If you’ve ever seen Korean pancakes on the menu, the dish may not be quite what you expect. Rather than the flour, baking powder, milk, and egg mix you’re used to, Korean pancakes, or jeon, are pan-fried cakes made from a variety of savory ingredients. Before you order jeon at a Korean restaurant, learn more about the tasty dish from this guide.

What to Know About Jeon

A Brief History

Although the exact origin of the dish is unclear, the growing popularity of jeon came from rural Korea. On rainy days, farmers would stay inside and prepare the simple, inexpensive dish to eat with loved ones. It was paired with makgeolli, a Korean rice wine, to add some cheer to the dreary conditions. To this day, people still enjoy jeon in stormy weather. Some say that the sizzling of the spattering oil reminds them of the comforting pitter-patter of raindrops on window sills.

How to Eat It

Jeon is a versatile dish that can be prepared with a variety of ingredients, including chives, seafood, vegetables, meat, and kimchee. The main ingredients are coated in an egg and flour batter before being fried to a golden crisp in a pan. This warm, hearty dish can be served as a side item, main course, dessert, or anju, which is a snack served with alcohol. Jeon is often considered the most popular Korean food to accompany makgeolli.

When you order jeon at a Korean restaurant, it’ll already be cut into neat pieces for you and your tablemates. It’s typically served with a savory sauce that contains shoyu, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, roasted sesame seeds, and chopped red chili peppers.

Are you craving a hearty serving of jeon? Order a plate a la carte with family and friends when you visit New Shilawon Korean Restaurant in Honolulu, HI. For over 20 years, this eatery has curated an authentic menu that features delicious dishes, like bulgogi and kimchee stew. Their welcoming atmosphere and premium quality ingredients have made them a favorite among locals and visitors alike. View their menu online, or call (808) 944-8700 to make a reservation. Read customer reviews on Yelp, or follow the restaurant on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.