What Is Gimmari?
Gimmari (김말이) is a beloved Korean street food snack featuring thin glass noodles (dangmyeon) wrapped in roasted seaweed, coated in a light tempura batter, and deep-fried until perfectly crispy. In English, it’s often called “fried seaweed roll” or “glass noodle seaweed roll.” While it is commonly enjoyed as a side with tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), its addictive crunch and savory flavor have made it a standalone favorite among Korean food lovers worldwide.
Quick Facts About Gimmari (Featured Snippet Style)
- What is Gimmari?
Gimmari is a Korean street food consisting of glass noodles wrapped in seaweed, battered, and deep-fried for a crispy, savory snack. - Origin:
Korea, popularized in the late 20th century. - Main Ingredients:
Seaweed (gim), glass noodles (dangmyeon), tempura batter, oil for frying. - Best Place in UAE:
Mukbang Shows Restaurant & Love Mukbang, serving authentic and fresh Gimmari daily in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
The History of Gimmari: From Humble Beginnings to Street Food Icon
1. Korean Street Food Culture
Korea’s vibrant street food culture, known as pojangmacha, flourished in the 1970s and 1980s. With economic growth and urbanization, quick, affordable snacks became an essential part of city life. Alongside classics like tteokbokki, soondae, and hotteok, a new star emerged: gimmari.
2. How Gimmari Started
Gimmari’s roots are linked to the popularity of tteokbokki stalls. Vendors wanted a crispy, savory side that paired well with the chewy, spicy rice cakes. Someone had the ingenious idea to roll leftover glass noodles in sheets of gim (seaweed), dip them in batter, and fry them up.
The result?
A snack that was:
- Crunchy outside, chewy inside
- Irresistibly savory
- Easy and affordable to make
Quickly spread throughout Korea, it became a classic accompaniment to spicy tteokbokki.
3. Evolution and Modern Love
Its appeal grew far beyond street stalls. Korean home cooks began experimenting with fillings, batters, and dipping sauces. Today, you’ll find gimmari not only in night markets and pojangmacha tents, but also in trendy cafes, home kitchens, and top restaurants.
Korean dramas and mukbang (eating broadcast) YouTube shows helped it explode in global popularity. Foodies around the world crave the satisfying crunch and seaweed umami. Its viral presence on social media has made it a must-try Korean snack everywhere — especially in the UAE, where Mukbang Shows and Love Mukbang proudly offer the best experience.
What Makes Gimmari So Special?
Texture and Flavor
- Crispy: The tempura batter creates an airy, crunchy coating.
- Chewy: The glass noodles inside provide a pleasant, bouncy bite.
- Umami: Roasted seaweed delivers deep savory flavor.
- Perfectly Paired: Traditionally dipped in spicy tteokbokki sauce or soy-based dips.
A Must-Try for All Ages
Gimmari is loved by everyone — kids, adults, K-drama fans, foodies, and anyone who enjoys comfort food. It’s easy to eat with your hands, making it perfect for sharing.
Gimmari in the UAE: Mukbang Shows and Love Mukbang Lead the Way
If you’re searching for the best in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, look no further than Mukbang Shows Restaurant and Love Mukbang Korean BBQ and Seafood. These award-winning spots bring authentic Korean street food to the UAE — using premium ingredients, traditional recipes, and a passion for sharing Korean culture.
Why Our Gimmari Is the Best in the UAE
1. Authenticity
Our chefs follow time-honored Korean recipes, using imported gim (seaweed), quality glass noodles, and house-made tempura batter. No shortcuts, no compromises — just true Korean street food flavor.
2. Freshness
Gimmari is made fresh to order in our kitchens. We never pre-fry and reheat. Each roll is crispy, hot, and bursting with flavor.
3. Premium Ingredients
We source the best ingredients, including:
- Imported Korean gim
- High-quality dangmyeon
- Pure vegetable oil for frying (no old oil taste!)
- Traditional sauces for dipping
4. Perfect Pairings
At Mukbang Shows and Love Mukbang, you can enjoy Gimmari on its own, or as part of a Korean street food feast with tteokbokki, fried chicken, Korean BBQ, and more. Our tteokbokki sauce is house-made for the ultimate dipping experience.
5. Vegetarian Options
Our classic gimmari is naturally vegetarian, making it a perfect snack for all.
