Once a year, I visit Dongducheon for its famous Budaejjigae.
The first time I went was through a friend’s recommendation, and I went a few times after that whenever I craved its taste.
Gradually, it became a place I sporadically visited whenever I longed for that flavor.
Initially, it didn’t feature on Baek Jong-won’s Top 3 lists, but it later gained media attention, causing long queues, making me avoid peak times for dining.
Hosu Restaurant, famous for its Budaejjigae, is conveniently located near downtown Dongducheon.
Nevertheless, being in Dongducheon makes it feel relatively distant from Seoul compared to Uijeongbu.
Main Menu:
- Budaejjigae
- Budae Bokkeum
The Budae Bokkeum has less broth and includes more ham and sausages.
Personally, I’ve only tried it once at Hosu Restaurant, but I must say it competes well with the Budaejjigae.
It’s been almost 7 years since I first visited Dongducheon for its Budaejjigae.
I remember the day vividly, exactly 10 years ago now.
Since then, it gained more fame after appearing on Baek Jong-won’s Top 3 lists a year or two later.
Of course, even before the media attention, it was known for its delicious ham and sausages in the Budaejjigae.
The seating has transitioned from floor seating to all table seating.
Personally, I find table seating more comfortable than floor seating now.
Many celebrities have visited, but strangely, I’ve never spotted one.
Menu:
- Budaejjigae 9,000 won
- Budae Bokkeum 10,000 won
- Additional sides of sausage, ham, bacon each cost 5,000 won
- Ramen, rice cakes, glass noodles are each 1,000 won
The sausages are imported from the USA, while the ham comes from Denmark, and the kimchi and rice are locally sourced.
They also offer takeaway services.
The ramen is prepared separately, and they provide additional broth.
Though their special recipe isn’t visible, there might be something unique in their broth.
Normally, I dislike adding ramen to soup as it alters the taste, but strangely, at Hosu Restaurant, adding ramen enhances the broth’s flavor.
The portion size is generous, with more ham and sausages compared to other places, making Dongducheon Budaejjigae feel more abundant.
It’s not the traditional rich bone broth style; instead, it’s a unique blend of broth from ham, sausages, and vegetables.
According to my friend, what sets this place apart is the quality of ham and sausages.
Despite the substantial portion, it always seems to vanish quickly.
In my opinion, among all the places I’ve tried, Dongducheon Hosu Restaurant’s Budaejjigae stands out as the best, possibly due to the juiciness from the ham, sausages, and vegetables.
Especially after a heavy drinking night, the craving for this flavorful broth intensifies.
Since its appearance on Baek Jong-won’s show, Dongducheon Hosu Restaurant has faced crowds for a while, but recently, except for peak times, it’s been easier to visit.
(My personal feeling is that the taste remains unchanged.)
There’s no designated parking lot, so visitors have to use the free street parking nearby.
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Korean army stew, also known as “Budaejjigae,” is a traditional Korean dish famous for its unique history and flavors. Originating around US military bases after the Korean War, it was created from a mix of surplus processed foods and meats provided by the US military. Consequently, Budaejjigae was born out of the necessity to substitute home-cooked meals with a variety of ingredients available.
The main ingredients of Budaejjigae include various meats and processed foods such as sausages, ham, Spam, and rice cakes. Fresh vegetables and a variety of seasonings are also commonly used. All these ingredients are cooked together in a meat broth, typically enhanced with flavors from kimchi or soybean paste.
One of the notable features of Korean army stew is the combination of diverse ingredients, creating a rich flavor profile and texture. Additionally, for those who enjoy spicy food, red pepper paste or flakes can be added to provide heat. Moreover, the ingredients included in Budaejjigae may vary depending on mealtime or season.
While Korean army stew is often prepared and enjoyed at home, many Korean restaurants also offer this dish. Particularly during the winter months, its warm broth and hearty ingredients make it especially popular. Budaejjigae is beloved by many for its diverse ingredients and rich flavors, solidifying its place as one of Korea’s iconic comfort foods.