Food Guide
10 Delicious Comfort Foods Perfect for Cold Korean Winter Nights
Mark
January 1, 2025
As the temperature drops and the chill of winter settles in, there’s nothing more satisfying than a warm, hearty meal to ward off the cold. Across the globe, every culture has its own unique way of embracing the season through food. From steamy soups to rich stews and savory snacks, winter comfort foods offer more than just nourishment—they provide a sense of warmth, tradition, and togetherness.
In this series, we’re taking you on a culinary journey to explore some of the world’s most beloved winter comfort foods, featuring iconic dishes from Korea and beyond. Each of these dishes embodies the heart and soul of its respective culture, carrying with it a rich history and deep connection to home and heritage. From the fiery spice of Korea’s Kimchi Jjigae to the slow-simmered luxury of French Beef Stew, each dish tells a story of flavor, warmth, and togetherness.
Join us as we highlight 10 iconic comfort foods from Korea and other corners of the world that are perfect delivery options for cold Korean winters. From cozy bowls of noodle soup to hearty stews and savory braises, these dishes are a celebration of the flavors and traditions that bring people together when it’s cold outside. Discover new favorites, satisfy your cravings, and maybe even get inspired to try a few of these heartwarming classics for yourself.
Discover the ultimate winter comfort foods you can have delivered straight to your door with Shuttle.
A quintessential Korean winter comfort food, Kimchi Jjigae (김치찌개) is a rich, hearty stew made with aged kimchi, tofu, pork (or other protein), and vegetables. This dish is beloved for its bold, tangy flavor and warming spiciness, which make it especially satisfying during the colder months. The origins of Kimchi Jjigae are rooted in Korea’s practice of fermenting vegetables to preserve them through harsh winters. The deep, complex flavors of aged kimchi are best highlighted in this hot, bubbling stew served family-style in a stone pot—the perfect soup for snowy evenings in Korea.
Kimchi Jjigae holds a deep cultural significance as a symbol of comfort and tradition in Korean life. For locals, it embodies the resourcefulness of using aged kimchi to create a hearty, flavorful dish that warms both the body and soul, often shared during family meals. For expats, it offers a gateway to experiencing the bold, authentic flavors of Korean cooking while fostering a connection to the country’s rich culinary heritage.
📍Seoul, Yongsan-gu, Itaewon - Kimbap Cheonguk - Hannam,📍Gyeonggi-do, Pyeongtaek, Osan Air Basee - Miyoung’s Kimchi Stew, 📍Gyeonggi-do, Pyeongtaek, Camp Humphreys - Doure, Korean Frying, Woonbong BBQ, 📍Seoul, Mapo-gu, Hongdae - Noodle & Stew
Learn more about Kimchi Jiggae, a spicy Korean favorite, and other Korean winter comfort foods available for pickup & delivery on Shuttle.
Tteok Manduguk (떡만두국) is a traditional Korean rice cake soup typically enjoyed during Seollal (Lunar New Year), but it’s also a beloved winter comfort dish. The soup’s main ingredient is chewy white rice cakes (tteok) simmered in a savory beef or anchovy broth. Tteokguk symbolizes new beginnings, as eating it is believed to "add a year to your life." Its warm, filling nature and cultural significance make it a cherished dish during the coldest time of the year.
Tteok Manduguk holds deep cultural significance in Korean life, particularly as a traditional dish enjoyed during Seollal (Lunar New Year). For locals, it symbolizes new beginnings and family togetherness. For expats, it offers a meaningful way to connect with Korean culture, blending the warmth of shared meals with the rich traditions of the holiday season.
📍Seoul, Yongsan-gu, Itaewon - Dami Mandu, Kimbap Cheonguk - Hannam, 📍Gyeonggi-do, Pyeongtaek, Osan Air Base - Over the Rice 📍Gyeonggi-do, Pyeongtaek, Camp Humphreys - Ko Bongmin Gimbabin, 📍Seoul, Mapo-gu, Hongik University - Noodle & Stew
Learn more about Mandu Tteokguk, a Korean favorite, and other Korean winter comfort foods available for pickup & delivery on Shuttle.
