[Seoul] Love Budae Jjigae, aka Army Stew?
I read that Odeng Sikdang 오뎅식당 is widely considered the restaurant of origin of Budae Jjigae, and its style has influenced how the dish is prepared and served nationwide in Korea. Jinjja?
Some background:: The restaurant’s history dates back to the 1960s, a time of post-Korean War scarcity when food supplies were limited.
Odeng Sikdang, located near U.S. military bases in Uijeongbu, it is one of the first to begin incorporating surplus American army provisions such as sausages, spam, and canned meats into traditional Korean stews.
Over time, the dish evolved into Budae Jjigae, combining processed meats with Korean ingredients like kimchi, rice cakes, and spicy broth
That’s why despite the restaurant’s name meaning “fishcake restaurant”, it became really popular for its Army Stew.
The restaurant has expanded, with a more modern outlet in the Lotte World Mall.
The Army Stew is available in set menus designed for two, three, or four people. The 2-person set includes the stew, assorted ingredients, and a beverage for 33,000 Won.
For larger groups, there are options such as the 3-person set (44,000 Won) and the 4-person set (58,000 Won), which include additional ramen and side dishes.
Solo diners can enjoy a serving of Budae Jjigae for 12,000 Won.
For extra indulgence, diners can order assorted ingredients like spicy sausages (6,000 Won), spam (6,000 Won), fishcakes (4,000 Won), and rice cakes (3,000 Won) to customise their stew.
Something to note is that the Budae Jjigae starts off tasting more plain, and gets more flavourful as the stock continues to bubble with ingredients such as ham and sausages.
The restaurant uses the homemade stock, which balances the saltiness of the processed meats with a slightly spicy kick.
Some people feel that the stock can be thicker though, which I agree. Of course, there are the noodles and rice cakes help absorb the broth, making each bite fuller of texture.
The portions are considered generous, making it ideal for sharing among friends or family.
Even though the restaurant tends to get busy, especially during peak hours, service is prompt and friendly.
Is this the best around?
To be honest, it has a regular Army Stew taste, faithful to the basics.
However, Odeng Sikdang’s historical significance and nostalgic flavours make it a must-visit for those looking to try this iconic Korean dish.
Especially if you happen to be at Lotte World Mall looking for food.
Odeng Sikdang, Seoul
Lotte World Mall 6F, 300, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea
서울특별시 송파구 올림픽로 300 롯데월드몰 6층
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
Naver Maps – Odeng Sikdang
Original Restaurant:
7, Hoguk-ro 1309beon-gil, Uijeongbu-si, Gyeonggi-do
경기도 의정부시 호국로1309번길 7
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