Picture yourself strolling through the bustling streets of Seoul, surrounded by the mouthwatering aromas of sizzling pans and vendors enticing you with their mouthwatering treats. From the ever-popular hotteok, a sweet and sticky pancake oozing with syrupy goodness, to the trendy Korean cheese corn dog, a savory sensation wrapped in a golden coat of cornmeal, Korean street food offers a delightful marriage of flavors and textures. But what other fascinating creations can be found on the vibrant streets of South Korea? Let’s embark on a culinary adventure and discover some of the most unique and trendy Korean street food creations that will leave you craving for more. Korean street food has gained immense popularity in recent years, and for good reason! From delightful rice cake skewers to mouthwatering cheesy dishes, there is something for everyone to enjoy. In this article, we will explore some of the most unique and trendy Korean street food creations that you simply cannot miss.
Rice Cake Skewers
Let’s start with a classic – rice cake skewers, also known as Tteokbokki. These skewers are made with chewy rice cakes that are skewered and coated in a spicy gochujang sauce. The combination of the soft rice cake and the tangy sauce creates a tantalizing flavor explosion in your mouth. Tteokbokki is a must-try street food that will surely leave you craving for more.
Another variation of rice cake skewers is Mayak Mochi. These bite-sized rice cakes are skewered and drizzled with a soy-based sauce, offering a savory and addictive taste. The small size of the mochi makes it a perfect on-the-go snack to satisfy your cravings.
For those who prefer a milder flavor, Gungjung Tteokbokki is the way to go. This non-spicy version of rice cake skewers is cooked with a soy-based sauce and stir-fried with various vegetables. The result is a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Stuffed Pancakes
Next on our list are stuffed pancakes, a true comfort food. Hotteok is a popular Korean street food that features a fluffy pancake filled with a sweet syrupy mixture of brown sugar, honey, and chopped nuts. The pancake is then griddled until it becomes golden brown and crispy on the outside, while the inside remains gooey and oozing with deliciousness.
For the adventurous foodies out there, Beondegi Hotteok is an interesting twist on the classic hotteok. This unique version is filled with beondegi, or silkworm pupae, which may sound unusual but offers a surprisingly delightful taste and texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, give it a try and be pleasantly surprised.
Another popular stuffed pancake is the Kimchi Pancake. Made with a savory batter filled with spicy kimchi and various vegetables, this pancake is a perfect blend of tangy and crunchy. It pairs perfectly with a side of soy dipping sauce and is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
Egg Bread Varieties
If you’re an egg lover, Korean egg bread varieties are a must-try. Gyeran Bbang, also known as Korean egg bread, is a fluffy and moist bread filled with a whole egg. The bread is baked to perfection, resulting in a soft and slightly sweet treat that is perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
옥수수 빵 (Oksusu Bbang) is another popular variation of Korean egg bread. This bread is filled with a sweet corn custard, offering a unique and slightly savory flavor. It’s a delightful twist on the traditional egg bread and is loved by locals and tourists alike.
For those craving a taste of nostalgia, Bungeoppang is the go-to choice. These fish-shaped breads are filled with sweet red bean paste and are reminiscent of childhood memories. They are often enjoyed during winter months as a warm and comforting treat.
Octopus Dishes
If you’re feeling adventurous and love seafood, the octopus dishes in Korean street food are a must-try. Sannakji is a famous dish that features live octopus tentacles. The tentacles are chopped into bite-sized pieces and served immediately, offering a unique and thrilling dining experience. Be prepared for the tentacles to be still moving, as they retain their reflexes even after being cut!
Nakji Bokkeum is another popular octopus dish that is cooked with various vegetables and spicy sauce. The tender and flavorful octopus combined with the heat of the sauce creates a dish that is spicy, savory, and utterly delicious. If you’re a fan of spicy food, don’t miss out on this mouthwatering dish.
Jjukkumi Tteokbokki is a twist on the classic rice cake skewers that incorporates octopus. The chewy rice cakes are stir-fried with octopus and a spicy gochujang sauce, resulting in a dish that is both comforting and packed with flavor. It’s a must-try for those who love the combination of rice cakes and seafood.
Korean Fried Chicken
No article on Korean street food is complete without mentioning Korean fried chicken. This crispy and flavorful dish has taken the world by storm and for good reason. Korean fried chicken is known for its thin and crispy coating, which is achieved by double frying the chicken. The result is an addictively crunchy exterior that gives way to juicy and tender meat.
One popular variety is Yangnyeom Chicken, which is coated in a sticky and sweet soy-garlic sauce. This combination of flavors creates a tantalizing taste that will leave you craving for more. Whether you’re a fan of sweet or savory, this dish has got you covered.
