Japchae (잡채, listed as Japche on our menu) is a Korean dish of glass noodles with beef and mixed vegetables. At Han Kitchen, Baumackerstrasse 46 in Zurich-Oerlikon, it costs CHF 28.90; the vegetarian version with vegetables only is CHF 24.90. Enjoy it in the restaurant or take it away.
What is japchae?
Japchae is one of Korea’s best-loved noodle dishes. The name combines “jap” (mixed) and “chae” (vegetables): it started life as a vegetable dish, and the glass noodles that define it today were added later. In Korea it is a classic at family gatherings, birthdays and holidays.
The noodles, called dangmyeon, are traditionally made from sweet potato starch. They turn translucent when cooked, have a springy, slightly chewy bite and very little flavour of their own – which is exactly why they soak up soy sauce and sesame so well.
How we serve japchae
Our Japche comes exactly as the menu describes it: glass noodles with beef and a mix of vegetables. Like all the beef and pork in our Korean dishes, the beef is from Switzerland.
Japche is not marked as spicy on our menu, which makes it a good place to start if Korean food is new to you – and a great dish to share when the table orders several plates.
Vegetarian japchae for CHF 24.90
If you don’t eat meat, go for the vegetarian version (야채 잡채): glass noodles with mixed vegetables and no beef, for CHF 24.90. Vegetables have always been at the heart of japchae, so this is a dish in its own right rather than a stripped-down substitute. Our team is happy to answer questions about ingredients or allergens.
What goes well with japchae?
In Korea, japchae is traditionally served at celebrations and family meals, often as one of several dishes on the table. It works the same way here: if you are ordering for two, japchae sits nicely next to something punchier such as kimchi jeyuk bokkeum (CHF 32.90) or alongside sushi. To start, try miso shiro (CHF 6.00) or edamame (CHF 7.00). Japche is not marked as spicy on our menu – a good choice if someone at the table prefers milder food.
Takeaway or dining in
Japchae is also available to take away. Call us on 077 268 20 80 and collect it during opening hours at Baumackerstrasse 46, or simply drop in and order on the spot. We do not offer delivery. To eat in, book a table online or by phone – we are open Tuesday to Friday for lunch and dinner, on Saturday evenings and on Sunday from 1 pm.
