Chili Shrimp (칠리새우): what it is and how to order it in Korea
Crispy fried shrimp tossed in a sweet, tangy, lightly spicy sauce with onion and bell pepper. A Chinese-Korean classic that is perfect for sharing with beer.
Say it to order
칠리새우 하나 주세요
Chilli saeu hana juseyo
Quick facts
How to eat it
Pick up the shrimp by the tail or with chopsticks and eat them whole or shell-on as served. Take a napkin, since the sauce gets sticky fast.
Do
- Share the dish family-style at the center of the table.
- Use serving chopsticks or tongs to take shrimp from the shared plate.
Don’t
- Don't leave shrimp shells piled on the shared plate.
- Don't pick through the plate with your own chopsticks.
Local tips
- Ask for the shrimp to be sauced lightly if you prefer less sweetness
- Shells are often left on, so bring a napkin or wet wipe
Goes with
- Danmuji (pickled radish)
- Fried rice
- Napkins
- Beer
- Jjajangmyeon
Where to try it in Seoul
Questions
- How do you order Chili Shrimp in Korean?
- Say “칠리새우 하나 주세요” (Chilli saeu hana juseyo).
- Is Chili Shrimp spicy?
- Yes — about 2 out of 5 on the spice scale.
- How much does Chili Shrimp cost in Korea?
- Usually ₩19,000–30,000.
- How do you eat Chili Shrimp?
- Pick up the shrimp by the tail or with chopsticks and eat them whole or shell-on as served. Take a napkin, since the sauce gets sticky fast.
Find Chili Shrimp near you
Jinjja shows real local places, what to order and how to say it — in your language.