Thursday, January 4, 2018

5 NOT Spicy Korean Soups for Winter


Although the spicy food in Korea gets a lot of the attention, not all the food here has the spice cranked up to 11. The truth is, there are many dishes and restaurants where the only spicy food on the table is the kimchi. They just aren't as sexy to blog about. Sadly, this means many people who hate to eat spicy hot foods think there are no good choices for them. Don't worry, we've got your back.

Let's take a look at 5 of our favorite non-spicy soups during the winter. Please note, these are not ALL of the non-spicy soups. It's just a list of our winter favorites (even though local folks tend to eat a few of these only in the summer, as waeguks we take liberties to love them year round).

Just like we did with the 5 Best Korean Stews/Soups for Winter we will include a place in Pyeongtaek for you to try the dish and a recipe vlog by a famed Korean food vlogger if one is available.

All right, lets get started...

1. Beef Short Rib Soup (Galbitang) 갈비탕
The bone broth soups are our big favorites. They are filled with nutrition and very easy on the stomach. Perfect for people who aren't big on strong flavors or spice. The dish is often filled with glass noodles and served with rice. Even though it doesn't look like much, you will go away full. Getting the meat off the bones can be tricky, but don't be shy. Scrape them clean.

Where we like to eat it:
Gariheon Galbitang가리헌갈비탕
Direcotry: Pyeongtaek


Maangchi shows you how to make it at home:


2. Ox Bone Soup (Seolleongtang) 설렁탕
This is another bone broth, but less bones and meat. Instead there are just thin slices of meat and lots of broth and noodles. Honestly, if you eat a lot of this, you will look quite radiant. It gives your skin quite the boost in the cold winter months.

Where we like to eat it:

Maangchi shows you how to make it at home:


3. Chicken & Ginseng Soup (Samgyetang) 삼계탕
This is a very light soup that includes a whole chicken stuffed with rice. You often have to order it ahead or plan on waiting because it takes a little while to cook. This dish is totally opposite of what you might associate with Korea food. The strongest flavor is the salt. Great for if you aren't feeling well.

Where we like to eat it: 
Ji Ho Samgyaetang 지호한방삼계탕
Directory: Pyeongtaek


Maangchi shows you how to make it at home:


4. Chicken Noodle Soup (Dalk kalguksu) 닭칼국수
If you have a hankering for old fashioned chicken (dalk) noodle soup (kalkjuksu), you will find this Korean dish will hit the spot. Hearty, thick homemade noodles in a light broth, and pulled chicken, will leave you feeling like you have found home again. There are also seafood and mushroom versions of this soup. Please note that not ALL kalguksu is non-spicy.

Where we like to eat it:
Chicken and Duck Restaurant 남도닭오리한마당
Directory: Pyeongtaek 
Food+Fun: Anjung, Cheongbuk 안중, 청북


Maangchi shows you how to make it at home:



5. Mushroom Chicken Soup 버섯백숙
If you are feeling like a little seafood, this is the BEST! Thick, hearty noodles covered in shellfish is one of our all time favorite meals. Usually the bowls are so huge you can barely finish them. Don't even feel bad if you can't.

Where we like to eat it: 
Mushroom Chicken Soup 나능이능이버섯백숙
Directory: Pyeongtaek
Food+Fun: Ichung 이충, 장안, 가재

Now it's time to go try them all and leave your reviews in the South of Seoul app. Just go the app, open the listing, and click the star in the banner. You can tell us all what you thought. Remember to include useful tips like where you parked, if they had chairs for kids, or other details you found important. Reviews help us build a beautiful life together. One Star reviews with no explanation may be rejected.

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