Mix it well Mix the noodles and black bean sauce thoroughly with your chopsticks until the noodles are evenly coated and turn a uniform dark brown.
GUIDE 03
How to Eat Jajangmyeon
Mix the noodles and sauce really well.
WHAT IS IT?
Jajangmyeon arrives with noodles and a thick black bean sauce that needs a confident mix.
HOW TO EAT IT
Take your first bite Take a generous bite of the well-mixed noodles and enjoy the combination of chewy noodles and the savory, slightly sweet black bean sauce.
Make it spicy Want it spicier? Add a little of the red pepper powder usually provided on the table. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.
Add some danmuji Try a bite of danmuji, the usually bright-yellow pickled radish served alongside jajangmyeon. Its sweet, tangy and crunchy flavor adds a fresh contrast to the rich noodles.
Enjoy your way There is no special etiquette or fixed way to eat jajangmyeon. Mix it well, then enjoy it with red pepper powder and danmuji however you like.
Take it one relaxed bite at a time.
LOCAL TIP
Mix it well, add heat if you like, and enjoy each bite with danmuji.
TABLE TIP
Refill Your Side DishesNeed more banchan? Just ask the staff. Most Korean restaurants are happy to refill common side dishes at no extra charge, and some have a self-service banchan bar. A few dishes made with more expensive ingredients may be limited or not refillable. Don’t be shy—asking for more banchan is completely normal in Korea.
Don’t worry if…
There is no fixed way to eat jajangmyeon. Take your time and enjoy it your way.