The city of Seoul is not just the best place for your Hallyu-themed travels, it is also the best place to satisfy your cravings for Korean food. Whenever I meet my friends in Korea, I always recommend that we eat at Nolboo Budae Jjigae. It is an Eat-All-You-Can Budae Jjigae restaurant located in Sinchon, Seoul. Budae Jjigae is perfect for ham and vegetable lovers and those who prefer to eat at their heart’s contents until they are full.
Budae Jjigae (부대찌개) is a stew made with ham, sausage, spam, baked beans, kimchi and gochujang or the Korean traditional red chili sauce. Other variety also includes noodles (ramyeon), rice cake and cheese. It literally means “army base stew”. It is because this dish was created shortly after the armistice that ended the Korean War, using surplus foods from the U. S. army bases such as sausages and hams.
Nolboo Budae Jjigae is one of Korea’s most popular entrees which is being sold nationwide at a rate of one order per every second. Their Budae Jjigae contains various ingredients such as sausages, ham, ramyeon and rice cake in a spicy soup, guaranteeing delicious taste and heartiness. In addition, Nolboo’s Budaejjigae Always sticks to the basics and traditions. Moreover, the ham they use does not contain any preservatives, artificial ingredients and coloring in order to ensure healthy food.
It also introduces a modern form of fusion Budae Jjigae made of various additional ingredients such as cheese and tomatoes. Aside from that, diners can also enjoy unlimited servings of side dishes such as fries, chicken nuggets, kimchi, kimbap, pasta, beans, rice and more. They have a self-service station where you can get all the ingredients that you like and refill it. And with the all the available ingredients, you can customize your own version of Budae Jjigae.
The soft drinks are free too! But if you want to have the other drinks like Cass, you have to pay additional fee.
Nolboo Budae Jjigae is casual dining restaurant with a free-spirited ambience. Its location is near several universities such as Yonsei University, Hongik University as well as Ewha Womans University. Hence, it has a fun and casual atmosphere that students and young ones can enjoy. If you want a casual dining experience with classmates and friends, then dine it at Nolboo Budae Jjigae when you visit Seoul.
Nolboo Budae Jjigae uses ham free of harm additives. And they use a bone soup as the base of the stew. They have different kinds of army stew that you can choose from.
Nolboo Budae Jjigae is the classic one and it is moderately spicy. I always order this or the Heungboo but to be honest, I can’t really differentiate their taste. They also have Beef Budae Jjigae which means that your stew will have beef aside from sausage. When you order, you will also have to choose the base of the stew whether you want a beef bone broth or just a clear broth. The broth is refillable too.
Disclaimer: Price is subject to change
Open Daily from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM; Last order 10:00 PM
23 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
서울시 서대문구 연세로 23
Ride a subway and get off at Sinchon Station (Line 2) Exit 2. Then go straight for 4 minutes. Nolboo Budae Jjigae will be on your left.
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