NYC: Budae Jjigae for lunch at Her Name is Han

NYC: Budae Jjigae for lunch at Her Name is Han

The other day, I met with April for lunch at Her Name is Han, which is one of April’s favorite places for authentic Korean food in the city. For lunch, many of the dishes from the dinner menu are available, but at a much cheaper price, so if you’re ok with waiting in line (there’s always a wait for lunch unless you manage to get a reservation in advance), this is a great place to go for lunch in Koreatown.

Last month, April and I had ordered Budae Jjigae as take-out from Her Name is Han, and it was delicious, so when I saw that they had a smaller version on the menu for lunch, I knew what I was having. Compared to many (or all) of the other dishes on the menu at Her Name is Han, Budae Jjigae is among the most unhealthy items, but if you’re in the mood, it’s oh so good. They call the lunch version Mini Budae Hot Pot in the menu, but it’s a decent-sized bowl, and more than enough for one hungry Sanne.

Budae Jjigae (or army stew, as it’s also called) is actually more of a winter dish. Post-Korean War, when food was scarce, locals got crafty by mixing leftover processed foods from the U.S. military bases, like spam, sausages, cheese, and canned beans, with traditional Korean ingredients like kimchi, tofu, and gochujang (red chili paste). This fusion gave birth to Budae Jjigae, which translates to “army stew.” It’s an eclectic fusion of two worlds with a pinch of a time long gone, resulting in a highly unique, and surprisingly delicious dish.

My guide to Korean food and restaurants in New York City >>

Her Name is Han, 17 E 31st St, New York, NY 10016

Book your hotel in New York City

There’s nothing like starting your day in New York City, with endless adventures waiting just outside your door. To get the best rates and the widest selection of hotels, I recommend booking well in advance of your stay.

Find the perfect place to call home while you're here:

I earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Let's keep in touch!

Want to know what’s going on behind the scenes? My weekly newsletter is where I share a more personal side of my life — the trips I'm planning, the recipes I'm cooking, and the everyday moments that don’t always make it to the blog. If you’d like to stay in the loop and get a first look at what’s happening behind the scenes at Mitzie Mee, I’d love for you to join. Just sign up below — I’ll save you a seat.

I don’t spam! Read my privacy policy for more info.

Mitzie Mee - Sanne

Hi, I'm Sanne and this is my blog about food & travel.

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Search in posts
Search in pages

New York City Blog

Ninja Air Fryer 4-in-1 Pro
$89.99

I’ve had really good experiences with the Ninja air fryers. They're easy to use, the quality feels solid, and the results are consistently great. I’ve had really good experiences with the Ninja air fryers. They’re easy to use, the quality feels solid, and the results are consistently great. I like that you don’t have to fuss around with settings to get good food out of it. Vegetables turn out crisp without drying out, and chicken comes out juicy with a nice golden crust. It’s one of those kitchen gadgets that actually lives up to the hype and ends up being used all the time.

I earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
10/05/2025 08:01 pm GMT
Ninja NC301 CREAMi Ice Cream Maker
$187.49

The Ninja CREAMi is hands down the best ice cream maker I’ve tried. What I really like is the texture. The ice cream comes out so smooth and creamy, better than anything I’ve managed with other machines. It’s also incredibly easy to use: you prep your base, freeze it overnight, and then let the CREAMi do the rest. With several one-touch programs, you can make ice cream, sorbet, gelato, milkshakes, or even smoothie bowls, and the re-spin function lets you make your batch softer if you prefer. You can go all in with decadent gelato, or make lighter, low-sugar or dairy-free versions. You can even add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate, nuts, or fruit to make it your own. It’s a fun, reliable machine that makes experimenting with flavors at home so much more exciting.

I earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
10/05/2025 08:01 pm GMT