Food & Drinks

Korean Pork Bone Soup; One Of Korea’s Best Dishes

Korean pork bone soup (gamjatang) is one of my top three favourite Korean foods. I hadn’t heard of it before moving here and I believe it’s my duty to convince any of you who may be visiting Korea to add this soup to your must-try lists.

Where To Find Delicious Gamjatang In Korea?

While I can’t claim to be a gamjatang expert, Tong Puy Gamjatang has been my go-to spot ever since a South African friend introduced me to the beautiful dish back in 2019, and it’s been a favourite ever since.

Tong Puy Gamjatang is a fairly common franchise—even in the most remote of cities. That said, I’m quite confident that other restaurants would make this dish just as well. My advice is simple: if you see gamjatang on the menu, give it a try.

What Is Gamjatang?

Gamjatang is a comforting, hearty Korean stew. The direct translation may be “potato soup” but this dish is all about the delectably tender pork neck/spine pieces. The meat is boiled for several hours with aromatics creating a rich flavour packed broth. Potatoes, cabbage, perilla leaves and seasonings are cooked with the meat and broth leaving you with a stew that is just heavenly; savoury, rich and incredibly satisfying.

How Is Gamjatang Served?

At Tong Puy Gamjatang you’ll order either small, medium or large depending on the number of people. They’ll then bring a large pot filled with the stew and place it on the burner at the table. No need to worry—the stew itself is completely cooked. Only the potatoes and perilla leaves need a few extra minutes to soften.

How Do You Eat Gamjatang?

You could opt to eat the stew with a bowl of rice or without. Or you could be very Korean and ask for fried rice to be made with the remaining broth and veggies once you’ve finished the stew.

Whatever you choose, you’re in for one very delicious meal.