Beef stew is a timeless comfort food that has been embraced by many cultures, but two of the most iconic versions hail from France and Ireland. France's Boeuf Bourguignon is a luxurious stew from the Burgundy region, known for its slow-cooked beef simmered in red wine with mushrooms, carrots, onions, and bacon. The use of Burgundy wine reflects the area's rich winemaking tradition, and the slow cooking process creates a tender, deeply flavorful dish. On the other hand, Irish Stew takes a more rustic approach, originally made with lamb or mutton, but often featuring beef in modern versions. With hearty ingredients like potatoes, carrots, and onions, Irish Stew is simple, wholesome, and filling—a reflection of Ireland’s agrarian past and a practical way to make the most of available ingredients during colder months. While Boeuf Bourguignon embodies French culinary refinement, Irish Stew represents the rustic warmth of home-cooked tradition, but both offer the same promise of warmth, sustenance, and rich, hearty flavor.
For the French: Beef stew, especially Boeuf Bourguignon, is a symbol of French culinary tradition and regional pride. Originating in Burgundy, it highlights the importance of local ingredients like red wine and slow-cooked beef, reflecting the French values of craftsmanship and refinement. Often served during family meals, it embodies comfort, heritage, and the artistry of rustic cooking.
For the Irish: Irish beef stew represents the country’s agrarian heritage and the resourcefulness of its people. Traditionally made with simple ingredients like potatoes, carrots, and lamb or beef, it is a hearty, nourishing dish that has long been a staple of rural Irish life. Today, it symbolizes warmth, hospitality, and the enduring connection to Ireland’s culinary roots.
📍Gyeonggi-do, Pyeongtaek, Osan Air Base - First Responder's Irish Pub
Learn more about Beef Stew, French and Irish favorites, and other European winter comfort foods available for pickup & delivery on Shuttle.
While ramen (ラーメン) is enjoyed year-round in Japan, it’s especially comforting during the winter months. This savory noodle soup features a rich broth (tonkotsu, miso, soy, or shio), tender noodles, and a variety of toppings like chashu pork, eggs, and vegetables. Ramen’s origins date back to Chinese noodle soups, but it has since evolved into a beloved Japanese cultural icon. The warmth of the broth, the heartiness of the noodles, and the customizability of the dish make it a go-to meal for winter nights.
For the Japanese, ramen is more than a meal—it’s a cultural icon and a beloved winter comfort food. Its steamy broth provides warmth and nourishment during Japan’s cold winters, making it a staple for staying cozy. Beyond its practical appeal, ramen reflects Japan’s culinary adaptability, evolving from Chinese noodle soups into a dish celebrated across regions, each with its unique local flavors and traditions.
📍Gyeonggi-do, Pyeongtaek, Osan Air Base - Misawa Base, June's Ramen & Fried Rice, Terry & Ramen, 📍Seoul, Seodaemun-gu, Yonsei University - Onigiri & Lee Gyudong 📍Busan, Haeundae-gu, Marine City - Onigiri & Lee Gyudong
Learn more about Ramen, and other Japanese winter comfort foods available for pickup & delivery on Shuttle.
Shakshouka (شكشوكة) is a rich, savory dish made by simmering eggs in a spiced tomato and pepper sauce. Originating from North Africa and later popularized in Egypt, Israel, and the Middle East, it’s a warming dish that’s often enjoyed for breakfast, but its hearty nature makes it suitable for any meal. The bold flavors of cumin, paprika, and garlic add to its appeal as a cold-weather comfort food, especially when served with crusty bread for dipping.
Shakshouka holds cultural significance in Tunisia and North Africa as a hearty, warming dish that brings families together, especially during colder months. Its rich, spiced tomato base and simple ingredients reflect the region's reliance on flavorful, accessible staples, making it a symbol of resourcefulness and culinary tradition. Often served with fresh bread for dipping, shakshuka embodies the communal and comforting nature of North African dining, providing both nourishment and a sense of connection.
📍Gyeonggi-do, Pyeongtaek, Camp Humphreys - Red Onion
Learn more about Shakshouka, and other North African winter comfort foods available for pickup & delivery on Shuttle.
Jjamppong (짬뽕) is a fiery noodle soup filled with a rich, spicy broth made from seafood, pork, vegetables, and chewy wheat noodles. The heat from the chili-laced broth provides a warming experience that contrasts perfectly with Korea’s cold winters. As a Korean-Chinese hybrid dish, it offers a unique fusion of Chinese stir-frying techniques with Korean spice. This dish is especially popular during the colder months when people crave something spicy, hot, and filling.
