10 Must-Try Korean Street Food Dishes That Will Make You Drool
Imagine walking down the streets of Seoul, surrounded by the aroma of sizzling meat, spicy sauces, and sweet pastries. You see colourful stalls and carts offering a variety of snacks and dishes that tempt your taste buds. What are you waiting for?
Experience Korean street food and explore its popular flavours and textures.
This article introduces you to 10 must-try Korean street food dishes that satisfy your cravings and make you want to book a flight to Korea immediately.
Tteokbokki (Spicy Stir-fried Rice Cakes)
What is it?
Tteokbokki is one of Korea’s most iconic and beloved street foods. This dish encompasses chewy rice cakes cooked in a fiery red sauce made from gochujang (Korean chilli paste), sugar, soy sauce, and other seasonings. You often find fish cakes, boiled eggs, scallions, and cheese as toppings or additions.
Why should you try it?
Tteokbokki promises a mouth-watering experience with a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savoury flavours. The rice cakes offer a satisfying texture, contrasting with the soft fish cakes and the gooey cheese. Besides, Tteokbokki comes at a very affordable price and fills you up nicely, making it a great snack or meal on the go.
Where to find it?
You find Tteokbokki almost everywhere in Korea, from street vendors to restaurants to convenience stores. Notable places to try it include Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town, where you can customize your own Tteokbokki with various ingredients, and Myeongdong Street, offering Tteokbokki along with other street foods like fried chicken and hot dogs.
Hotteok (Sweet Stuffed Pancakes)
What is it?
Hotteok, a type of pancake, comes stuffed with a sweet filling and fried until golden and crispy. The filling usually consists of brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, nuts, and seeds. Still, you also find savoury versions with cheese, vegetables, or meat. Hotteok is typically served hot and cut into bite-sized pieces.
Why should you try it?
Hotteok presents a treat that warms your heart and soul. It boasts a crunchy exterior and a gooey interior that melts in your mouth.
The filling delivers a rich and aromatic essence with hints of caramel and spice. Especially popular in winter, Hotteok warms you up from the cold. It also comes cheap and easy to eat, making it a perfect snack for any occasion.
Where to find it?
You find Hotteok at many street stalls and markets in Korea, particularly in tourist areas like Insadong and Namdaemun. Some of the best places to try it include Bora Hotteok, which offers different flavours of Hotteok, like green tea and red bean, and Seocho Hotteok, where you enjoy Hotteok with ice cream.
Gimbap (Seaweed Rice Rolls)
What is it?
Gimbap is a delightful dish comprising cooked rice and various fillings wrapped in dried seaweed sheets. The fillings range from ham, cheese, tuna, egg, carrot, cucumber, spinach, radish, kimchi, and more.
Cut into bite-sized pieces, Gimbap serves with soy sauce or mustard sauce, offering a palette of flavours in every bite.
Why should you try it?
Gimbap holds a unique blend of nutritious, delicious, and versatile attributes. Each bite delivers a combination of different flavours and textures that complement each other beautifully.
The seaweed adds a salty and savoury touch, while the rice creates a soft and sticky base. The colourful and crunchy fillings add to the dish’s appeal, making Gimbap a portable and convenient choice for picnics, lunch boxes, or road trips.
Where to find it?
Gimbap graces many street stalls, convenience stores, restaurants, and supermarkets across Korea. Some notable places to try are Gimbap Heaven, where over 30 types of Gimbap await, and Gimbap Cheonguk, where you can relish Gimbap with soup or noodles.
Odeng (Fish Cake Skewers)
What is it?
Odeng, also known as Eomuk, presents a fish cake shaped into flat or tubular pieces and skewered on wooden sticks. The dish is in a broth seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, onion, and other spices. It is typically served with a spicy dipping sauce and a cup of warming broth.
Why should you try it?
Odeng offers a simple yet satisfying palate. Its mild and savoury flavour pairs well with the spicy sauce and the warm broth. The fish cake holds a springy and chewy texture that delights the senses. Also, Odeng is a cheap and filling option, making it a great snack or meal on a budget.
Where to find it?
