato starch. They are the "star" of the dish for many people!
The Sauce: A mix of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sugar.
4. How to Get to Andong from Seoul
Do you want to try the most authentic Jjimdak? You can visit Andong for a day trip or a weekend stay. It is very easy to get there from Seoul.
Option 1: KTX-Eum (The Fastest Way)
The high-speed train is the best way to travel.
Departure: Seoul Station or Cheongnyangni Station.
Time: About 2 hours.
Cost: Around 25,000 to 30,000 KRW.
Tip: You can book tickets on the 'KorailTalk' app.
Option 2: Express Bus (The Cheapest Way)
Departure: Dong Seoul Bus Terminal or Seoul Gyeongbu Terminal.
Time: About 2.5 to 3 hours.
Cost: Around 18,000 to 25,000 KRW.
Once you arrive at Andong Station or the Bus Terminal, you can take a quick 15-minute taxi ride to the 'Andong Old Market' (Andong Gu-Sijang) to find the Jjimdak Alley.
5. Tips to Eat Like a Local
Eat the Noodles First: The noodles soak up the sauce very quickly. Eat them first so they don't get too soft or dry up the sauce!
Add Cheese: Many modern restaurants offer a "Cheese Jjimdak." It’s a great way to enjoy a creamy, milder taste.
Finish with Rice: When you finish the chicken, don't leave the sauce behind! Ask for a bowl of rice and mix it with the remaining sauce and seaweed. It’s the best way to end the meal.
Conclusion
Andong Jjimdak is a wonderful mix of Korea’s history and modern taste. It isn't too spicy, so it is perfect for visitors trying Korean food for the first time.
On your next trip to Korea, make sure to add Andong Jjimdak to your food list. Enjoy your meal!
**Source & Notes : This guide is based on firsthand experiences living in Seoul, combined with up-to-date local insights.
**Information may vary depending on season and location. Always check official listings before visiting.