Ganjang Chicken, on the other hand, is coated in a savory soy sauce marinade. The chicken is marinated for several hours to allow the flavors to infuse, resulting in a dish that is bursting with umami. It’s a must-try for those who enjoy a rich and savory taste.
For those who prefer their fried chicken on the go, Korean street chicken skewers are the way to go. These juicy and tender chicken skewers are marinated in a flavorful sauce and are perfect for munching on as you explore the bustling streets of Korea.
Fish-Shaped Ice Cream
When it comes to desserts, Korean street food does not disappoint. One of the most unique and trendy desserts is fish-shaped ice cream, also known as Bungeoppang Soft-Serve. This delightful treat features a soft-serve ice cream filled inside a fish-shaped waffle cone. It’s a perfect combination of creamy and crispy, and is loved by locals and tourists alike.
Another popular variation is Taiyaki Ice Cream, which features a fish-shaped waffle filled with ice cream. The waffle offers a satisfying crunch, while the ice cream inside provides a creamy and refreshing taste. It’s a perfect treat to cool down on a hot summer day.
Seashell Ice Cream takes the fish-shaped trend to another level. These adorable seashell-shaped cones are filled with ice cream and topped with various colorful sprinkles and toppings. It’s not just delicious, but also Instagram-worthy!
Korean Corn Dogs
If you’re a fan of corn dogs, you’re in for a treat with Korean corn dogs. These unique corn dogs are coated in a crispy batter and are filled with a variety of delicious fillings. One popular variety is Mozzarella Corn Dogs, which are filled with stretchy and gooey mozzarella cheese. The combination of the crispy batter and the melted cheese is a match made in heaven.
For a twist on the classic, try Potato Corn Dogs. These corn dogs are wrapped in a layer of thinly sliced potatoes before being coated in the batter and deep-fried. The result is a deliciously crispy outer layer with a soft and flavorful potato inside.
Tornado Potato is another must-try when it comes to Korean corn dogs. These spiral-cut potatoes are dipped in a savory batter and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. They are often served on skewers, making them the perfect on-the-go snack.
Seoul Style Toast
Seoul Style Toast is a favorite breakfast option among locals and tourists alike. This delightful sandwich features fluffy and buttery bread slices that are toasted to perfection. The fillings vary but often include eggs, vegetables, cheese, and various sauces. One popular variation is Egg Toast, which is filled with a fluffy scrambled egg, crispy bacon, and a drizzle of sweet and tangy sauce. It’s the perfect way to start your day.
Shrimp Toast is another delicious option for seafood lovers. This toast is filled with succulent shrimp and various vegetables, creating a flavorful and satisfying bite. The combination of the crispy toast and the juicy shrimp is simply irresistible.
For those with a sweet tooth, Strawberry Cream Toast is a must-try. This toast is filled with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and a drizzle of sweet strawberry sauce. It’s a delightful treat that can be enjoyed as a dessert or a sweet breakfast option.
Sweet Pancake Varieties
Korean sweet pancakes are a delightful street food that comes in various forms and flavors. Hoddeok is a popular choice, featuring a chewy and sweet pancake filled with a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts. The pancake is griddled until the sugar caramelizes, resulting in a gooey and indulgent treat.
Guljeolpanjeon is a unique and visually appealing sweet pancake. This pancake is made with nine different colors of dough, creating a beautiful mosaic-like pattern when cooked. It’s a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.
Chungmu Gimbap is a sweet pancake that resembles a traditional Korean seaweed rice roll. Instead of savory fillings, this pancake is filled with sweet ingredients such as red bean paste, nuts, and honey. It’s a perfect option for those who crave something sweet and unique.
Cheese Dishes
Last but not least, who can resist the allure of cheesy dishes in Korean street food? Cheese Kimbap is a twist on the classic Korean rice roll. Instead of traditional fillings, this kimbap is filled with cheese and various vegetables. The combination of the warm rice and the melted cheese creates a comforting and flavorful dish.
Cheese Mayak Eggs are a playful and addictive street food option. These bite-sized eggs are soft-boiled and then infused with a creamy cheese sauce. It’s a perfect blend of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Cheese Tteokbokki takes the classic rice cake skewers to a whole new level. In this variation, the rice cakes are simmered in a spicy gochujang sauce and topped with melted cheese. The result is a dish that is spicy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying.
In conclusion, Korean street food offers a wide variety of unique and trendy creations that are sure to delight your taste buds. Whether you’re a fan of savory rice cake skewers, crispy fried chicken, or indulgent sweet pancakes, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So, the next time you visit Korea, don’t forget to explore the bustling streets and indulge in the mouthwatering street food culture that the country has to offer. Your taste buds will thank you!
