Food was very good. Authentic. We especially enjoyed the seafood pancake and the steamed eggs.

One of the best Korean restaurants in Chicago I've been to. Very authentic and tasted like home. read more

Ssyal - Kalbitang - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Came by for an early lunch. Service was pleasant, ambiance cozy and food was GREAT. I had wondered what an average Korean home cooked meal might be like after watching various series. Naturally I went looking and found this place which in my opinion delivers. Certainly will be back and btw Bulgogi was amazing. read more

Ssyal - Beef bulgogi and Spicy Rice Cake (Tteokbokki)..sides are delicious! - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Been craving this for so long and finally came to eat samgyetang and spicy pork belly. The food came really fast and the service is super good!! The food was delicious and perfect for a cold winter's day! Super authentic Korean food :)) read more

Ssyal - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

[Ssyal] A Michelin Recommended authentic Korean restaurant specializing in ginseng This is one of my favorite foods. Pictured is two different kinds of korean ginseng chicken soup (chicken stuffed with rice, herbs, ginseng, etc in a broth). One is the Ssyal Samgye Tang which is their regular and Cha-O-Reum Samgye Tang which is more of a medicinal herbal flavoring. Each soup is sort of naturally flavored and one can adjust their flavor of the soup with their specific fragrant salt that comes with the soup Also comes many side dishes such as kimchi, scallions, purple rice, etc Restaurant set-up inside was so nice and pristine 4201 W Lawrence Ave Chicago, IL 60630 read more

Ssyal - One is the Ssyal Samgye Tang which is their regular and Cha-O-Reum Samgye Tang which is more of a medicinal herbal flavoring - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Ventured out to the burbs to visit this mom and pop shop. It's currently open for dine in and the tables are all very spaced apart. It's quite a popular spot with a wait time of 1 party or so and a good amount of takeout customers. Food (8.5/10) Seafood pancake - Like everyone else, I ordered the seafood pancake. It was well worth. One of the better ones you can find in Chicago imo. The portion size is for 3-4 people. I'm ordering this every time I come back. Samgye Tang - I ordered the more deluxe version with the herbs for that extra soul healing. This dish is like American chicken noodle soup when you're feeling crummy or hungover - but better. Like actually, it's better for you. The broth and chicken are so clean without any unnecessarily added ingredients. The chicken is also stuffed with rice. It comes with onions and salt on the side. Galbi - this is a dish you can find anywhere. The marination and grilling were well done. I'd say the quality of the meat itself was standard. Comes on a bed of lightly sautéed onions. The side dishes were more fresh and higher quality than other Korean restaurants. However not as plentiful in variety as other establishments. As seen in my photos there were 4. Each person is given a bowl of rice. Atmosphere (7/10): I don't often eat out in the suburbs but you can tell this place does not have a commercialized setup and feel. It's very mom and pop. Very calm instrumental music covers playing in the background. I wouldn't bring a group of rambunctious friends here out of respect. Mainly families or couples from the area I assume dine here. The wait time for ordering can vary bc the grandma runs all the front end work (orders, serving, cashier, takeout) so be patient if you hit peak hours. Street parking was free and very accessible. Value (7.5/10): I'd estimate about $25-30 per person. Very reasonable considering the quality of the food. read more

See all

I love SSYAL. It's authentic with a traditional Korean menu that will sure please all taste buds of different ages! It's super cozy inside and the ladies remind me of my own Aunt and grandma. They take great care of you and make sure you have all the banchans and make sure you're never low! The grandmother is super sweet and she's so cute. You can't go wrong with whatever you order. All are solid but if it's your first time, you must try their Ginseng chicken soup. This Cornish hen soup is so soothing for the soul. Full of flavor with a rich broth that is full of healthy ingredients that is good for your health. They serve salt on side and you're supposed to garnish the broth per your taste. I suggest sprinkling a bit in the broth, and leaving the rest so you can dip the chicken lightly into the salt to enjoy it Korean style. I don't usually care for the pancakes but their pancake is my favorite in the city besides my own. Super crispy and comes out on a sizzling plate. I love their spicy chicken soup but it can take awhile so feel free to call ahead! This place is clean, and perfect for families, group of friends, and date nights. They also have a traditional Korean coffee machine by the entrance and it's the perfect end cap to your meal. Enjoy and always tip 20%!!!! read more

See all

Food & service is overpriced. 1) I have no idea how this place has been recommended by the Michelin Guide. Sorry, but my mom (+ all the other moms) cooks better and they should all be recommended too. 2) we ordered spicy rice cake for appetizer. I've had spicy rice cake in so many different places and I was disappointed that this didn't come with fish cakes. Note: menu description specifically says it comes with fish cakes. The rice cake was also over cooked. They should just take it out of their menu. 3) we went around 1:15PM ish and the place was not busy. Waited about 40 minutes for our food, which is understandable. Also waited about 20 minutes just to pay for our food and get out of there. read more