Odeng finds its place at many street stalls and carts in Korea, especially near subway stations, bus stops, and schools. Some of the best places to try it include Busan Fish Cake Alley, where different varieties of Odeng from various regions await, and Myeongdong Odeng Street, where Odeng pairs with other street foods like Tteokbokki and Soondae.
Bungeoppang (Fish-shaped Bread)
What is it?
Bungeoppang unveils a bread shaped like a fish filled with sweet red bean paste. Made from batter poured into a fish-shaped mould and cooked until golden and crispy, Bungeoppang usually sells in pairs or bags of four or six.
Why should you try it?
Bungeoppang promises a treat that brings a smile to your face. Its cute appearance and delicious taste make it irresistible. The bread is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, while the red bean paste is smooth and sweet. Especially popular in winter, Bungeoppang warms you up from the cold. It’s also cheap and easy to eat, making it a perfect snack for any occasion.
Where to find it?
Bungeoppang is available at many street stalls and markets in Korea, particularly in tourist areas like Hongdae and Dongdaemun. Some of the best places to try it include Bungeoppang Master, where different flavours like custard, chocolate, and cheese await, and Bungeoppang Cafe, where Bungeoppang pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea.
Dakkochi (Chicken Skewers)
What is it?
Dakkochi invites you into a realm of grilled chicken pieces skewered onto wooden sticks. The chicken gets a marination treat with various sauces, such as soy sauce, garlic, honey, chilli, or cheese, often sprinkled with sesame seeds or scallions for an extra flavour punch.
Why should you try it?
Dakkochi makes your mouth water with its tender, juicy texture and rich and flavourful taste.
The sauces layer the chicken with different notes of sweetness, spiciness, saltiness, or creaminess, making each bite a flavour adventure. Besides, Dakkochi is a very affordable and filling choice, marking it as a great snack or meal on the go.
Where to find it?
Dakkochi finds its home at many street stalls and carts in Korea, especially near nightlife areas like Gangnam and Itaewon. Some of the best places to delve into its taste include Dakkochi Alley, where over 20 types of Dakkochi await, and Dakkochi King, where the skewers pair well with beer or soju.
Gyeranppang (Egg Bread)
What is it?
Gyeranppang presents a type of bread with an egg baked on top. The creation process involves pouring batter into a rectangular mould, topping it with an egg, and then baking it to perfection. Occasionally, you find versions with cheese, bacon, or ham additions.
Why should you try it?
Gyeranppang boasts a simple yet satisfying allure. Its fluffy and moist texture pairs well with the mild and savoury taste. The egg adds a protein and richness punch, while the cheese or bacon adds flavour and crunch. Especially popular in winter, Gyeranppang is a warm companion to beat the cold. Its affordability and ease of consumption make it a perfect snack for any occasion.
Where to find it?
Gyeranppang graces many street stalls and markets in Korea, especially in tourist areas like Myeongdong and Namsan Tower. Some of the best spots to try it include Gyeranppang House, where different flavours like green tea and corn entice, and Gyeranppang Factory, where you can watch the creation process of Gyeranppang.
Sundae (Korean Blood Sausage)
What is it?
Separate from the ice cream dessert, Sundae unveils a type of sausage made from pig or cow intestines stuffed with blood, rice, noodles, vegetables, and spices. Either boiled or steamed, it’s sliced into pieces and often served with salt, pepper, vinegar, or a spicy sauce.
Why should you try it?
Sundae holds a unique and flavourful profile. Its chewy and soft texture blends well with a rich and savoury taste. The blood adds iron and depth, the rice and noodles bring in bulk and texture, and the vegetables and spices add freshness and aroma. Sundae also scores high on nutrition and satiety, making it a great snack or meal for any occasion.
Where to find it?
Sundae appears at many street stalls, markets, restaurants, and supermarkets in Korea. Some of the best places to venture into its taste include Sillim-dong Sundae Town, where you can enjoy Sundae with soup or rice, and Gwangjang Market, where a sampling of different kinds of Sundae from various vendors awaits.
Chimaek (Chicken and Beer)
What is it?
