Pollock Stew (동태탕): what it is and how to order it in Korea
A clear-to-red stew of frozen pollock (dongtae), tofu, radish and bean sprouts, simmered in a light anchovy or beef broth with chili and egg. It is a winter comfort food with a clean, mild, warming taste.
Say it to order
동태탕 주세요
Dongtaetang juseyo
Quick facts
How to eat it
Spoon the fish, tofu and broth over your rice, or alternate spoonfuls of stew and rice. Pick out the soft fish meat carefully, since it has small bones.
Do
- Share the pot and use your own spoon to take portions from it.
Don’t
- Do not leave the rice untouched; add it to the broth at the end if you like.
Local tips
- Ask for extra milt or egg if you want a richer broth; many places offer it as an add-on.
- Winter is the best season for it, when frozen pollock is traditionally eaten.
Goes with
- Rice
- Banchan
- Kimchi
- Soju
- Makgeolli
Where to try it in Seoul
Questions
- How do you order Pollock Stew in Korean?
- Say “동태탕 주세요” (Dongtaetang juseyo).
- Is Pollock Stew spicy?
- Yes — about 2 out of 5 on the spice scale.
- How much does Pollock Stew cost in Korea?
- Usually ₩10,000–23,000.
- How do you eat Pollock Stew?
- Spoon the fish, tofu and broth over your rice, or alternate spoonfuls of stew and rice. Pick out the soft fish meat carefully, since it has small bones.
Find Pollock Stew near you
Jinjja shows real local places, what to order and how to say it — in your language.