Korean Street Food: A Delicious Adventure in Seoul

If you have ever been to Seoul, you know that street food is an integral part of the city's culture. From spicy rice cakes to sweet pancakes, Seoul's street food is a melting pot of flavor, aroma, and texture. Introducing you to some of the most delicious and popular street foods that you can enjoy while you are in Korea.

Tteokbokki

Tteokbokki(떡볶이) is a popular Korean street food dish that consists of soft rice cakes (tteok) cooked in a spicy and sweet chili sauce. It is a staple snack food in Korea and can be found in many street vendors, food courts, and restaurants.

Traditionally, Tteokbokki is made with gochujang, a Korean red pepper paste, which gives it its distinctive spicy flavor. Other ingredients commonly added include fish cake, onions, cabbage, and scallions. The dish is typically served hot and is often garnished with sesame seeds.

Tteokbokki has a chewy and slightly sticky texture due to the rice cakes used in the dish. The sauce is also thick and rich, coating the rice cakes and other ingredients with its spicy and sweet flavors. It is a popular snack among Korean teenagers and young adults, and can be eaten as a quick snack or a full meal.

In recent years, there have been many variations of Tteokbokki, such as adding cheese, ramen noodles, or other meats to the dish. Some places even offer fusion Tteokbokki, such as adding curry or carbonara sauce to the dish.

Tteokbokki is a must-try street food for anyone visiting Korea, and it is a dish that is sure to satisfy those who love spicy and savory flavors.

Kimbap

Kimbap(김밥) is a popular Korean dish that consists of cooked rice and various fillings wrapped in seaweed sheets (kim) and sliced into bite-sized pieces. It is a beloved snack food in Korea and can be found in many convenience stores, markets, and restaurants.

The most common fillings in kimbap include vegetables such as carrots, spinach, and cucumbers, as well as cooked egg, ham, and crab meat. Other variations may include tuna, beef, or cheese. The ingredients are placed on top of the rice on the seaweed sheet, and then rolled tightly into a cylinder shape using a bamboo mat.

Kimbap is a versatile dish that can be eaten as a snack or as a light meal. It is also a popular food for picnics or outdoor activities due to its portability and convenience. It is typically served with a side of pickled radish.

Kimbap is often compared to sushi, but the two are not exactly the same. While sushi is made with vinegared rice and typically contains raw fish, kimbap uses plain rice and is filled with cooked ingredients.

Kimbap is a delicious and healthy snack that is beloved by many Koreans and enjoyed by people around the world.

Mandu

Mandu(만두) is a popular Korean street food that consists of small, bite-sized dumplings filled with a variety of ingredients, such as ground pork, beef, or vegetables like kimchi, tofu, and mushrooms. It is a staple snack food in Korea and can be found in many street vendors, food courts, and restaurants.

Mandu is typically made with a thin, wheat-based wrapper and filled with a mixture of ingredients that are seasoned with various spices and sauces. The dumplings can be boiled, steamed, or pan-fried, and are usually served with a soy sauce-based dipping sauce.

There are many different varieties of mandu available, including meat-filled mandu, vegetable-filled mandu, and even sweet mandu filled with ingredients like red bean paste or sweet potato. Mandu can also be added to soups and stews, such as mandu-guk, which is a dumpling soup traditionally eaten on Lunar New Year's Day.

Mandu is a popular snack and street food in Korea due to its portability and convenience, and it is often enjoyed on the go. It is a delicious and satisfying food that is loved by many Koreans and enjoyed by people around the world.

Hotteok

Hotteok(호떡) is a popular Korean street food that consists of a sweet, chewy pancake filled with a mixture of cinnamon, brown sugar, and chopped nuts. It is a beloved snack food in Korea and can be found in many street vendors, food courts, and markets.

Hotteok is made with a dough that is similar to that of traditional pancakes, but it is filled with a sweet and nutty mixture before being cooked on a griddle or a hot plate. The filling melts and caramelizes during the cooking process, creating a delicious and gooey center that is surrounded by a crispy, golden brown exterior.

There are many different varieties of hotteok available, including those filled with sweet potato or cheese, and some are even made with a savory filling like ground beef or kimchi. Hotteok is typically served hot and fresh off the griddle, and it is a delicious and satisfying snack that is loved by many Koreans.

Hotteok is especially popular during the winter months, as it provides a warm and comforting treat on cold days. It is often eaten as a midday snack or as a dessert after a meal, and it is a must-try food for anyone visiting Korea.

Odeng

Odeng(오뎅) is a popular Korean street food that consists of fish cakes that are skewered and boiled in a seasoned broth. 

Fish cakes used in odeng are made from pureed fish that is mixed with flour, seasonings, and other ingredients, then molded into a cake-like shape and boiled in a flavorful broth made from dashi, soy sauce, garlic, and other spices. The fish cakes are often served on skewers, making them easy to eat on the go.

Odeng can be served hot or cold, depending on the weather and personal preference, and is typically eaten with a spicy mustard sauce or a savory soy sauce-based dip. Some vendors also offer additional toppings, such as boiled eggs, noodles, and vegetables like radish and green onion, to add more flavor and texture to the dish.

Korean street food is a must-try for anyone visiting Seoul. From sweet and savory to spicy and delicious, Seoul's street food offers a wide range of flavors and textures for all food lovers. So be adventurous, and try as many of these street food dishes as you can during your visit to Seoul!