
Galbitang is a traditional Korean soup made with beef short ribs, simmered for hours to create a clear, rich broth that’s deeply flavorful. The combination of Korean radish, onion, garlic, and ginger infuses the beef with layers of savory taste, making this dish both comforting and restorative.
What makes galbitang especially beloved is that it pairs perfectly with just a good serving of kimchi. This is why galbitang restaurants often serve some of the best kimchi -- they can focus solely on serving exceptional kimchi, rather than offering a variety of other side dishes.
While galbitang typically requires a bit of effort to remove the bones from the beef, Koreans don’t find it rude to use their hands to properly enjoy the meat.
A typical way to enjoy galbitang is by adding rice to the soup while savoring the tender beef, optionally with the dipping sauce provided at some restaurants. The final touch? A satisfying crunch of kimchi for the perfect balance of flavors.
Dating back over 800 years to the late Goryeo Dynasty, galbitang was once reserved for special occasions like royal banquets. Today, it’s a popular dish for Korean weddings and celebrations.
(Galbitang, beef short rib soup, Korean-style rib soup, traditional beef rib soup)