Ssyal - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

Highly recommend! Very good and local Korean food. Great place for family and friend gatherings. read more

Ssyal - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Only place to get Samgyetang in Chicago! Hot herbal chicken soup in the winter to warm your body read more

Ssyal - Spicy squid stir fry and Cha-O-Reum Samgye Tang - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

{just a heads up, I almost never give 5 stars} I had such a pleasant time here. First off, the people working here are very sweet. They make you feel so welcomed and so appreciated. That alone was warming. This was the first time here and really, my first time ordering Korean food. I asked for the ginseng chicken soup. And woah. It initially looked bland to the eye. It was also still boiling (which was actually pretty cool). But once I started to chow down, I quickly realized that the broth was quite complex and immediately knew this was made with love and care. I'm sure I made a fool of myself eating it but I did not care. It was damn good. I also later learned that this particular dish is extremely good for you; so win win! Long story short, go here and get the chicken ginseng soup. read more

Ssyal - Unreal. Just amazing food. Amazing broth and great side dishes. - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Building is from outside looks nothing special interior design is kind of old fashioned.Food is very authentic i had a chicken with ginseng soup and fish,it was delicious.I would recommend this place to people who like the soup most. read more

My boyfriend was sick with a nasty cold and sore throat and was in dire need of some good, nutritious soup.... so coming to Ssyal for lunch was an easy decision. The place was clean and quiet, despite a good number of people being there. Although the service was not very inviting, it was prompt and we were taken care of. He ordered the samgyetang (chicken ginseng soup), which was $16, and I ordered the soondubu (tofu stew), which was $10. The price is great for lunch especially with the amount side dishes and hot tea. The banchan comes when the entrees are ready to serve. Overall, everything tasted delicious. The samgyetang was absolutely wonderful: the chicken was tender, the soup was clear and flavorful, and it was filling! The soondubu was also quite good. There was a decent amount of seafood, but the egg is scrambled into the stew. I'm used to the egg being cracked into the bowl right before serving, but it is delicious either way. Looking forward to future visits here! read more

Ssyal - Chicken ginseng soup (top), banchan, and seafood tofu stew - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

I was so worried I would be late to the reservation because I was driving from out of town but she was very sweet. We had the seafood pancake and I had bulgogi and both were amazing! The sides were also delicious! The restaurant was spacious and very clean! I have nothing negative to say. read more

See all

We came here for dinner during Memorial Day. We ordered : Ginseng Milk shake, seafood pancake, Dae-gu Tang, and Ginseng chicken soup. The ginseng chicken soup was okay. ..could only taste some ginseng flavor and we forgot to put salt into our soup..lol I would NOT recommend the ginseng milk shake, it tasted pretty watery... The seafood pancake was the best dish of the overall, very crispy with the right amount of seafood on it. The Dae-gu Tang was okay , nothing special and I would not recommend. Service: service was good compared to other restaurants I have been...while I was taking pictures, one of the staffs came by & told us that if we check in and give reviews, they will offer free soda or dumplings. *They have free parking on the back. read more

See all

Was driving by passing by, heard many good things about it and it didn't disappoint. Tried bulgogi dolsot and it was phenomenal. Service is nice and environment cozy. Strongly recommend for someone who wants to try authentic Korean food. read more

Ssyal - Bulgogi dolsot - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Ordered a to go order of two soup orders and a japchae. I order from this place a lot usually just simple soup. I liked their japxhae before but it was made incorrectly. So this time, I specifically checked the menu online so I was making sure I ordered the dish I wanted, paid for what it should be. Unfortunately no mushrooms and veggies again in the japchae instead w peppers which I dislike. I called and told them they forgot to add couple ingredients, the lady just said they don't serve w mushrooms... the menu is wrong. so she just said ok three times :/ I prob won't come back. The purchase and tips are for supporting local businesses. But I guess I shouldn't have to do that in this location. Customer service and appreciation are important and easy to execute I believe. CHICKEN SOUP IS GOOD THO ;) read more

Visiting from Hawaii this was the best Korean food I've tasted in Chicago. You must try it! read more

See all

This is my favorite restaurant in Chicago. Everything is soo good ! should try samgye tang here. read more

