Taedong River Grey Mullet Soup

Taedong River grey mullet soup is a traditional clear soup that features pieces of flathead grey mullet. To make the soup, the cleaned fish (with skin intact) are cut into small pieces and salted before being boiled in water seasoned with black pepper and soy sauce.

Once done, the clear broth with chunks of fish can be seasoned with additional salt and soy sauce, depending on individual preferences. The soup is then poured into serving bowls and sprinkled with chopped scallions or cilantro on top, and it is typically enjoyed while still hot, with various accompaniments such as garlic, peppers, tofu, or red bean paste.

Flathead grey mullet was once abundant in the waters of the Taedong River, which flows through the country’s capital, Pyongyang, where this simple dish has been a part of the traditional local cuisine.