15 Best Street Foods to Eat in Seoul

Seoul, the bustling heart of South Korea, is a paradise for food lovers. The city’s vibrant street food scene offers a delectable array of flavors and textures that capture the essence of Korean cuisine. From sizzling skewers to sweet treats, every corner of Seoul has something to tempt your taste buds. Get ready to explore the best street foods that Seoul has to offer, each bite promising a memorable culinary experience.

Tteokbokki

Tteokbokki is a beloved Korean street food made from chewy rice cakes simmered in a spicy, sweet sauce. This dish is often served with fish cakes, boiled eggs, and scallions, adding layers of flavor and texture. The bright red sauce, made from gochujang (Korean chili paste), gives Tteokbokki its signature heat and sweetness. It’s a comforting and satisfying snack that’s perfect for warming up on a chilly day.

Hotteok

Hotteok is a popular winter street food that features a sweet, gooey filling inside a crispy pancake. These pancakes are typically stuffed with a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Hotteok is cooked on a griddle, resulting in a golden-brown exterior that’s slightly crunchy. It’s a delicious treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while exploring the streets of Seoul.

Gimbap

Gimbap, often referred to as Korean sushi, is a convenient and tasty street food option. This dish consists of rice, vegetables, and sometimes meat or seafood, all wrapped in a sheet of seaweed. Gimbap is typically sliced into bite-sized pieces, making it easy to eat on the go. The combination of fresh ingredients and flavorful fillings makes gimbap a nutritious and satisfying snack.

Odeng

Odeng, or fish cake skewers, are a popular street food that’s both affordable and delicious. These skewers are made from ground fish mixed with flour and other seasonings, then shaped and boiled in a flavorful broth. The broth, often flavored with radish and green onions, adds a savory depth to the fish cakes. Odeng is usually served with a cup of the hot broth, making it a comforting snack especially during the colder months.

Bungeoppang

Bungeoppang is a fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet red bean paste, and it’s a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The crispy, golden-brown exterior gives way to a soft, sweet filling that’s both satisfying and comforting. These pastries are made using a special mold that gives them their distinctive fish shape. Bungeoppang is best enjoyed fresh off the griddle, when the pastry is still warm and crispy.

Mandu

Mandu are Korean dumplings that come in various shapes and sizes, filled with a variety of ingredients such as pork, beef, vegetables, and glass noodles. These dumplings can be steamed, boiled, or fried, each method offering a different texture and flavor experience. Mandu is often served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and chili, enhancing the savory taste of the filling. They are a versatile and delicious street food that’s perfect for any time of the day.

Eomuk Tang

Eomuk Tang, or fish cake soup, is a comforting and savory dish that’s especially popular during the winter. This soup features fish cakes simmered in a light, flavorful broth, often garnished with green onions and radish. The fish cakes are soft and tender, absorbing the delicious flavors of the broth. Eomuk Tang is typically served in a cup, making it easy to enjoy while strolling through the markets.

Japchae

Japchae is a classic Korean dish made from stir-fried glass noodles, vegetables, and sometimes meat. This dish is flavored with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory. The noodles are slightly chewy, and the vegetables add a fresh, crunchy texture. Japchae is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed hot or cold, making it a popular street food choice.

Korean Fried Chicken

Korean Fried Chicken is a street food favorite known for its crispy exterior and juicy interior. The chicken is double-fried, which gives it an extra-crispy texture, and it’s often coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. This dish is usually served with pickled radishes to balance out the flavors. Korean Fried Chicken is perfect for those who crave a satisfying and flavorful snack.

Bindaetteok

Bindaetteok, or mung bean pancakes, are a savory treat made from ground mung beans mixed with vegetables and sometimes meat. These pancakes are pan-fried until crispy on the outside, while remaining soft and flavorful on the inside. Bindaetteok is often enjoyed with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce and vinegar, which enhances its savory taste. It’s a hearty and filling street food that’s perfect for any time of the day.

Tteokkochi

Tteokkochi are skewers of grilled rice cakes brushed with a sweet and spicy sauce. These skewers are often charred slightly, giving the rice cakes a smoky flavor that complements the sauce. The rice cakes are chewy and satisfying, making Tteokkochi a popular snack among street food enthusiasts. It’s a simple yet delicious treat that’s perfect for enjoying on the go.

Kkwabaegi

Kkwabaegi are twisted Korean donuts that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. These donuts are coated in sugar and sometimes cinnamon, adding a sweet and slightly spicy flavor. Kkwabaegi is often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect snack for a quick break. The combination of the crispy exterior and the fluffy interior makes Kkwabaegi a delightful treat.

Dakkochi

Dakkochi are skewers of marinated chicken grilled to perfection and often served with a sweet and spicy sauce. The chicken is tender and flavorful, thanks to the marinade, and the sauce adds an extra layer of deliciousness. Dakkochi is a popular street food that’s both satisfying and easy to eat. These skewers are perfect for a quick and tasty snack while exploring the streets of Seoul.

Soondae

Soondae is a type of Korean blood sausage made from pig’s intestines stuffed with a mixture of noodles, barley, and pig’s blood. This unique street food has a rich and savory flavor that’s often enhanced with a spicy dipping sauce. Soondae is typically served sliced, making it easy to share and enjoy. It’s a must-try for those looking to experience something different and traditional in Korean cuisine.

Tornado Potato

Tornado Potato is a fun and visually appealing street food that’s loved by both locals and tourists. This dish features a whole potato spiraled onto a skewer, then deep-fried to crispy perfection. The potato is often seasoned with various flavors such as cheese, garlic, or spicy powder, adding an extra kick to the snack. Tornado Potato is not only delicious but also makes for a great photo opportunity.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.