Nuance Dictionary / Drinking & Dining Culture
불맛 bul-mat
Fire taste; the highly sought-after smoky, wok-hei flavor in Korean-Chinese food
What does 불맛 mean?
불맛 (bul-mat) means: Fire taste; the highly sought-after smoky, wok-hei flavor in Korean-Chinese food.
The magical, slightly charred flavor that elevates any stir-fry or soup.
🎙️ 불맛은 표기 그대로 읽지 않아요 — 실제로는 [불맏]로 소리나요 (받침규칙). 발음 연습하기 →
How it's actually used
- 이 짬뽕은 국물에서 진한 불맛이 나서 진짜 맛있다.
I jjamppong-eun gukmul-eseo jinhan bulmat-i naseo jinjja masitda.
This jjamppong has a deep smoky flavor in the broth, so it's really delicious.
💡 Used to praise dishes that taste like they were cooked over an intense flame. - 직화로 구워서 그런지 고기에 불맛이 제대로 배었네.
Jikhwaro guwoseo geureonji gogie bulmat-i jedaero baeeonne.
Maybe because it was flame-grilled, the meat is properly infused with that smoky wok flavor.
💡 Highlights the appetizing char on grilled or stir-fried food. - 이 짬뽕은 국물에서 진하게 느껴지는 불맛 덕분에 훨씬 더 맛있네.
i jjamppongeun gukmureseo jinhage neukkyeojineun bulmat deukbune hwolssin deo masinne.
This jjamppong is so much more delicious thanks to the rich smoky flavor in the broth.
💡 Used to praise the authentic wok-charred flavor in dishes.
Related words in Drinking & Dining Culture
한턱내다 han-teong-nae-da치르다 chi-reu-da잔을 채우다 jan-eul chae-u-da잔이 비다 jan-i bi-da따르다 ttareu-da