갈비찜 Galbijjim
Beef short ribs braised until tender in sweet soy sauce, often served at holidays and family meals.
Spice: Not spicy
Jjim (steamed & braised)
찜닭 Jjimdak
A shared platter of chicken braised in sweet soy sauce with glass noodles, potatoes and vegetables.
- Braised Chicken
- Spice: Mild
At a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Main ingredients | Chicken, glass noodles, potatoes, soy sauce |
| How it's served | Glossy with dark sauce on a large platter, with dried chilies and side dishes |
| Spice level | Mild — A little warmth. Fine for most people. |
| Allergens | Soy · Wheat · Sesame |
| Ask about | Cheese and wide glass noodles are common add-ons; spice levels vary by restaurant. |
| On the menu | 찜닭 (Jjimdak) |
| Also called | jjim dak · jjimdalk · Andong jjimdak · soy-braised chicken |
| Region | Nationwide · Andong |
Based on the usual recipe. Restaurants vary, so always tell the staff.
How to eat Braised Chicken
Serve from the shared platter
Move chicken, potatoes and glass noodles to your own small bowl with chopsticks.
Watch for small bones
The chicken is cut with the bones in, so eat each piece slowly.
Spoon the sauce over rice
Order a bowl of rice and mix the leftover sauce into it.
How to order it
Order it as 찜닭. Most places sell a whole chicken for sharing, and some offer a smaller half portion for one person.
- On the menu: 찜닭
- Usually sold: Usually 1 whole chicken, shared by 2–3 people
Where it comes from
Jjimdak was developed in the late 1980s in the chicken alley of the old market in Andong. It spread nationwide after it moved to Seoul. Despite the Andong name, it is not a traditional dish of the region.
Sources: Encyclopedia of Korean Culture (encykorea.aks.ac.kr)
Similar dishes
계란찜 Gyeranjjim
Beaten eggs steamed with water or broth in a pot until soft and puffy, served hot as a side dish.
Spice: Not spicy
순대 Sundae
Pig intestines filled with glass noodles and pig blood, sliced and eaten warm with salt or a dip.
Spice: Not spicy
Questions about Braised Chicken
How spicy is jjimdak?
Mild. Dried red chilies add a little warmth to the sweet soy sauce. Some restaurants let you choose a spicier level.
Can you eat jjimdak alone?
Sometimes. Most places sell a whole chicken for sharing, but some offer a half portion for one person.
What is in jjimdak?
Chicken, glass noodles, potatoes, carrots and onions braised in soy sauce. Cheese and wide glass noodles are common add-ons.
- By Jason Kim (Bumsoo)
- Last reviewed October 29, 2026