I’ve never been the biggest fan of clear, delicate soups. I tend to crave bolder flavours. That’s probably why Korean soups have such a special place in my heart. They’re rich, robust and satisfying, and gamjatang is one of the best examples of that.
For the uninitiated, Gamjatang or pork back-bone stew is a spicy Korean soup made from the spine or neck bones of a pig. It often contains potatoes, cellophane noodles, greens, perilla leaves, green onions, hot peppers and ground perilla seeds. They are robust, spicy, and pure comfort in a bowl.
Even though we’re heading into spring, the evenings are still chilly and call for something warming and a bubbling bowl of gamjatang always hits the spot.
Over the years, I’ve discovered a few spots on the Shore that consistently deliver when the craving strikes. Here are my go-to places:
Sang Sang, Glenfield
Known for their sotbap (stone pot rice), Sang Sang is a place to check out . The highlight here is their rice that is cooked in its own pot with ingredients on top. The finale is pouring in hot water to the crust left at the bottom of the pot for nurungi which is like a palette cleanser and meant to help with digestion. Although the star here is the sotbab, don’t miss out on their gamjatang - it’s full of flavour and easily one of the best on the Shore.
Sang Sang 8b/111 Bentley Avenue, Glenfield, Auckland 0629
The Place, Takapuna
Right in the heart of Takapuna, The Place is a favourite for a wide range of Korean eats. Their gamjatang is rich and comforting . The perfect reward after a walk on the beautiful Takapuna beach when you need something to warm you up.
The Place Shop 10 78/62 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland 0622
JangTeo, Wairau
If you’re after that homely, authentic Korean food, JangTeo nails it. Their gamjatang tastes like it’s been simmered in someone’s kitchen - robust, comforting, and wonderfully unpretentious. A bonus is their spread of banchan (possibly one of the best in town)
Jang Teo Korean Restaurant 75 View Road, Wairau Valley, Auckland 0627
Mandurang, Northcote
Not the most fancy but with an old Korean charm, Mandurang is usually where I head for their signature kimchi mandu and chewy jeol myun noodles (the perfect combo), but their gamjatang still deserves a mention. It’s not my first pick here, but it’s solid enough to satisfy if you’re in the mood.
Mandurang Northcote 31 Pearn Place, Northcote 0627
Hongdae, Rosedale
If gamjatang is all you want, Hongdae is the place.The menu leans heavily on pork dishes but Gamjatang is their speciality, available in individual bowls or hearty sharing pots. The broth is bold and spicy, with plenty of meat on the bones. The only Step inside and you’ll find the place packed with Koreans, which is always a good sign .It feels like you’re being dropped straight into a Seoul street eatery.
Hongdae Korean Restaurant
3/4 Arrenway Drive, Rosedale, Auckland 0632
