Korean Food Series (5) – Dak Galbi (Spicy Stir-fried Chicken) 🌶️🍗

Spicy Stir-fried Chicken, popular korea food

Photo by koreavisit2025

📍 Welcome back to the Korean Food Series!

This time, we're heading to Korea's spicy side with a vibrant, hearty, and crowd-pleasing dish—Dak Galbi (닭갈비).
If you're craving bold flavors and a sizzling table-cooked experience, this dish is a must-try!

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🍗 What is Dak Galbi?

Dak Galbi is a spicy stir-fried chicken dish, originally from Chuncheon, a city in Gangwon Province.
Boneless chicken pieces are marinated in a gochujang-based sauce (Korean red chili paste) with garlic, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil.
The chicken is then stir-fried with cabbage, rice cakes (tteok), sweet potatoes, onions, and perilla leaves on a large round pan at your table.

The result?
A spicy, smoky, slightly sweet stir-fry that’s perfect for sharing with friends or family.

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📍 How to Eat Dak Galbi – Step by Step

1. Let the Staff Cook or Stir It Yourself

At most restaurants, the dak galbi is cooked at your table.
Staff will usually help you stir the ingredients to ensure they’re cooked evenly and don’t burn.

2. Wait Until It's Slightly Crispy

Once the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables have softened, wait a bit longer until the bottom layer turns slightly crispy—that’s the best part!

3. Add Rice (Optional But Recommended)

When you're almost done, ask for bokkumbap (fried rice). The staff will add rice, seaweed flakes, and sometimes cheese directly into the pan and stir-fry it with the remaining sauce.
It’s the perfect way to finish the meal.

4. Share and Enjoy

Dak galbi is meant to be shared! Grab some chicken and veggies with your chopsticks and enjoy the spicy, rich flavors.

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🍶 Drink Pairing

• Makgeolli – A traditional rice wine that cools the heat of the spices

• Soju – If you enjoy a stronger pairing

• Iced barley tea or soda – Great non-alcoholic options

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💡 Pro Tip!

Not a fan of spicy food? Ask for less spicy (덜 매운맛) versions—many restaurants will gladly adjust the spice level.
You can also ask for cheese topping, which adds a creamy layer that balances the heat beautifully.

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📍 Best Dak Galbi Restaurants in Seoul

Yoogane (유가네)
Address: 3 Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
(Google Maps: Yoogane Myeongdong)

Hongcho Dakgalbi (홍초 닭갈비)
Address: 22-8 Wausan-ro 21-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Sinchon Chuncheon Dakgalbi (신촌 춘천닭갈비)
Address: 9 Yonsei-ro 5da-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

Mapo Dakgalbi (마포 닭갈비)
Address: 18-6, Mapo-daero 14-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Cheese Dakgalbi in Gangnam (치즈 닭갈비 강남점)
Address: 23-1 Gangnam-daero 84-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

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📍 Recommended Dak Galbi Restaurants in Incheon

Chuncheon Dakgalbi Street (춘천 닭갈비 거리 인천점)
Location: Near Bupyeong Station, Bupyeong-gu, Incheon

Songdo Dakgalbi (송도 닭갈비)
Address: 51 Songdo-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon

Dongmak Dakgalbi (동막 닭갈비)
Address: 113 Sorae-ro, Namdong-gu, Incheon

Gajwa Dakgalbi (가좌 닭갈비)
Address: 22 Gajwa-ro, Seo-gu, Incheon

Incheon Dakgalbi & Makgeolli House
Address: 88 Juan-ro, Nam-gu, Incheon

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📍 Top Dak Galbi Spots in Gyeonggi Province

Chuncheon Dakgalbi Town – Suwon Branch (춘천닭갈비 수원점)
Address: Near Suwon Station, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do

Namyangju Dakgalbi Street (남양주 닭갈비 거리)
Location: Near Dasan Station, Namyangju-si

Ilsan Dakgalbi & Cheese (일산 치즈 닭갈비)
Address: 41 Ilsan-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si

Uijeongbu Dakgalbi House (의정부 닭갈비집)
Address: 12 Hoeryong-ro, Uijeongbu-si

Yongin Dakgalbi House (용인 닭갈비집)
Address: 102 Suji-ro, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do

Gyeonggi-do has many dak galbi spots that combine traditional Chuncheon flavors with modern twists like cheese, curry, or rose sauce versions.

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📝 Final Tips

• Many restaurants offer non-spicy or cheese options, perfect for first-timers.

• Don't miss out on fried rice at the end—it's part of the dak galbi ritual!

• You’ll get an apron to avoid spicy splashes—wear it proudly! 😄

Thanks for joining us on the fifth delicious stop in the Korean Food Series!
Next up, we’ll uncover another Korean dish that you shouldn't miss. Stay tuned and eat well! 🇰🇷🍽️