If you spot sundae at a Korean market, don’t expect scoops of ice cream.
Here’s sundae, Korean food that shares its name with a dessert!
Quick Summary
- In Korea, sundae (pronounced “soondae“) is not ice cream, but a savory dish made with pig intestines, stuffed with delicious and earthy fillings.
- Popular types are chapssal sundae, dangmyeon sundae, abai sundae, and ojingeo sundae.
- For a full meal, soothing sundae-guk or spicy sundae-bokkeum are great choices.
- When it comes to dipping sauce, regional pride is strong.
What Is Korean Sundae?
Sundae is a traditional Korean blood sausage, which is similar to black pudding.
It’s a go-to comfort food found all over Korea and one of the most iconic street foods alongside spicy tteokbokki.
For sundae, pig intestines are stuffed with a mixture of
- Glass noodles (dangmyeon) made from sweet potato starch
- Vegetables like bean sprouts and chives
- Sticky rice (chapssal)
- Pig’s blood (seonji)
This Korean sausage is boiled until tender, then sliced, and served warm.
I know what you’re thinking, but it tastes way better than it sounds!
Luxurious Dish That Turned Into Street Food
Sundae is considered super casual today, but it wasn’t always so humble.
According to the Eumsik Dimibang, the first Korean cookbook written in Hangul around 1670 by Lady Jang during the Joseon period, sundae was a celebratory dish only served at special feasts.
Korean women made sundae all night long in the kitchen from evening to morning.
But everything changed in the 1970s when the popular glass noodle-filled sundae was invented.
It was cheaper and easier to mass-produce, which made it perfect for bunsik (a category of affordable street foods in Korea).
Now, when Koreans simply say sundae, we mean this modern version.
What Are Some Types of Sundae?
Here are a few popular variations:
1. Chapssal Sundae
The classic style is made with sticky rice, pig’s blood, and vegetables.
It has a rich and earthy flavor that pairs well with spicy sauces or in soups.
2. Dangmyeon Sundae
This is what most people mean when they say sundae today.
It’s filled mostly with glass noodles and vegetables.
It’s milder, a bit chewy, and commonly eaten with tteokbokki sauce.
You’ll mostly see this version in spicy stir-fried sundae-bokkeum, or hearty sundae gukbap as well.
3. Abai Sundae
A hearty North Korean-style sundae made using large intestines.
Originating from the Hamgyeong-do Province of North Korea, abai sundae is especially popular in Sokcho, where North Korean refugees settled after the Korean War.
If you visit Sokcho, Gangwon-do, feel free to check out Dancheon Sikdang, which is currently operated by the third generation.
4. Ojingeo Sundae
It’s a squid version!
Instead of intestines, squid tubes are stuffed with seasoned fillings, and steamed or pan-fried with egg batter.
It’s chewy, savory, and a great seafood twist on the traditional dish.
Sundae Is a Whole Menu, More Than a Snack
Sundae can be the star of a full meal.
Try these dishes if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Sundae-guk: A hearty soup with broth, sundae slices, and other pork cuts. It’s comforting, rich, and often served in generous portions. I used to have this as a hangover cure in college!
- Sundae-bokkeum: Stir-fried sundae with veggies and spicy sauce. Sillim-dong in Seoul is famous for this dish. I’m not into spicy food, but I really enjoyed it in Sillim!
What’s the Best Dipping Sauce for Sundae?
If you ask this question to a Korean, you’ll find out where they’re from.
Regional pride is super strong when it comes to what to dip your sundae in.
If you ask me, I’ll strongly recommend makjang because I’m from South (Gyeongnam).
Koreans have different condiments in each area. For example,
- Seoul and Gyeonggi: Salt with chili powder or black pepper
- Busan, Ulsan, Gyeongnam (B.U.G.): Makjang (made by mixing ssamjang and lemon-lime soda like Sprite)
- Jeolla Province: Vinegary chili sauce (chojang)
- Gangwon and Chungcheong Provinces: Fermented shrimp sauce or salt with black pepper
- Jeju: Soy sauce or salt with chili powder
- Universal: Tteokbokki sauce!
Where to Try Sundae?
If you’re visiting Korea,
- Street carts and markets are the best places for dangmyeon sundae.
- For a full meal, look for a sundae-guk restaurant that is family-run and generations old.
- For a North Korean style, try Abai Sundae in Sokcho. If you love seafood, check out Ojingeo Sundae.
Korean sundae may share its name with a dessert, but it’s all about a savory, hearty dish, sprinkled with regional pride.
When you spot sundae in Korea, I’d recommend trying it with an open mind!
