Korean Food Guide
김치찌개
kimchi-jjigae · Kimchi stew
Spice Spicy
What it is
A bubbling stew built on well-fermented kimchi — sour, spicy and the most common home meal in Korea.
Main ingredients
Aged kimchi, pork or tuna, tofu, green onion.
How to order
김치찌개 하나랑 공깃밥 하나 주세요.kimchi-jjigae hanarang gonggitbap hana juseyo.One kimchi stew and a bowl of rice, please.
First time?
It's salty on purpose — it's meant to be eaten with rice, a spoonful at a time.
Spice levels are tinyhaha's own rough judgment; restaurants vary.
Frequently asked questions
What is kimchi-jjigae (김치찌개)?
Kimchi-jjigae (김치찌개, Kimchi stew) is a bubbling stew built on well-fermented kimchi — sour, spicy and the most common home meal in Korea.
Is kimchi-jjigae spicy?
On tinyhaha's 0–4 scale kimchi-jjigae is a 3: Spicy. Heat varies by restaurant.
What is in kimchi-jjigae?
The main ingredients of kimchi-jjigae are: Aged kimchi, pork or tuna, tofu, green onion.
How do you order kimchi-jjigae in Korean?
Say “김치찌개 하나랑 공깃밥 하나 주세요.” (kimchi-jjigae hanarang gonggitbap hana juseyo.) — it means “One kimchi stew and a bowl of rice, please.”
Any tips for eating kimchi-jjigae the first time?
It's salty on purpose — it's meant to be eaten with rice, a spoonful at a time.