Get ready to embark on a mouth-watering journey through the vibrant world of Korean street food. From savory rice cakes to sizzling skewers and crispy delights, Korean street food offers a diverse and tantalizing array of flavors and textures. In this article, we will explore a selection of popular savory street food dishes that are beloved by locals and visitors alike. So, grab a seat and prepare to tantalize your taste buds with the irresistible allure of Korean street food!
Korean Street Food – Savory Delights:
Korean street food is renowned for its rich and flavorful offerings that tantalize the senses. Let’s take a closer look at a variety of savory street food dishes that showcase the diverse culinary wonders found on the bustling streets of Korea.
Tteokbokki
One of the most iconic Korean street food dishes is tteokbokki. These rice cakes are smothered in a spicy sauce, looking like a marshmallows coated in a vibrant red glaze. The chewy texture of the rice cakes perfectly complements the spicy kick, creating a delightful harmony of chewiness and spiciness.
Fries
Korean street food offers a unique twist on fries, with various options such as fried vegetables, sweet potato fries, squid fries, and seaweed rolled noodles. Each ingredient is coated in a crispy batter, resulting in a golden glaze that is both visually appealing and irresistibly crunchy. The aroma of these delectable fries is simply captivating.
Soondae
Soondae is a popular Korean street food dish that resembles a long rope with a dark brownish color. Inside the chewy casing, you’ll find noodles that offer a delightful bounce. Describing the flavor of Soondae can be challenging, but it boasts a savory taste that is both unique and satisfying. In addition to the rope-shaped variety, Soondae can also include pig liver and other organs, offering a diverse range of savory flavors.
Chicken Skewer
Grilled chicken skewers are a staple of Korean street food. With layers of bite-sized chicken and spring onions stacked and grilled to perfection, these skewers come in a variety of flavors such as soy sauce, spicy, and original (salted). Each juicy bite releases a burst of flavor, making it a popular choice among street food enthusiasts. Just follow the enticing aroma to discover a miniature barbecue party in progress.
Odeng (Eomuk)
Odeng, also known as Eomuk, is a popular Korean street food snack that comes in various shapes. The most common variety features lightly browned wavy fish cakes skewered on a stick, accompanied by a flavorful broth. Eomuk, often translated as fish cake, is made from a batter of pureed fish mixed with vegetables. Its elastic and chewy texture, combined with its savory fish flavor, makes it a delightful street food snack.
Grilled Squid
Grilled squid is a beloved Korean street food snack that showcases a unique appearance. With its light brown color, flat and round shape, and accordion-like texture, it may resemble string cheese at first glance, but the similarity ends there. While tough and chewy in texture, it offers a salty and chewy experience that makes it a favorite accompaniment to a refreshing beer.
Dakgangjeong
Dakgangjeong is a popular Korean street food dish featuring deep-fried chicken glazed in a sticky, sweet-spicy sauce. The crispy exterior gives way to juicy, tender chicken on the inside. Some variations of Dakgangjeong even include white rice cakes, which perfectly complement the crispy chicken with their chewy texture.
Korean Street Toast
Korean street toast is a must-try street food delight. Toasted with butter and filled with ham, egg, and sautéed cabbage, this sandwich is elevated by a secret sauce drizzled by the vendors. The unique combination of crunchy, juicy, savory, and sweet flavors makes Korean street toast a satisfying and hearty meal that stands out from homemade versions.
Mandu
Mandu, also known as dumplings, are a popular street food delicacy. Steamed in large silver pots, these little round or half-moon-shaped dumplings emerge from the steam with irresistible allure. There are two main types of mandu: green mandu, filled with meat and various vegetables, and red mandu, which features a spicy kimchi filling. While the red mandu packs a spicy punch, the green mandu offers a savory delight. The combination of ingredients encased in a delicate dumpling skin creates a juicy and flavorful filling.
Korean Corn Dog
Korean corn dogs come in various delicious variations that are hard to resist. From cube-sized potato coatings to sugar-coated and cheese-filled options, these long, rounded corn dogs drizzled with ketchup and mustard are a staple of Korean street food. With a crispy outer coating, fluffy bread on the inside, and a juicy meat center, Korean corn dogs offer a delightful medley of textures and flavors.
Potato Swirl
Potato swirl, as its name suggests, is a long, spiral-shaped slice of potato skewered on a stick. It’s a fun and enjoyable street food snack that invites you to keep rolling the skewer to savor each slice of thinly sliced and extra crispy potato. Seasonings are sprinkled along the way, resulting in a delightful balance of saltiness and crispiness.
Korean street food is a culinary adventure that brings together a diverse array of savory delights. From the chewy and spicy tteokbokki to the tantalizing array of fries, savory soondae, grilled skewers, odeng, grilled squid, Dakgangjeong, Korean street toast, mandu, Korean corn dogs, and potato swirl, each dish offers its unique flavors and textures that captivate the taste buds. Exploring the world of Korean street food is an experience that showcases the vibrant and flavorful side of Korean cuisine. So, whether you find yourself wandering the streets of Korea or seeking to recreate these delectable treats at home, prepare to indulge in a culinary journey that will leave you craving more.