Annyeong, hello from Seoul. If I have to pick one Korean stew to treat you, I will definitely choose army stew(부대찌개, Budae-jjigae)!
Today’s restaurant is even all you can eat army stew place. It is really amazing, isn’t it? Follow us!
Where to Eat
The name of this restaurant is 놀부부대찌개(Nolboo Budae Jjigae). You can get here from Hapjeong station(합정역, exit number 9 or 10). The detailed address is on the bottom of this page.
What is Army Stew?
Right after the Korean war, there were not many things to eat, so people had to rely on processed foods from the US army such as spam, ham, sausage or something like that.
When they are boiled with soup rather grilled, more people could enjoy the food. After that, it has been a very popular dish to Koreans until today. It is even loved by people from overseas!
Price
This Nolboo Budae Jjigae is one of the largest chain restaurants in Korea and I happen to find out that some branches are AYCE buffets. The price is $8.50 per person. Usually, normal Nolboo restaurant serves 6.50 for army stew. Only $2 price difference? I would rather visit here. I will explain why.
What to Eat
If you look at the menu, there are 4 kinds of army stew: 놀부(Nolboo), 흥부(Heungboo), 소고기(beef) and 김치(Kimchi).
As I always say, stick with the classic one. For your information, the first one, 놀부 부대찌개, is moderately spicy and it is based on a very delicate broth. Also, if you want to have beef or Kimchi army stew, you need to pay extra (1,000 won per person).
Army Stew (Budae-jjigae, 부대찌개)
When you get army stew, you get a small amount of ham, minced beef, veggies, and sliced cheese. However, don’t be disappointed. You can go get some from the station and add more. It is much better to boil it with more stuff at once.
There are several kinds of ham, various vegetables, tofu, and various noodles in the station.
If you eat army stew at usual Nolboo Budae Jjigae which is NOT all you can eat restaurant, you have to pay an extra $1 or 2 for Ramen or udon.
However, everything is included here. In addition, there is no taste difference. Thus, there is no reason to visit normal Nolboo Budae Jjjigae, right?
Fried Egg
What I also like about this place is that I can cook fried eggs myself. It says, “One fried egg per person”. I want to eat two but I have to get over it!
The key to the taste of army stew is “ham”. If you guys have never had this, you may not understand why they eat it with that kind of processed meat.
However, the harmony when ham, kimchi and Korean spicy sauce meet together is really amazing. Don’t put too many veggies. Forget about calories and pour lots of ham.
After eating this hot army stew, we can have ice cream to cool down our mouth. It is even on the house. How considerate!
Today, we showed you all you can eat army stew restaurant. Compared to the normal army stew place that we can order one or two servings, we couldn’t feel taste difference at all. We are very satisfied. If you are planning to visit normal Nolboo Budae Jjigae in Myeongdong or somewhere else, I want you to detour.
Alright, this is it for today. We will see you next time.
o Nolboo Budae Jjigae Buffet, 놀부 부대찌개
– Address: B1, Mecenatpolis, 45, Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Korea 서울 마포구 양화로 45 메세나폴리스
o We had…
– All You Can Eat Army Stew : $8.50 / person
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