Exploring Korean Street Food: Hotteok, Pajeon, and Tteokbokki

Hotteok

Korean cuisine offers a wide variety of dishes that are flavorful, comforting, and rich in history. Among the most popular street foods in Korea are Hotteok (sweet pancakes), Pajeon (savory pancakes), and Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes). These dishes are not only delicious but also hold cultural significance and are loved by locals and visitors alike. If you’re new to Korean food, this guide will help you explore these iconic dishes, their ingredients, and where to find the best versions in Seoul.

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1. Hotteok (Sweet Pancakes): A Sweet Taste of Winter

(1) What is Hotteok?

Hotteok is a popular Korean street food, especially during the colder months. It is a fried pancake stuffed with a sweet filling, typically made of brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts. The combination of the crispy outer layer and gooey, molten filling makes it a winter favorite.

(2) Ingredients

• Dough: Wheat flour, yeast, sugar, and water.
• Filling: Brown sugar, cinnamon powder, and crushed nuts (such as peanuts or walnuts).

(3) Where to Try Hotteok in Seoul

• Myeongdong Street Food Alley:
  • Known for its vibrant street food stalls, Myeongdong offers some of the best hotteok in the city.
  • Tip: Look for the stands with long lines—they’re worth the wait.
• Insadong:
  • Insadong’s traditional market offers a unique variation called traditional glutinous rice hotteok, which has a chewier texture.

(4) Why is Hotteok Special?

Hotteok’s appeal lies in its simplicity and versatility. The crispy yet soft texture combined with the warm, sweet filling makes it a perfect snack on cold days. It’s similar to Western desserts like filled donuts or crepes, but its nutty and spiced filling sets it apart.

(5) Price

• Average cost: 1,000–2,000 KRW per piece (~1–2 CAD).

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2. Pajeon (Savory Pancakes): A Traditional Comfort Food

(1) What is Pajeon?

Pajeon is a savory Korean pancake made with green onions (pa) and a flour-based batter. It is often enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or meal, especially on rainy days, paired with makgeolli (Korean rice wine).

(2) Ingredients

• Batter: Wheat flour, water, egg, and salt.
• Filling: Green onions, seafood (optional), and other vegetables like carrots or zucchini.

(3) Where to Try Pajeon in Seoul

• Gwangjang Market:
  • This iconic market is famous for its crispy, golden pajeon served fresh from the griddle.
• Bukchon Hanok Village:
  • Experience pajeon in a traditional hanok setting for an authentic vibe.

(4) Why is Pajeon Special?

Pajeon’s charm lies in its crispy edges and soft, savory center. The slight chewiness of the batter combined with the freshness of green onions creates a flavor profile that is satisfying and hearty. Its Western equivalent might be zucchini fritters or savory crepes, but pajeon has a distinctly Korean flavor due to its unique ingredients and preparation.

(5) Price

• Average cost: 8,000–12,000 KRW per serving (~8–12 CAD).

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3. Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes): Korea’s Favorite Street Food

(1) What is Tteokbokki?

Tteokbokki is a beloved Korean dish made with chewy rice cakes simmered in a spicy and sweet gochujang (Korean red chili paste) sauce. It is one of Korea’s most iconic street foods, enjoyed by people of all ages.

(2) Ingredients

• Main: Rice cakes (tteok), fish cakes (eomuk).
• Sauce: Gochujang, sugar, soy sauce, garlic.
• Optional Additions: Boiled eggs, ramen noodles, or cheese.

(3) Where to Try Tteokbokki in Seoul

• Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town:
  • A street dedicated to tteokbokki, where you can try traditional and modern variations.
• Gwangjang Market:
  • Known for its affordable yet delicious tteokbokki with a traditional flavor.

(4) Why is Tteokbokki Special?

Tteokbokki’s unique combination of chewy rice cakes and bold, spicy-sweet sauce creates a comforting and addictive dish. While it has similarities to Italian gnocchi in texture, the sauce gives it a flavor that is uniquely Korean.

(5) Price

• Average cost: 3,000–5,000 KRW per serving (~3–5 CAD).

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4. What Makes These Dishes Irresistible?

(1) Texture

• Hotteok: Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside.
• Pajeon: Crispy edges with a soft and chewy center.
• Tteokbokki: Chewy rice cakes in a silky, spicy sauce.

(2) Cultural Connection

These dishes are more than just food—they’re an experience. Hotteok reminds Koreans of warm winter memories, pajeon is tied to rainy days and social gatherings, and tteokbokki is synonymous with casual, communal dining.

(3) Celebrity Endorsements

• BTS’s RM: Shared his love for tteokbokki in a V-Live session, calling it his go-to comfort food.
• Gordon Ramsay: Praised pajeon during his visit to Gwangjang Market, calling it “a perfect example of street food mastery.”

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5. Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Experiment with Variations:
  • Try hotteok with unique fillings like green tea or red bean.
  • Explore seafood or kimchi pajeon for a twist.
  • Add cheese to your tteokbokki for a creamy variation.
• Pair with Drinks:
  • Enjoy pajeon with makgeolli (rice wine) for a quintessential Korean experience.
• Don’t Rush:
  • Street food is best enjoyed while taking in the vibrant atmosphere of Seoul’s markets and streets.

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Conclusion: A Culinary Adventure Awaits

Hotteok, pajeon, and tteokbokki are not just dishes but gateways to Korean culture and tradition. With their unique flavors, affordable prices, and rich history, they offer a perfect introduction to Korean street food. Whether you’re wandering through Myeongdong or exploring Gwangjang Market, these dishes promise an unforgettable experience. So bundle up for the winter, grab a hot cup of tea, and indulge in the warmth of Korea’s most beloved street foods.