Sample Seoul's Street Food: The Best 5 Dishes
Seoul, South Korea, is known for its street food or 'pojangmacha' in Korean. From spicy and savory to sweet and sour, Seoul's street food offers something for everyone. From deep-fried seafood to cold drinks and desserts, the choices are endless. Whether you're a local looking for something new or a first-time visitor to Seoul, these five dishes are sure to whet your appetite.
Traditional Korean Dishes
One of the most beloved Korean street food is tteokbokki. This dish is made with cylindrical rice cakes, fish cakes, and vegetables, and the creations are glazed with sweet and spicy gochujang sauce. You can also find tteokbokki with other ingredients like ramen noodles, dumplings, and eggs.
Another popular dish in Seoul is japchae. This noodle-based dish is made with sweet potato noodles stir-fried with vegetables, meat, and a savory soy sauce. It's a great appetizer for a large gathering or party.
Seafood Dishes
Seoul is a coastal city and seafood is a must-eat here. A popular dish is the deep-fried prawns or fried mandu. Mandu are round dumplings filled with pork and/or vegetables and deep-fried to a crispy golden brown. They are typically served with a spicy mustard dipping sauce.
You can also find seafood pancakes. This dish is made with a salty pancake batter and filled with a mix of shrimp, squid, and vegetables. The pancakes are crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. Serve with a spicy dipping sauce for an extra kick.
Cold Drinks
Another popular street food in Seoul is gyeran-bbang, a sweet and savory egg bread. This bread is made with a combination of flour, sugar, and egg. It can be served plain but usually comes with sesame seeds and sweetened red bean paste.
If you're looking for something cold, then soondae-sikye is the perfect choice. This cool and refreshing drink is made with sweet rice and flavored with fruit, cinnamon, and ginger. The drink is usually served with a straw.
Sweet Treats
After your meal, you can satisfy your sweet tooth with bread ice cream. This unique dessert has an outer crust of warm toasted bread with a center of creamy ice cream. Traditionally, the bread is filled with red bean paste. You may also find it with other flavors like matcha, green tea, and chocolate.
Bingsu is a classic South Korean dessert that you can get from a street vendor. It is made with shaved ice and topped with fruit, sugary syrup, and condensed milk. The most popular bingsu flavors are vanilla, strawberry, and mango.
Conclusion
Seoul's street food is a great way to get a taste of traditional Korean cuisine. From classic dishes like tteokbokki and japchae to seafood dishes, cold drinks, and sweet desserts, Seoul has something for everyone. Next time you're in the city, make sure to check out these five dishes for an unforgettable experience.