Ssyal - Ssyal samgye tang and Dakdori Tang - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Homey, authentic Korean restaurant. The decor of the restaurant was very traditional with calming music and the space was spread out, clearly prioritizing customers' safety. I was heading somewhere so I grabbed a tteokbokki to go and it was scrumptious! They cooked it up in under 10 minutes (I was the only one in line to be fair) and when I had it almost an hour later it was still steaming hot! The sauce they used is more flavorful and spicy than sweet, which was the downfall of other restaurants I've had, and they definitely were generous with their vege and fishcake servings. Once covid dies down, I will be eager to return here with friends to dine in and try other items on their authentic menu! read more

Ssyal - Tteokbokki (spicy rice cake with fish cakes) - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Come here the service is amazing the Sam gyap tang is amazing and the Galbi tang is amazing. The lady is so nice too! read more

Ssyal - Everything is amazing!!!! - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I have been wanting to visit this restaurant for some time and was looking forward to Bibimbap. I even splurged and went for the stone pot and extra meat. When it arrived, there was no egg on top. When I finally asked about where the egg, the server was surprised and asked me if I wanted it for $2 extra. I get the egg crisis is going on, but this dish is meant to have the egg and if I was willing to go extra for the stone pot why wasn't I given the chance to add the egg? Honestly, I believe they assumed I didn't know how it should be prepared so leaving it off was intentional. read more

Just had dinner here for the first time - absolutely delicious! Loved the warm tea I was welcomed with & the food was fresh and so flavorful. 10 out of 10 would recommend! read more

Ssyal - Bibimbap - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is my new favorite place. I've only ordered the bibimbap because it's sooo good. I've been here twice for dine in. Each time we were the only people in the restaurant. There is no outdoor seating. I also ordered takeout once. I'll say the the dine in experience for the sizzling bibimbap is much batter than the takeaway but still good! read more

Ssyal - Takeaway Bibimbap - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

The two of us ordered the Jjim dak (Korean braised chicken). The dish was flavorful, and the chicken was very tender, but I kinda wish the meat absorbed more of the sauce (if that makes sense). We ordered the two serving size portion- and we were left very full with leftovers. The side dishes were OK - nothing spectacular - and a little disappointed that they didn't offer us as many. The main reason for the 3 stars is the service. The waitress was RUDE. I watched her push a cart of to-go boxes/bags to a customer, and when the child with the customer left his mask in the store and came back; she angrily pointed to it. To us; she was also not friendly at all. It kinda dampened the mood honestly. Overall, I still recommend this restaurant if you want decent Korean food- we enjoyed how clean the place was and how the food had that "homemade style". Def better than the traditional Korean food you find directly in the city. read more

Ssyal - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Best korean ginseng chicken soup meal I've had in Chicago. I visited two winters ago on one of the coldest nights and it warmed and healed my broken spirit. It was quite expensive (~$25 for a premium bowl), but it was worth it and I finished every bite even though it took me over an hour to slowly consume this boiling pot of soup. The ribs, the apps, and sides were just okay. I am looking forward to go back again this winter for seconds of the samgyetang! read more

super yummy and great service. will be back for sure! :) free dumpling if you post a picture read more

Ssyal - galbitang - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We have been coming here for long time. Great place. Their chicken soup is definitely a must try. read more

Ssyal - Fried dumpling - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

As a fan of Korean food, this place did not disappoint. I had the tofu stew and it was delicious. It is a bit on the pricier side, and it did take a bit for the food to arrive, but it is also one of the few nicer sit down restaurants in the area. Planning to go back and try their signature soup. read more

I got discharged from the hospital for digestive issues a week ago and this Cha-O-Reum Samgye Tang is what I love to eat when I am sick. It's soo flavorful, authentic, healthy and comforting! read more

Ssyal - Cha-O-Reum Samgye Tang is what I love to eat when I am sick. It's soo flavorful, authentic, healthy and comforting! - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Perfectly cooked Korean food, the dining is a simple aesthetic but the service is quick and the food is consistent.

We tried through Uber Eats. We did not try the chicken soup (maybe later). We had spicy pork bulgogi lunch box and Galbi Tang. The price was high for the meals and the food was good but a little too greasy for me. The portions of the kimchi was small considering the cost and even the extra kimchi ordered was small for the cost. Maybe we will try the soup and go to the restaurant for a better experience. read more

Ordered delivery and needless to say, it's a rip off. Got their kalbi tang (beef rib soup) the portion size is TINY compared to other Korean restaurants. $20 for a soup that doesn't taste like anything. Literally tastes like water with a hint of radish and green onion flavor. They gave 3 chunks of huge radishes and just 2 pieces of small ribs. Would not recommend ordering from this place. read more

