Jokbal

Jokbal is a beloved Korean dish made from pig's trotters, simmered in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and rice wine. The preparation begins by removing the hair from the trotters, cleaning them thoroughly, and then boiling them with various ingredients until they become tender. Once cooked, the trotters are deboned, sliced, and served with a side of fermented shrimp sauce, garlic, and spicy peppers.

This dish is typically enjoyed as a communal meal, where diners wrap the sliced trotters in lettuce along with sauces and vegetables. It's often paired with soju, a popular Korean alcoholic beverage. There are also some variations of this classic dish, including a spicy version known as buljokbal and a cold version called naengchae jokbal.

Nutritionally, jokbal is packed with gelatin, which is believed to be beneficial for your skin. It also contains methionine, an amino acid that may help reduce the effects of alcohol and prevent hangovers.

Jokbal is particularly popular in Seoul, especially around Dongguk University Station in Jangchung-dong. This area is famous for its numerous jokbal restaurants, many of which boast long histories and claim to be the original creators of the dish. These restaurants have even expanded their reach nationwide, offering delivery services so you can enjoy jokbal from the comfort of your home.