Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup: A Michelin-Star “Food as Medicine” Experience
Picture 1: Bukchon Hanok Village — a residential neighborhood that was traditionally the residential quarter of high-ranking government officials and royal families.
Picture 2: Baeknyeon Tojong Samgyetang - a Michelin-starred restaurant renowned for its samgyetang (Korean ginseng chicken soup).
After a long day of strolling through the charming streets of Bukchon Hanok Village (picture 1), I arrived at Baeknyeon Tojong Samgyetang (picture 2) — a Michelin-starred restaurant renowned for its samgyetang (Korean ginseng chicken soup).
The Aroma (Mindful Eating)
As the server placed a boiling pot of samgyetang in front of me, the aroma immediately woke me up from my jetlag. It was an alluring scent of earthy herbs, subtle sweetness, and comforting richness. The ginseng stood out with its slightly bitter yet energizing aroma, balanced by the warm sweetness of jujubes and the earthy undertones of astragalus root.
This sensory experience was more than just a tease; believe it or not, it kicks off the digestion process before the first bite of food reaches the mouth. The sight and smell of food stimulate the sensory nerves, specifically our olfactory nerve (smell) and optic nerve (sight), signaling the brain to engage the parasympathetic nervous system, often known as the "rest and digest" system. This prepares the body for digestion and absorption—from stimulating saliva production that lubricates the food as it travels down the esophagus to releasing digestive enzymes that break down our food.
First Look: Deceptively Simple
The dish arrived in a simmering broth with ginseng as its base, a whole chicken, delicate slices of dried astragalus root, and plump jujubes peeking through. It appeared deceptively simple.
As I admired this dish, I wondered: Am I going to be full after this? Should I order a bowl of rice just in case? Spoiler alert: I didn’t need to.
First Taste: A Harmony of Flavors
I took the first sip of the broth, and an avalanche of flavors danced in perfect harmony on my palate. It was rich yet light. The bold, slightly bitter ginseng paired beautifully with the warming sweetness of jujube, while the nutty gingko seeds complemented the earthy depth of astragalus.
Just when I thought it couldn’t get better, the prunes added a caramel-like sweetness, and the perilla seeds brought a toasted mintiness that elevated the entire experience.
The Chicken: Tender and Flavorful
As I dug into the chicken, its fall-off-the-bone tenderness surprised me. The glutinous rice stuffing soaked up the herbal broth, making each bite both satisfying and nourishing.
The abalone added a touch of sophistication (regarded as a delicacy in Asian culture). Its briny flavor complemented the broth and added a subtle oceanic freshness.
Sides That Completed the Meal
Fermented garlic: Its crisp acidity cut through the broth’s richness, resetting the palate with each bite.
Kimchi: The spicy crunch added a bold contrast and served as a rich source of probiotics.
Pickled Radish: Cool and slightly sweet, it cleansed the palate and balanced the meal’s complexity.
Each pairing was deliberate, complementing the meal without overpowering its flavors. The dining experience transformed into an adventure, with each bite revealing new layers of flavor and texture.
Food as Medicine: The Health Benefits of Each Herbal Ingredient
This dish captured the essence of food as medicine, with each ingredient supporting holistic health.
Ginseng: increases energy and promotes radiant skin through rich antioxidant properties.
Astragalus root: strengthens the immune system and supports kidney function in filtering waste.
Gingko: improves memory by boosting brain circulation and reducing neuroinflammation.
Jujube: calms the mind and supports digestion and spleen function from a TCM perspective.
Prune: eases constipation due to its high fiber content.
Perilla seeds: an anti-aging spice rich in omega-3s and antioxidants that reduce inflammation and protect against oxidative stress.
Abalone: a yin-nourishing food rich in fatty acids, minerals, and antioxidants that supports youthful skin.
Glutinous rice: a rich source of sustenance and energy.
Nourishing Mind, Body, and Spirit with Michelin-Starred Samgyetang
As I finished the last spoonful, I felt profoundly nourished and restored. This dish was more than flavors — it was a celebration of tradition and the healing power of food. The balance of bitter, sweet, and earthy notes in Samgyetang revealed the ways a simple dish can be elevated into something extraordinary, one that enriches the mind, body, and spirit.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ever in Seoul Korea, be sure to visit Baeknyeon Tojong Samgyetang and immerse in the rich flavors and healing traditions of Korean ginseng chicken soup.
From the initial aroma to the last bite, every aspect invited me to slow down, savor, and appreciate the thoughtful pairings of each herb and ingredient. More than just a Michelin-starred meal, this was my chance to practice mindful eating and remember that nourishment starts with each meal — one bite at a time.