Our Top 7: Korean soups for chilly weather

7 steaming soups to warm your soul (no, they're not all spicy)

Few folks outside of Hawaii know that we have winter in the 808, but we do! And when those blustery 65-degree winds hit, this Korean-American craves hot, steamy Korean soups. Since that first wind blew in, I’ve parked myself in many Korean restaurants indulging in all my faves. Here are my top 7 Korean soups and where to get those legit flavors.

No. 7: Duk guk, Ja Gal Chi Restaurant

Duk guk is a family favorite. Traditionally, this rice cake soup is served during New Year’s but it’s appreciated all year round for its mellow goodness. Soft rice cake rounds mixed with ribbons of egg in a savory dashi broth are inviting to every palate. Some folks order a variation that includes mandoo meat dumplings. Ja Gal Chi, named after a famous Korean fish market, has been around for decades on Young Street and those in the know, know that this place consistently produces inexpensive and authentic Korean food. 

1334 Young St. • McCully • 593-8830

No. 6: Yuk gae jang, Ireh Restaurant

This spicy beef vegetable soup is a fiery bowl of old-school goodness. Not as well known as other Korean soups, yuk gae jang is hearty, healthy and comforting. I particularly like the gosari (fernbrake) in the soup; it adds an earthy flavor and texture. Ireh is dedicated to Korean comfort food, everything your mom made at home every day, from soups and hand-cut noodles to dumplings (but minus the Korean barbecue). This is a clean, family-friendly option.

McCully Shopping Center • 1960 Kapiolani Blvd. • 943-6000

No. 5: Haejang guk, Sorabol

One of the most ubiquitous soups after 10 p.m., this bad girl is also known as hangover soup. It is made from beef broth with napa cabbage, soybean sprouts, scallions and congealed ox-blood slices. Known for its healing properties, haejang guk isn’t only eaten after a romping evening at a karaoke bar; it’s also perfect when you aren’t feeling well.

Sorabol is a consistent favorite among Korean food aficionados. This longtime local favorite serves the full array of Korean dishes, from barbecue to soups, noodles and pancakes. They also have rooms in the back for larger parties.

805 Keeaumoku St. • Ala Moana • 947-3113

No. 4: Kim chee jjigae, Sorabol

Kim chee jjigae is the one of the most popular and beloved Korean dishes. Why? Because it’s that good! It’s more a stew than a soup, but that won’t prevent you from warming up with this bowl on the regular. Packed with kim chee, pork and tofu, kim chee jjigae calls out for a bowl of rice. I love that first spoonful of rice dipped into the bubbling jjigae. Mmmm, feels like home. Eaten with the yummy banchan side dishes, this filling meal might require some pants-unbuttoning. You’ve been warned: Wear stretchy pants.

805 Keeaumoku St. • Ala Moana • 947-3113

No. 3: Doenjang jjigae, Budnamujip

Doenjang jjigae is another quintessential player in Korean cuisine. Made from doenjang (Korean soybean paste/miso), assorted veggies and tofu, every version tastes unique to me. Depending on where the restaurant sources its doenjang(s) and which veggies are used, the spectrum of doenjang jjigae is wide.

Budnamujip does a lovely refined version using three different doenjangs from Korea. Unlike other doenjang jjigaes that seem thicker and murkier, Budnamujip’s has a light clear broth, subtle flavor and plenty of umami and depth. Slightly spicy and served bubbling hot, this is like an aunty’s hug — warm, authentic and it just makes you feel better.

871 Kapiolani Blvd. • Kakaako • 593-8822

No. 2: Kalbi tang, Budnamujip

Kalbi tang is essentially short rib soup. There’s just something soulful and comforting about a bowl of beef bone soup. Some places add all kinds of ingredients to mask the fact that they didn’t wash their bones well or slow cook this soup; that is not the case at Budnamujip. Prepared daily at dawn, Budnamujip’s clear, carefully developed broth and fall-off-the-bone beef are the products of time, skill and tradition. 

Some are taken aback by the higher price point, but that dissipates when they taste the broth and see the bountiful beefy goodness. Each hearty bowl easily has four or five short ribs. I particularly like the glassy noodles that are hidden at the bottom. Paired with all the delicious banchan side dishes and healthy wild rice, this is a complete meal. Eaten with some kkakdugi (spicy radish cubes), the balance of tender, warm meat and spicy, crunchy radish makes me swoon.

871 Kapiolani Blvd. • Kakaako • 593-8822

No. 1: Soondubu jjigae, So Gong Dong Restaurant

Bubbling hot, spicy and packed full of soft tofu, soondubu jigae is probably my favorite soup ever. Full of flavor and umami, this is actually a healthy and fairly simple dish made with yoon (soft) tofu, chili pepper, sesame oil and your choice of protein. At So Gong Dong, it’s the house specialty and you can choose your level of spiciness. I prefer the haemul (seafood) soondubu jigae at medium spice. Served in a piping hot stone pot, along with rice and ban chan, this is a truly balanced and satisfying meal.

745 Keeaumoku St. • Ala Moana • 946-8206

So baby, when it’s cold outside this gusty season, take to the streets and fill your spoons and bellies with Korean soups!