From sweet and savory to spicy, this list has it all – including crispy bugs! If you’ve ever been to Korea, you likely spent most of your trip gobbling up the tasty food. If not, get ready to experience a culinary adventure. Korean street foods are some of the best around. They’re so versatile and chock-full of incredible flavor. Are you looking for a new savory snack or an easy sweet treat? You’ll find it here! Jal meokkessumnida! (잘 먹겠습니다) Bon Appétit!
25 Must-Try Korean Street Food Recipes
1. Tteokbokki (Spicy Stir-fried Rice Cakes)
Tteokbokki is a popular Korean street food that’s super comforting and delicious. They’re stir-fried, cylindrical rice cakes with a chewy texture and a sweet and spicy sauce. And luckily, you can easily make this recipe in the comfort of your home. (You may also see this dish named ddukbokki, dukbokki, or topokki.)
2. Mandu (Korean Dumplings)
There are many different types of dumplings around the world. But these are some of the best! Traditional Korean mandu are made with pork, but you can use your favorite protein. Or if you prefer them vegetarian, leave the meat out and use mushrooms or tofu instead. Once you make this recipe, you won’t want to go back to store-bought. Serve them crispy with dipping sauces, or add them to a hot soup!
3. Soondae (Korean Blood Sausage)
Soondae is a type of sausage made with glass noodles and pig’s blood. It often has vegetables and minced meat as well. And it’s sometimes served with tteokbokki. Although this dish may seem intimidating, it’s tasty once you try it.
4. Tteok-Kkochi (Korean Rice Cake Skewers)
Tteok-kkochi is another spicy rice cake dish that’s the perfect way to warm up this winter. You’ll skewer cylindrical rice cakes and then pan-fry them until they’re nice and golden. Once cooked, they get a healthy coating of Gochujang – a fermented chili paste that packs quite a punch. These skewers are sweet, spicy, and sour all at once. It’s the perfect medley of flavors.
5. Eomuk Tang (Korean Fishcake Hotpot)
Eomuk tang is a warm and salty fishcake soup. Some street vendors have pots of broth just waiting for you to enjoy. And it’s easy to modify to your liking. The broth is often free when you purchase other things to dip into it, such as tteokbokki, soondae, or skewered eomuk. It’s all about the umami flavors here. So get a big bowl and enjoy!
6. Bap Burger (Korean Rice Burger)
“Bap” is a term for cooked rice, and “burger” means…well, burger. So essentially, it’s a typical burger with rice cakes instead of buns. The rice is pressed into shape, then toasted until crispy on the outside. It’s super tasty and affordable to boot! Bap burgers can be filled with various ingredients such as kimchi, spicy pork, tuna, chicken, or veggies.
7. Ojingeo Twigim (Korean Street Fried Squid)
Ojingeo twigim is tender, savory squid inside a crispy, crunchy shell. Think of it like squid tempura. These are easy to make too! You can duplicate the wonderful crunch at home with just a few ingredients. Not a fan of squid? Try it with stuffed peppers, veggies, or shrimp.
8. Gyeran Bbang (Korean Egg Bread)
Gyeran bbang is most often eaten as a mid-morning meal or snack. This egg bread is described as both sweet and salty, and it’s similar to cornbread. Only there’s an egg baked right on top! Sometimes the egg is placed between two pieces of bread; other times, it’s on top. I think the latter is easier, but you do you. Try it with cheese and bacon, and it’s like a fun Korean breakfast McMuffin!
9. Bindaetteok (Mung Bean Pancakes)
Bindaetteok are savory Korean pancakes made with mung beans, rice, kimchi, eggs, pork, veggies, and tons of seasonings. You’ll cook them until they’re nice and crispy on the outside and wonderfully soft on the inside. These also freeze well, so you can make a large batch and keep them in the freezer for busy mornings.
10. Kimbap or Gimbap (Korean Seaweed Rice Roll)
Kimbap (or Gimbap) is a super popular, on-the-go street food. Traditionally, these rolls are filled with pickled radish, fish cakes, carrots, eggs, and beef. But really, you can add all kinds of tasty ingredients. And don’t let these intimidate you. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be on a roll!
11. Dakkochi (Korean Chicken Skewers)
One bite of these spectacular chicken skewers, and you’ll be hooked. Dakkochi are usually covered in a thick, sticky sauce. Sometimes it’s sweet, sometimes it’s spicy, but it’s always a winner. Luckily, this recipe shows you how to make both!
12. Sotteok Sotteok (Korean Hotdog And Rice Cake Skewers)
A combination of the words “sausage” and “garaetteok,” sotteok sotteok features rice cakes and small Korean sausages alternated on bamboo skewers. They’re covered in a delectable sauce and sprinkled with sesame seeds. This snack combines two classic street foods into one trendy dish. Sotteok is a sweet, spicy, and tangy snack everybody will love.
