Play-with-Korea

While Ramen 'with things' comes in many forms, this concoction used to be among my favorites. My wife, sister-in-law and I enjoyed this BuDaeJiGae (부대찌게) on a trip to Korea in the late summer of 2003. As always my trips to the 'mothership' entailed copious amounts of soju, which inevitably lead to many a morning hangover. However, these hangovers were always short lived thanks to the ready availability of a variety of hot, spicy soups such as KimChee JiGae, MaeUnTang, KamJaTang... and of course BuDaeJiGae!

Literally translated a 'BuDae' refers to a military installation, while 'JiGae' as refers to a soup or stew (ie KimChee Jigae). As the name suggests the components of this soup are were improvised from what could be salvaged from military rations including such wondrous American imports such as SPAM, ham and hotdogs. While Korea has come a long way from its post war days, this soup remains popular.