Ssyal's story starts with ginseng, not the restaurant itself. The family behind it first tried farming ginseng in Missouri, then relocated the operation to Woodstock, Illinois, when the Missouri climate didn't cooperate. That ginseng became the base of the restaurant's signature dish once it opened in Albany Park in 1988.
Samgye-tang is the centerpiece: a whole Cornish game hen stuffed with glutinous rice, jujubes, and whole garlic cloves, simmered and served in an earthenware bowl of ginseng broth. Around it, the menu runs through a range of Korean specialties, with the seafood pancake and bibimbap standing out as the dishes regulars keep ordering.
Ssyal has built a following for homestyle Korean cooking and attentive, friendly service, drawing crowds that fill the dining room at peak times. The restaurant has been included in The Infatuation's Chicago coverage.
Samgye-tang is the centerpiece: a whole Cornish game hen stuffed with glutinous rice, jujubes, and whole garlic cloves, simmered and served in an earthenware bowl of ginseng broth. Around it, the menu runs through a range of Korean specialties, with the seafood pancake and bibimbap standing out as the dishes regulars keep ordering.
Ssyal has built a following for homestyle Korean cooking and attentive, friendly service, drawing crowds that fill the dining room at peak times. The restaurant has been included in The Infatuation's Chicago coverage.