Jokbal is a highly popular Korean dish made from pig's trotters, simmered in a savory soy sauce broth with various aromatic spices until incredibly tender and chewy. Rich in collagen, it boasts a unique umami flavor and glossy texture, making it a beloved delicacy for all ages. It can be enjoyed warm or cold and is especially popular as a late-night snack or accompaniment to alcoholic beverages.
Main Ingredients: Pig's trotters, soy sauce, sugar/corn syrup, garlic, ginger, green onions, onion, coffee or doenjang (fermented soybean paste for odor removal), black peppercorns, star anise, and other spices. Side Dishes: Saeujeot (salted tiny shrimp, essential dipping sauce), Ssamjang (spicy dipping sauce), fresh lettuce, perilla leaves, chili peppers, raw garlic, seasoned chives, freshly made kimchi, and sometimes Jaengban Guksu (spicy mixed buckwheat noodles). Enjoyment Tips: Dip jokbal in saeujeot to aid digestion and enhance its savory flavor. Create a "ssam" (wrap) by placing a piece of jokbal, garlic, ssamjang, and other desired toppings in a fresh lettuce or perilla leaf. Eating it with Jaengban Guksu provides a refreshing contrast, cutting through the richness of the jokbal with its spicy and tangy notes. Derived Dishes: Bul Jokbal (spicy jokbal), Naengchae Jokbal (cold jokbal salad), Mini Jokbal (smaller portions of trotters), Jokbal Deopbap (jokbal over rice). Similar Dishes (Korean/Global): Bossam (boiled pork belly slices), Pyeonyuk (pressed sliced meat), German Schweinshaxe (roasted ham hock), Chinese braised pig trotters (e.g., as part of Dongpo Rou). Restaurant Type: Jokbal Specialty Restaurant, Late-Night Food Delivery, Korean Pubs. Best Dining Time: Dinner, Late-Night Snack, Drinking Sessions. Average Price Per Person (USD): $20-$40 (varies by portion size and restaurant) Foreigner Preference (out of 10 stars): ★★★★★★★★☆☆ Spiciness (out of 10 stars): ★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ (Regular Jokbal is not spicy; Bul Jokbal can be ★★★★★★★★☆☆) Saltiness (out of 10 stars): ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ Sweetness (out of 10 stars): ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆
Top 5 Foreigner-Preferred Jokbal Restaurants in Seoul:
Manjok Ohyang Jokbal (City Hall Branch): Address: 134-7 Seosomun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (Famous and featured in the Michelin Guide).
Seongsu Jokbal: Address: 7 Achasan-ro 7-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (One of Seoul's top 3 most famous jokbal places).
Yeongdong Jokbal (Yangjae Main Branch): Address: 51 Nambusunhwan-ro 350-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Renowned for its tender texture).
Nonhyeondong Hanyang Jokbal: Address: 45 Hakdong-ro 2-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Known for preserving traditional flavors).
Jangchungdong Wonjo Jokbal: Address: 174 Jangchungdan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul (One of the pioneers in the famous Jokbal Alley).
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