13. Beondegi (Crunchy Silkworm Pupa)
As you can see, beondegi are crunchy silkworms. And while eating bugs may be a little odd to you, some consider them the snack of the future. Beondegi have been a popular Korean snack for centuries – so they’re way ahead of the curve. I have to admit: I think I would struggle. Maybe if I close my eyes and just enjoy the crunch…
14. Dalgona Candy (Sugar Candy)
If you haven’t seen dalgona candy before, where have you been? Since Squid Game came out, it’s been all over my socials! Also known as ppopgi, this Korean sweet calls for just two ingredients: sugar and baking soda. Traditionally, they’re cooked in a metal ladle over a fire until they turn into a sticky caramel. Then, the mix is poured out, flattened, and given a cute shape with cookie cutters. This recipe doesn’t use a ladle, but the premise is the same. And since Squid Game is coming back for season two, I suggest you perfect the recipe while you can!
15. Bungeo-Ppang (Korean Fish Shaped Pastry)
Bungeo-ppang are the cutest fish-shaped pastries, and they taste delicious to boot. Traditionally, they have sweet red bean paste in the middle. But recently, vendors are branching out with fun new flavors. So give them a try with cheese, custard, matcha cream, ham, chocolate, Nutella, and more.
16. Jjinppang (Korean Steamed Buns)
Here’s another fun sweet treat filled with red bean paste – which you can buy online or in Asian supermarkets, by the way! Jjnppang features steamed buns with a relatively neutral flavor. That means they’re not cloying once the filling goes in. Though these steamed buns require a little bit of effort, they’re so worth it!
17. Gukhwa-Ppang (Chrysanthemum Bread)
Named for their adorable shape, gukhwa-ppang (chrysanthemum bread in English) are just as tasty as they are cute. They’re usually served warm and filled with a sweet red bean paste (yes, again – try it, and you’ll see why!).
18. Yangnyeom Chicken (Korean Fried Chicken)
Fried chicken is always a great idea. But this Korean version is extra special. Between the juicy meat, thin crispy coating, and stunning glaze, it’s enough to make you drool. Oh, and if you love spicy food, the red chili sauce is a real winner.
19. Gamja Hot Dog (Corndog)
Gamja hot dogs are the perfect street food for any occasion. They’re similar to corn dogs but don’t need any yeast or cornmeal for the coating. I would actually say that these are like an upgraded corndog. The inside is either sausage, mozzarella, or a combination of both. And the outside is crispy, soft, and slightly sweet. But that’s not the best part! The whole thing is rolled in tasty toppings. Seriously, you have to try these sensational gamja hot dogs.
20. Patbingsu/Bingsu (Shaved Ice)
Patbingsu (or bingsu) is gearing up to be your new favorite summer dessert. This treat is loaded with toppings and flavors, and it’s entirely customizable for your tastes. Shaved ice is most often served with a red bean mash and the fruit of your choosing. Or try it with sweetened condensed milk. Yum!
21. Kkwabaegi (Korean-Style Donuts/Twisted Donuts)
It’s safe to say that donuts are a universal love language. Every country has its own version, and they’re all incredible. But if you feel like trying the Korean version, kkwabaegi are where it’s at! Pillowy on the inside and crisp on the outside, these twisted donuts are my new favorite. Plus, the cinnamon sugar is such a treat. These donuts are irresistible, addictive, and finger-licking good!
22. Gilgeori Toast (Korean Street Toast)
Gilgeori toast is a fantastic way to add veggies and flavor to your day. It’s quick and easy to make, and you probably have all of the ingredients on hand. Enjoy these egg sandwiches for breakfast or lunch, and they will keep you fueled for the day. Add anything you want to this dish, and use your favorite condiments. The possibilities are endless!
23. Hotteok (Korean Sweet Pancakes)
Korean sweet pancakes are among the most popular (and delicious) street food dishes. Crispy on the outside and gooey in the middle, hotteok are incredibly flavorful. Traditionally, they’re stuffed with dark brown sugar, cinnamon, and ground nuts. But you can also find some savory options that are just as moreish.
24. Hoeori Gamja (Tornado Potato)
You’ve probably seen versions of hoeori gamja at carnivals and fairs. And they’re so much fun! With some fancy knife work, you’ll turn boring old potatoes into a crispy-crunchy spiral. It’s easy to spot these in the streets. But if you have some Korean ramen seasoning, you can make them at home. Pretty neat, huh?
25. Pajeon (Korean Scallion Pancake)
I’ve saved the best for last. Pajeon are kind of like the Korean version of okonomiyaki, which, as you must know, is devilishly delish. These scallion pancakes are crispy, savory, and beyond easy to make. They’re jam-packed with tons of flavor and have the best texture. Plus, you can change them up with meats or kimchi to make them even more filling. You have to make these for your next party. They’ll be gone in a flash! Click on a star to rate it!
Average rating 5 / 5. Vote count: 1 No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.
Share on social media: Let us improve this post!