Jjampong is a comfort food for Koreans, renowned for its bold flavors. It is a favored blend of Korean and Chinese cooking. For locals, it represents a hearty, spicy meal often shared with friends or family, especially on cold days. For expats, navigating the world Jjamppong is a bit of a crapshoot—it comes in a million different ways (typically with some variation of seafood) as there is a shop for Jjampong/Jajangmyeon in almost every neighborhood in Korea. It’s an adventurous way to experience Korea’s love for fusion cuisine.
📍Gyeonggi-do, Pyeongtaek, Osan Air Base - Bonjuk & Bibimbap, 📍Seoul, Seodaemun-gu, Yonsei University - Onigiri & Lee Gyudong,📍Busan, Haeundae-gu, Marine City - Onigiri & Lee Gyudong
Learn more about Jjamppong, and other Korean Chinese winter comfort foods available for pickup & delivery on Shuttle.
Pho (Phở) is Vietnam’s most iconic dish and a wintertime comfort for people all over the world. Made with a fragrant beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, fresh herbs, and thinly sliced meat, Pho is as aromatic as it is hearty. While it’s eaten year-round in Vietnam’s generally warm climate, Pho’s steamy, aromatic nature makes it especially appealing on cold or rainy days. Its origins trace back to French colonial influence on Vietnamese cuisine, and it’s now enjoyed globally as a winter warmer.
Pho is deeply ingrained in Vietnamese culture as both a national dish and a symbol of warmth and togetherness. Traditionally enjoyed as a breakfast food, its aromatic broth and fresh herbs bring comfort during cooler mornings or rainy days.
📍Seoul, Yongsan-gu, Itaewon - Pho 88, +84 Authentic Vietnamese, Quynh, Vietnamese & Thai Cuisine, 📍Seoul, Seodaemun-gu, Sinchon - Honghoa, 📍Seoul, Mapo-gu, Mangwon - Taste of Viet,📍Gyeonggi-do, Pyeongtaek, Osan Air Base - Pho Mein, Pho 79, Pho Ho Chi Minh, 📍Gyeonggi-do, Pyeongtaek, Camp Humphreys - Pho Vietnam
Pho Bo (Beef) - The most popular version, made with a savory, aromatic beef broth and served with rice noodles, thinly sliced beef, and fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, and green onions.
Pho Ga (Chicken) - A lighter variation featuring a fragrant chicken broth, tender chicken slices, rice noodles, and fresh herbs, offering a milder yet flavorful alternative to beef pho.
Pho Chay (Vegetarian) - A plant-based version made with a vegetable broth, tofu, and an assortment of fresh vegetables, providing a wholesome and light option for vegetarians.
Pho Hai San (Seafood) - A seafood twist on pho, combining shrimp, squid, and other seafood in a subtly spiced broth, complemented by rice noodles and fresh herbs.
Learn more about Pho, and other Korean Chinese winter comfort foods available for pickup & delivery on Shuttle.
Known for its hot and sour flavor, Tom Yum (ต้มยำ) soup is a warming delight from Thailand. Made with fresh ingredients like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chili peppers, it’s a spicy and aromatic dish that’s perfect for warding off the chill of cooler weather. While Thailand’s climate is tropical, the soup’s intense spiciness makes it a satisfying meal when temperatures dip. The combination of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors creates an invigorating experience.
Tom Yum is a cornerstone of Thai cuisine, celebrated for its bold, hot-and-sour flavors that perfectly balance spice, tang, and aroma. Thailand’s tropical climate means winters are pretty mild, but Tom Yum’s invigorating mix of chili, lemongrass, and lime is often enjoyed during cooler weather to bring warmth and comfort.