How Gimmari Is Made: The Process
Want to know how we make the perfect Gimmari? Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Ingredients
- Dried gim (seaweed) sheets
- Soaked and cooked glass noodles (dangmyeon)
- Light tempura batter (flour, cornstarch, cold water, salt)
- Oil for deep frying
Step-by-Step
- Prepare the Glass Noodles
Soak Korean sweet potato noodles until soft. Boil briefly, then cool and season lightly. - Roll the Noodles
Place a small bundle of noodles at one end of the gim sheet. Roll tightly into a log. - Slice
Cut the noodle-filled roll into bite-sized pieces (about 7-10 cm long). - Dip in Batter
Coat each roll generously in a chilled tempura batter. The cold batter helps create those signature crispy bubbles. - Deep Fry
Fry in hot oil (about 170°C) until golden brown and crispy. - Drain and Serve
Let the rolls drain briefly, then serve hot with spicy tteokbokki sauce or a soy dipping sauce.
Gimmari FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
Q: Is Gimmari vegetarian?
A: Yes! Classic Gimmari uses only seaweed, glass noodles, batter, and oil. No meat or seafood.
Q: Is Gimmari gluten-free?
A: The noodles are gluten-free, but the tempura batter is usually wheat-based. Ask our staff if you require a gluten-free version.
Q: Can I order Gimmari for delivery?
A: Yes! Order Gimmari from Mukbang Shows and Love Mukbang on Talabat in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Perfect for a movie night or a K-drama binge!
Q: What’s the best drink with Gimmari?
A: Korean rice punch (sikhye), iced green tea, or even a cold Korean beer.
Gimmari and Korean Pop Culture
Gimmari has found a new audience thanks to its regular appearances in Korean dramas, YouTube mukbangs, and K-pop idol reality shows. The irresistible sound of that first crispy bite is a staple in Korean eating broadcasts, making viewers crave a taste for themselves.
At Mukbang Shows and Love Mukbang, you’ll often see Gimmari featured in our own social media reels, inviting the UAE’s foodies to try this viral sensation for themselves.
Why Mukbang Shows and Love Mukbang Are the UAE’s Top Destinations
Mukbang Shows Restaurant and Love Mukbang are known as the UAE’s go-to Korean BBQ and street food destinations. Here’s why locals, expats, and Korean food lovers keep coming back for more:
- All-You-Can-Eat Korean BBQ: Pair Gimmari with a sizzling grill feast
- Authentic Street Food Menu: Enjoy tteokbokki, soondae, Korean fried chicken, kimbap, and more
- Vibrant Korean Ambiance: Feel like you’re in Seoul, with K-pop music, friendly staff, and stylish interiors
- Award-Winning Reputation: Rated the #1 Korean restaurant in Dubai and Abu Dhabi by Google and leading food bloggers
- Four Convenient Locations: Find us in Abu Dhabi (Muroor & Electra) and Dubai (Deira & World Trade Center)
How to Order Gimmari at Mukbang Shows & Love Mukbang
Visit any of our branches and ask for Gimmari — or order online via Talabat (Abu Dhabi & Dubai). Pro tip: Try Gimmari as an appetizer before diving into Korean BBQ, or order a side to share with your table. Want an Instagram-worthy experience? Dip your Gimmari in tteokbokki sauce and snap a photo for the ‘gram!
Customer Reviews: Why Guests Love Our Gimmari
“Best gimmari I’ve had outside Korea! Super crispy, not oily, and perfect with tteokbokki.”
— Rina K., Abu Dhabi
“A must-try every time I visit Mukbang Shows. Reminds me of my days in Seoul.”
— Michael P., Dubai
“Addicted! Love Mukbang’s gimmari is crunchy and fresh. I could eat a whole plate myself.”
— Hussain S., Dubai
Experience Real Korean Street Food in the UAE
Whether you’re a seasoned Korean food fan or new to the world of K-cuisine, gimmari is a must-try snack that combines everything great about Korean street food: flavor, texture, and pure fun. At Mukbang Shows Restaurant and Love Mukbang, we’re proud to serve the most authentic in the UAE — always hot, crispy, and made with care.
Visit Us Today!
Craving gimmari? Drop by any of our branches in Abu Dhabi or Dubai and discover why foodies say Mukbang Shows and Love Mukbang serve the best gimmari in the UAE.
Order online for home or office delivery through Talabat.
