Is Sundubu Jjigae Vegetarian? (Soft Tofu Stew in Korea, Explained)

Sundubu jjigae (순두부찌개) is one of the most popular Korean stews. Because it contains tofu, many travelers assume it is vegetarian.

In reality, it usually is not.

Quick Answer

Most sundubu jjigae in Korea is not vegetarian.

The stew often uses anchovy or seafood broth, and many versions include seafood or egg.

However, there are a few situations where sundubu can be vegetarian — or even vegan.

Why Sundubu Jjigae Is Often NOT Vegetarian

The broth

The biggest issue is the soup base. Many restaurants use:

Anchovy broth (멸치육수)
Seafood broth (해물육수)
Sometimes beef-based broth

Even if the visible ingredients are tofu and vegetables, the broth often makes the stew non-vegetarian.

If you're curious about other hidden animal-based ingredients commonly used in Korean food, see this guide:

Hidden animal ingredients in Korean foods

Common toppings

Typical sundubu jjigae often includes:

Clams or shrimp
Oysters (seasonal)
Pork (in some versions)
A cracked egg on top

So ordering sundubu jjigae without asking questions will usually result in a non-vegetarian dish.

A typical spicy sundubu jjigae served in Korean restaurants.

A Completely Vegan Option: Plain White Sundubu (강릉식 초당 순두부)

At sundubu specialty restaurants, you may find a very simple dish: plain white soft tofu.

This version contains only:

Fresh soft tofu
Soy sauce on the side

This dish is naturally 100% vegan.

A famous example is Gangneung-style Chodang Sundubu (초당 순두부), which focuses on the pure taste of tofu without spicy broth.

Gangneung Chodang sundubu plain soft tofu Korean vegan dish

Gangneung-style Chodang sundubu highlights the natural flavor of tofu.

Deulkkae Sundubu (들깨순두부, Perilla Seed Soft Tofu)

Another option sometimes considered vegetarian is deulkkae sundubu.

This dish usually includes:

Soft tofu
Mushrooms
Perilla seed powder (들깨)

The flavor is nutty and mild.

However, one important detail remains:

Many restaurants still use anchovy broth.

So you should always confirm the broth before ordering.

How to Order Vegetarian Sundubu

If you are eating in a regular Korean restaurant, try asking:

고기 들어가요? (Does it contain meat?)
해물 들어가요? (Does it contain seafood?)
육수 뭐예요? (What broth is used?)

If possible, request:

고기 빼 주세요 (no meat)
해물 빼 주세요 (no seafood)
계란 빼 주세요 (no egg)

If the broth is premade, the restaurant may not be able to change it.

Final Answer

Most sundubu jjigae in Korea is not vegetarian.
Plain white soft tofu (초당 순두부) is naturally vegan.
Deulkkae sundubu(들깨 순두부) can sometimes be vegetarian.
Always confirm the broth before ordering.

If you want a broader overview of vegetarian Korean dishes, start here:

Which Korean Foods Are Actually Vegetarian?

You may also want to check this guide for another popular Korean dish:

Is Bibimbap Vegetarian?

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