📍Seoul, Yongsan-gu, Itaewon - Buddhas Belly, Vietnamese & Thai Cuisine, 📍Seoul, Yongsan-gu, Yongsan - Ssong Thai,📍Seoul, Seodaemun-gu, Ehwa University - Thai Story,📍Seoul, Seocho-gu, Gangnam - Amazing Thai, 📍Seoul, Mapo-gu, Hongdae - Tuk Tuk Noodle Thai,📍Gyeonggi-do, Pyeongtaek, Osan Air Base - Sawatdee, Pad Thai Restaurant, Hata, Lanna Restaurant, 📍Gyeonggi-do, Pyeongtaek, Camp Humphreys - Eathai, Lanna Thai, Taste of Thailand, 📍Busan, Haeundae-gu, Haeundae - Thai Back Street
Tom Yum Goong (Shrimp) - The most famous version, made with shrimp as the main protein, features a rich broth infused with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, chili, and lime juice for a perfect balance of spicy, sour, and aromatic flavors.
Tom Yum Talay (Mixed Seafood) - A robust version combining shrimp, squid, mussels, and sometimes fish, delivering ocean-inspired flavors while maintaining the classic spicy and sour notes.
Tom Yum Nam Khon (Creamy Broth) - A rich variation made with evaporated milk or coconut milk, giving the soup a creamy, slightly sweet texture that’s indulgent and hearty.
Learn more about Tom Yum, and other warming Thai foods available for pickup & delivery on Shuttle.
Feijoada (feijoada à brasileira) is Brazil’s national dish, a black bean stew cooked with pork, beef, and sausages, served with rice, collard greens, and orange slices. The dish’s origins are linked to Portuguese colonial influences and Afro-Brazilian culinary traditions. While it’s often served on weekends as a communal meal, its warm, smoky flavor and thick texture make it a classic winter comfort food.
Feijoada is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of community and tradition in Brazil, often bringing families and friends together over long, leisurely lunches. For locals, it embodies a deep connection to the country’s Afro-Brazilian and Portuguese heritage, reflecting resilience and creativity in its use of humble ingredients. For expats, enjoying feijoada offers a delicious gateway into Brazil’s rich culture and its emphasis on sharing food as an expression of warmth and hospitality.
📍Seoul, Yongsan-gu, Itaewon - Tabom Brazil
Learn more about Feijoada, and other Brazilian foods available for pickup & delivery on Shuttle.
Sundubu Jjigae (순두부찌개) is a spicy Korean soft tofu stew that is especially popular during the cold winter months. Made with uncurdled tofu (sundubu), seafood or meat, vegetables, and a rich gochugaru (red chili powder) broth, it is served boiling hot in a stone pot. This dish is known for its silky, melt-in-your-mouth tofu and its deeply flavorful, spicy broth. The dish traces its origins back to the Joseon Dynasty and has since become a staple of Korean cuisine. Often topped with a raw egg that cooks in the residual heat, Sundubu Jjigae is a warm, hearty meal that brings comfort and warmth on even the coldest winter days.
Sundubu Jjigae holds deep cultural significance for Koreans as a symbol of comfort and warmth, often enjoyed as a communal meal that brings families and friends together. For locals, it reflects the simplicity and resourcefulness of Korean cuisine, showcasing humble ingredients elevated through bold flavors. For expats, Sundubu Jjigae offers an authentic and approachable introduction to Korea’s rich culinary heritage, with its spicy, hearty flavors providing a sense of home and warmth during colder months.
📍Gyeonggi-do, Pyeongtaek, Camp Humphreys - Ko Bongmin Gimbap, Doure
Learn more about Sundubu Jjigae, and other spicy Korean stews perfect for a Korean winter day, available for pickup & delivery on Shuttle.
These iconic dishes showcase some of the best of winter comfort foods from Korea and around the world. From the rich broths of Ramen, Jjamppong, and Pho to the hearty stews like Feijoada and Beef Stew, these dishes offer warmth and nourishment in every bite. Whether you're craving the bold, spicy heat of Tom Yum or the silky smooth texture of Sundubu Jjigae, these meals bring the perfect blend of flavor, tradition, and heartiness straight to your table. Winter is the season for warmth and connection, and these dishes offer just that. Get them delivered to your door and experience the joy of global comfort foods without leaving home by downloading the Shuttle app.
Korean winters call for hearty, warming dishes that bring comfort and flavor to cold days. From the fiery spice of Kimchi Jjigae to the creamy richness of Sundubu Jjigae, these beloved Korean favorites are the perfect way to stay cozy and satisfied throughout the season.
What are your favorite winter comfort foods to order on Shuttle?
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