Chimaek isn’t just a dish; it’s a cultural phenomenon combining the crispy goodness of fried chicken with the refreshing taste of beer. The fried chicken can come plain, seasoned, or coated with soy sauce, garlic, honey, or cheese. On the other hand, the beer ranges from lager and ale to craft beer, offering a palate-cleansing contrast to the savoury chicken.
Why should you try it?
Chimaek brings joy with every bite and sip. The crispy, juicy texture of the chicken harmoniously dances with the mouth-watering taste. At the same time, the beer adds a level of refreshment and lightness. It’s more than just food; it’s a social ritual, a way to unwind after a long day or bond with your companions.
Where to find it?
The Chimaek experience awaits at many chicken restaurants, pubs, cafes, and even through delivery services in Korea. Some notable spots include Chicken Mania, where over 20 types of fried chicken vie for your attention, and Beer O’Clock, where the Chimaek pairs with live music or sports, elevating the enjoyment manifold.
Hweori Gamja (Tornado Potato)
What is it?
Hweori Gamja, also known as tornado potato or potato spiral, presents a playful snack of a whole potato cut into a thin spiral, skewered on a stick, then deep-fried until golden and crispy. The final touch comes with a sprinkle of various seasonings like cheese, onion, chilli, or honey butter, adding a flavourful twist to the potato’s natural sweetness.
Why should you try it?
Hweori Gamja is an amusement park for your taste buds. The crunchy and fluffy texture paired with a tasty and addictive taste makes it a snack you can’t stop munching on. It’s not just food; it’s fun on a stick, making it a perfect snack for any occasion.
Where to find it?
Hweori Gamja is famous for many street stalls and markets, especially in tourist areas like Hongdae and Myeongdong. Some of the best places to whirl into its taste include Tornado Potato King, where different flavours like chocolate and caramel enthrall, and Tornado Potato Land, which pairs well with other snacks like corn dogs and waffles.
10 Must-Try Korean Street Food Dishes Conclusion
Korean street food is a treasure trove of diverse and delicious choices, offering a culinary adventure that resonates with the vibrancy and tradition of Korea.
By exploring ten must-try Korean street food dishes, we’ve embarked on a flavourful journey, touching the essence of Korea’s street food culture.
These dishes, Tteokbokki, Hotteok, Gimbap, Odeng, Bungeoppang, Dakkochi, Gyeranppang, Sundae, chimaek, and hweori gamja, each bring a unique flavour, texture, and experience, making them an essential part of Korea’s culinary landscape.
So, what’s stopping you? Dive into the vibrant world of Korean street food and let your taste buds dance to the rhythm of Korea’s traditional flavours. Which dish intrigues you the most? Let us know, and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave a lasting impression on your palate.
FAQs
What are some must-try Korean street food dishes?
- Tteokbokki, Hotteok, Gimbap, Odeng, Bungeoppang, Dakkochi, Gyeranppang, Sundae, Chimaek, and Hweori Gamja are famous street food dishes in Korea.
Where can I find the best Korean street food?
- Seoul, Busan, and Jeonju are known for their vibrant street food scenes, with numerous markets and street food alleys.
How do I order street food in Korea?
- Usually, you can point to what you want, but learning basic Korean phrases like “Igeoseun Eolmayeyo?” (How much is this?) can be helpful.
Is Korean street food vegetarian-friendly?
- While many street food dishes contain meat or fish, vegetarian options include Hotteok (sweet pancakes) and certain Gimbap (seaweed rice rolls).
What is Pojangmacha?
- Pojangmacha is a famous tented wheel shop in Korea where you can obtain various street foods.
What are some expensive Korean street foods?
- One of the most expensive Korean street foods mentioned is the grilled cheese lobster, priced at 15,000 won ($15) per item.
What are some traditional street foods in South Korea?
- Traditional street foods in South Korea include glutinous rice cake (Chapssal-tteok) with buckwheat jelly, Algona candy, fish-shaped bun with bean jam called Bungeo-pang, roasted sweet potato, and Chinese pancakes with brown sugar filling (Hotteok)
What are the essential ingredients in Korean street food recipes?
- Some key ingredients in Korean street food recipes include soy sauce, sesame oil, carrots, sesame seeds, spinach, perilla leaf, and boiled eggs, which create a unique flavour profile characteristic of Korean cuisine.