Ssyal - Kalbi Tang - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Price - Expensive. 3/5 Japchae - Sweet. Nice portion. Could've sworn it was supposed to come with meat. Good dish, but not knock your socks off good. 4/5 Chicken Galbi - Spicy, but not overwhelming. Moist. Tons of chicken. Shareable. Somewhat sweet towards the end. 4/5 Cucumbers - Amazing 5/5 Slaw - Meh. Pretty bland 2/5 Ssyal is an authentic Korean restaurant that is welcome in the Chicagoland Area. It is highly rated, but I wasn't that impressed. The restaurant itself is small albeit not cramped like in yuppie areas. When I was there it was lifeless (a symptom of this relatively new COVID era) with me being the only person there aside from what I later discovered to be an employee eating at the table next to me. I believe they even asked for my vaccination card in-order for me to dine in. The presentation of the food is ok & for the most part the dishes are good except for the slaw. The bathroom is nice although there is an odd bench in there for some reason (is someone else supposed to wait there watching you while you do your business or what? Plus it's made out of pleather so no doubt it's soaked in whatever fluids have come out of people's bodies.) The apparent michelin recommendation comes with a price as some menu items will set you back. It's worth nothing that if your order liquor, they will give you the entire bottle or at least that's what they did for me. This makes sense because the prices are pretty much the same if not a little less than the retail bottle. At least now I have a bottle of Soju in my cellar. 3.5 out of 5 stars read more

See all

I got the dak dori tang which was super good, with lots of potatoes and meat. It's a spicy chicken stew, highly recommend. Would definitely come back in person soon to try other items on the menu. read more

Ssyal - Side dishes and kimchi - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

After spending a much needed day at King Spa recuperating, it was only appropriate to keep the healthy wellness train going with some Korean for dinner. I had heard of Ssyal for a while and finally got the opportunity to try it recently. Low and behold, I think I've found another great spot for Korean here in Chitown! Their call to fame comes down to their Ssyal Samgye Tang (1A), which is a whole chicken with ginseng, jujube, garlic, and mixed grain sweet rice in natural chicken broth. For $17, it was definitely sharable between 2-3 people. I gotta say that this soup blew our expectations right out of the water. The pieces of chicken were not only fragrant but tender and easily fell apart in our mouthes. This is an absolute must here. We also ordered some of their Spicy Pork Bulgolgi and Spicy Squid. The pork was some of the best I've had in Chicago and you absolutely get them served on a steaming stone plate mixed in with onions. Both dishes come with a side of rice and the small bowls they have here is something to note! My friend also ordered the Ginseng Milk Shake but wasn't too much of a fan of this drink. Too healthy I suppose! Ssyal ended up being a fantastic treat. With amazing service from our lovely waitress, we were well taken care of throughout the entire night. Even though we stretched passed their closing time, they did not rush us as we quickly wrapped up our meal. Definitely would recommend anyone looking for a great Korean restaurant to consider this joint. read more

See all

Ordered delivery via UberEats from Ssyal after hearing about the famous samgyetang. Was excited to try and loved the soup. It's relatively unsalted so definitely add salt or soy sauce to taste but the broth is great for a rainy Chicago day and the stuffed sticky rice inside the whole chicken was delicious. We also ordered the yukgaejang which as great as well and had a good amount of spice compared to the other Korean restaurants we typically order it from. read more

This place is a hidden gem!!! Can't go wrong with anything on their menu!! Their ban-Chan is always fresh, delicious and the presentation is outstanding! They also offer black rice which is my fav... many places do not have this option!!! The owner/server lady is extremely friendly, sweet and welcomes everyone with her warmth, smile and laughter!! Ambience of the restaurant is cozy, modern and clean!! Highly recommend this place!! read more

See all

I see that Ssyal Ginseng House offers delivery on Yelp, and I'm wondering how much money I could pay to get them to deliver to Minneapolis... Eating Ssyal's samgyetang brought me back to South Korea. Samgyetang is a whole chicken/hen stuffed with sweet rice, garlic, jujubes, and most importantly: ginseng. It's then stewed to fall-of-the-bone perfection in an herbal broth. You customize the salt/flavor with your own seasonings on the side. Fun fact: Koreans eat hot soup like this in the summer because they believe raising your internal temperature is best to combat hot external temps. But hey, I would eat samgyetang all day every day all year if I could. It's so comforting and nutritious. The service at Ssyal was fantastic and authentic. The menu is in both Korean and English, with what seemed to be an all-Korean staff. Service was really friendly, and I didn't have to wait long at all for the whole delicious spread (several banchan/side dishes included). I'll try to make this a stop on the way to/from O'Hare everytime I visit Chicago! read more

See all

Great spot to go when you need to warm your soul! Make sure to get a ginseng shake to round out your palette! read more

Ssyal - Spicy Pork Bulgogi, Soon Tofu Stew - Korean Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all