What Is Dongdaemun Dakhanmari? π
Dongdaemun Dakhanmari is a whole-chicken Korean hotpot cooked in a clear, comforting broth. Some describe it as a soft Korean-style chicken soup, but what makes it special is adding rice cakes and noodles, which slowly deepen the flavor. The Dongdaemun area is known for βDakhanmari Street,β where locals and travelers visit just to enjoy this dish. You can customize the broth with spicy minced paste depending on your taste, making Dongdaemun Dakhanmari a cozy and shareable experience.
Arriving at Jinokhwa Halmae for Dongdaemun Dakhanmari πͺ
I visited with my sisterβs family while they stayed near Cheonggyecheon. The three-floor building was packed during dinner time, proving how popular this spot is for Dongdaemun Dakhanmari. We ordered two chickens, rice cakes, and noodles for three adults and two kids. The atmosphere was lively and slightly chaoticβin a fun, family-style way.
Clear Chicken Broth for Dongdaemun Dakhanmari π²
The hotpot arrived with chicken and chopped green onions floating gently on top. The broth started mild and clean, slowly developing deeper savory notes as it boiled. Watching the broth transform is one of my favorite parts of Dongdaemun Dakhanmari.
Adding Rice Cakesπ‘
We added rice cakes once the broth began bubbling. They softened quickly and absorbed flavor, adding chewy texture to each bite. It made the whole table smell warm and comforting.
Spicy Dongdaemun Dakhanmari πΆοΈ
Next, we mixed in the spicy minced paste. The broth turned reddish and slightly thicker, making the flavor richer and more addictive. Everyone at the table could adjust their dipping sauce, which works well for mixed-age groups enjoying Dongdaemun Dakhanmari. If you enjoy a bit of heat, this step really boosts the flavor profile and gives the soup a deeper aroma.
Tender Chicken Drumstick π
The chicken pulled off the bone easily and stayed juicy throughout the meal. It paired perfectly with softened cabbage and the now-rich broth. My nephews enjoyed this part the most, especially when dipped into the spicy sauce. Even after simmering for a while, the chicken didnβt dry out, which shows why this restaurant is so popular.
Chewy Noodlesπ
We added noodles toward the end. They absorbed all the broth and stayed bouncy until the last bite. These disappeared fast at our tableβordering extra might be a good idea if you love carbs like I do. The noodles added a satisfying finish to the meal, balancing out the lighter texture of the broth and chicken.
Stretchy Rice Cake π§
My favorite biteβsoft, stretchy, and slightly chewy. My nephews said it felt like cheese because of the texture. They kept asking for more! Itβs such a small detail, but this simple moment adds character and makes Dongdaemun Dakhanmari memorable for kids and adults alike.
Conclusion β¨
Overall, Dongdaemun Dakhanmari at Jinokhwa Halmae Original Chicken was a warm and satisfying dinner. The broth kept evolving, the rice cakes were addictive, and the noodles soaked up all the flavor. If youβre staying near Dongdaemun or Cheonggyecheon, this dish is an easy recommendationβcozy, customizable, and fun to share. Iβd definitely revisit on a chilly evening π
Practical Info for Dongdaemun Dakhanmari πΊοΈ
If you plan to try Dongdaemun Dakhanmari, the location is easy to spot. Itβs about 337m from Dongdaemun Station Exit 9, and the restaurant is open from 10:30 AM to 01:00 AM (last order at 11:30 PM). One whole Dakhanmari hotpot costs β©33,000 (approximately $25 USD), and the portion works well for sharing. It can get busy during dinner, but the line moves quickly thanks to fast turnover. The late hours make it a nice option after shopping or exploring the area.
