Korean-style serving of Kimchi chilled noodles

김치말이국수 · Kimchi chilled noodles

Kimchi chilled noodles

김치말이국수

What exactly is it?

Thin noodles are served in chilled kimchi broth with crisp garnishes. Fermented tang leads the flavor, unlike the thick chili dressing of bibim noodles. Dongchimi or added stock changes the balance of acidity and savory depth.

Main ingredients

Thin wheat noodles, fermented kimchi and its liquid, dongchimi and/or stock, cucumber, sesame

Ordering and serving

Acidity depends on how fermented the kimchi is. Even without meat garnish, the broth may contain meat stock and the kimchi may contain fermented seafood.

Origins and changes

Hwanghae has a documented tradition of serving cold rice in dongchimi broth. Modern noodle bowls share that cold kimchi-broth meal format, with thin noodles taking the place of rice.

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Kimchi chilled noodles

김치말이국수

Main ingredients
Thin wheat noodles, fermented kimchi and its liquid, dongchimi and/or stock, cucumber, sesame
Flavor and character
Thin noodles are served in chilled kimchi broth with crisp garnishes. Fermented tang leads the flavor, unlike the thick chili dressing of bibim noodles. Dongchimi or added stock changes the balance of acidity and savory depth.
How to eat it
Acidity depends on how fermented the kimchi is. Even without meat garnish, the broth may contain meat stock and the kimchi may contain fermented seafood.
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Janchi guksu

잔치국수

Main ingredients
Thin wheat noodles, anchovy-kelp broth, sliced egg garnish, zucchini, seaweed, soy seasoning
Flavor and character
Thin wheat noodles are covered with warm anchovy broth and egg or vegetable garnish. Soy-based seasoning adjusts the salt and heat. The strands are finer and the soup usually less starchy than kalguksu.
How to eat it
Taste the soup before adding the separate seasoning sauce. A bowl with no meat garnish may still use anchovy stock, which matters for vegetarian orders.
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