Budae Jjigae (부대찌개): The Spicy, Hearty Korean Army Stew Recipe
One pot, many stories—Korea’s most unforgettable comfort anju Few Korean dishes tell a story as vividly as Budae Jjigae , often translated as Korean Army Stew . Bold, spicy, and unapologetically indulgent, this bubbling stew is both comfort food and cultural history— and one of the most popular gukmul anju (soupy drinking foods) enjoyed with soju . If you’re new to Korean food, Budae Jjigae may look unusual at first. Sausages, Spam, instant noodles, kimchi, and chili paste all in one pot? Yet one spoonful explains everything. Savory, spicy, smoky, and deeply satisfying—this is a stew built for sharing, late nights, and long conversations over drinks. This article is a spoke post connected to: → Soups and Stews (Gukmul Anju) hub → Soju hub What Is Budae Jjigae? Budae (부대) means “military base,” and jjigae (찌개) means “stew.” Budae Jjigae was born in the years following the Korean War, when food was scarce. Koreans living near U.S. military bases creatively used...