From Disgusting to Delicious: This Food Item Was Once Sold on the Black Market

What was once ridiculed as "junk food" has now won hearts worldwide—Korean Army Stew (budae-jjigae) is taking the culinary scene by storm.

Initially criticized by foreigners for its canned ingredients, like Spam, the stew is now a beloved fusion dish globally recognized for its rich flavors. Combining traditional Korean seasonings like kimchi, gochujang, and garlic with ingredients such as processed ham, sausages, baked beans, and ramen noodles, budae-jjigae offers a bold, satisfying taste.

The dish, known internationally as "Korean Army Stew," has climbed into the top ranks of Korean food surveys among foreigners and become a staple menu item for food YouTubers and mukbang stars.

Even the White House chef was won over. In a 2023 Yum Korea YouTube episode, he initially hesitated, calling the dish "a mix of things that shouldn’t go together." But after one bite, he declared it “one of the best dishes I’ve ever had,” praising the harmony of flavors—cheesy macaroni, spicy seasoning, and the salty richness of Spam.

The stew’s roots trace back to the Korean War when food shortages led to creative combinations of U.S. military rations and local ingredients. Despite its humble beginnings, budae-jjigae has since evolved into a cultural icon, even inspiring international fans like German game commentator Wolf Schröder, who admits to eating it weekly and shares local tips like adding ramen early to preserve the broth's flavor.

While Spam is polarizing in its homeland, the U.S., as both a symbol of convenience and low-class stigma, it enjoys a premium status in Korea, even packaged as luxury holiday gifts. This cultural shift reflects the ingenuity of Korean cuisine, transforming war-time scarcity into a celebrated fusion dish.

From its unlikely ingredients to its global acclaim, budae-jjigae embodies the resilience and creativity of Korean culinary tradition, proving that even the most unconventional combinations can create something extraordinary.