What's in it
Young chicken, glutinous rice, ginseng, garlic, jujubes.
More about Ginseng Chicken Soup
It comes bubbling in an earthenware pot, often with a small glass of ginseng liquor on the side. Take the sticky rice out of the chicken and stir it into the broth, and pull the meat apart with chopsticks. Some restaurants also offer versions with abalone or black-skinned chicken (ogolgye).
Good to know
Dip the chicken in the salt and pepper on the table.
Special diets and allergies
- Vegetarian: no — chicken is part of the dish.
- Pork: usually pork-free — meat is not halal unless the restaurant is certified.
- Allergens: Tree nuts.
Recipes vary between restaurants. If an ingredient matters to you, ask before you order — or show a diet card.
Quick answers
What is ginseng chicken soup?
A whole young chicken stuffed with sticky rice, ginseng, garlic and jujubes and simmered in broth. Koreans eat it on the hottest days of summer (Boknal).
Is ginseng chicken soup spicy?
No — it is not spicy.
Is ginseng chicken soup vegetarian?
No — chicken is part of the dish.
Does ginseng chicken soup contain pork?
Usually pork-free — meat is not halal unless the restaurant is certified.
What is ginseng chicken soup called in Korean?
삼계탕, pronounced “samgyetang”.