Beyond Toekbokki: 2025’s Must-Try Korean Street Food That Will Satiate Your Tastebuds

In 2025, Korean cuisine will rule the Indian tastebuds; honestly, I have no complaints. The burst of flavors, the delectable texture, and the vibrant presentation of this cuisine are worth the hype.   

Although the most hyped street food is Toekbokki, it’s about time we explore the different varieties of korea street food that will expand our K-food obsession.   

What Makes Korean Food So Attractive?

Sometimes, it’s worth asking why and where exactly Korean cuisine is attracting such a major fan base. 

There are various delectable cuisines around the world, and not all of them are bland.  

To delve into the matter, I decided to explore your fascination regarding this topic and trace back to the time when I first developed an interest in Korean street food.  

What are the current trends in Korean street food? 

Although Korean cuisine has received its well-deserved spotlight treatment since 2022, the bestsellers continue to change, and we must keep track of them.  

Before discussing the topic further, it’s essential to note that many people I have spoken to have mentioned that Korean cuisine is a relatively unfamiliar concept to them.  

Their views have made me realise that many people are unaware of the ingredients we use to prepare tasty Korean street food.  

As they have little to no knowledge of the ingredients, it might seem like a foreign concept to them, and they will be hesitant to try it out.  

I felt the need to mention that Korean recipes mostly involve basic ingredients common to every Asian household, along with a few additional ingredients that are not exotic at all. It’s safe to give it a chance!  

Well, without further delay, let us explore the delectable korean street food options together! 

Twist Potatoes on A Stick

I had this gem of street food at a food exhibition in Kolkata, and oh boy! It was undoubtedly love at first bite.   

Tornado potatoes, also called 회오리 감자 (hoeori gamja), which translates as   ‘‘Whirlwind Potatoes, are the epitome of simple yet mindblowing.   

They peel the potatoes in a single swirl and put a stick through them. Then they fry it, sprinkle some spices, and boom!   

The burst of flavour is unmatchable. Enjoy it with Soju, cold coffee, a milkshake, or simply on its own.

Ingredients at Play🥔🧂

To make Tornado Potatoes at home, you only need a swirl potato peeler, Korean spices such as Gochugaru, and plain salt.

Korean Street Toast

Korean street toast, also known as 길거리 토스트 (Gil-geoli Toseuteu) in Korean and directly translates as ‘Gilgeori Toast’, is the students’ favourite dish.   

This is very easy to make. You brush and melt a large chunk of margarine on the griddle, then make an omelette-looking patty and toast the bread there as well.  

Also, never forget to sprinkle white sugar and drizzle ketchup on top. It’s a great breakfast, so be sure to pair it with a sweet and nutty instant coffee.  

Ingredients at Play 🍞🍳🥗

To make a delicious Korean Street Toast, all you need is bread, eggs, cheese, mayo, your choice of veggies, and ham or bacon, according to your liking.   

Mung Bean Pancakes

Bindaetteok, also known as Korean Mung Bean Pancakes, is a popular and simple snack that can be easily prepared at home. 

This classic recipe is naturally gluten-free. Its base is mung beans and rice flour. Traditionally, it’s filled with a mix of meat and vegetables.  

In my version, I load my pancakes with an abundance of vegetables.  

Ingredients at Play 🍚🍖

The essential ingredients for cooking mung bean pancakes are mashed mung beans, rice flour, and meat.   

If you want your pancakes to be vegan, you can also add a variety of veggies, according to your preference.  

The remaining ingredients will include sesame oil, salt, and sugar.   

The outcome is a tasty, savory, vegan treat packed with protein, gluten-free, and delicious. 

Korean Ramen

I don’t know about anyone else, but the various categories of Korean Ramen, also known as Ramyeon, have my heart.  

Whether it’s a chilly night, a rainy evening, or just another excuse I made up to have ramen, a packet of Buldak Carbonara is all I need.   

Here’s a slight clarification, though. When we say Korean ramen, we mean instant noodles redefined.   

Although instant noodles always come with cooking directions printed on their packaging, Koreans have their unique way of preparing Ramyeon, and I absolutely love it!  

Japanese and Korean ramen share a similarity in only one aspect: both are incredibly tasty!  

Ingredients at Play 🍄🍳🍗

Well, the most important thing you need is a Korean tin pot. Additionally, you will need a small amount of Gochugaru and some spring onions. 

To this, add your choice of toppings: mushrooms, eggs, chicken, pork belly, shrimp, anything and everything.   

Consider this a blank canvas, and your creativity is more than welcome.  

Korean Dim-Sum (Mandu)

Korean dumplings, known as mandu, are traditionally filled with a delightful combination of minced meat, such as pork or a blend of pork and beef, along with shiitake mushrooms, tofu, various types of onions, and eggs.   

Although there are similar varieties, such as the Chinese bao and the Japanese gyōza, all of these are collectively referred to as mandu in Korea.  

Ingredients at Play 🥗🥩🧂

To make mandu at home, your essential ingredients will include your choice of vegetables, ground pork or beef, and seasonings such as sesame oil, soy sauce, and salt.   

You can either make dumpling wrappers from scratch at home or purchase them at your local Asian grocery store.   

Bulgogi

Bulgogi (불고기) is a traditional Korean dish that is made of thinly sliced meat, marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and pear.   

While beef is the most common choice, it can also be prepared with chicken or pork.  

During your Soju night, this dish is going to be your best friend. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors, along with the fatty meat and juicy texture, makes this dish a must-try.  

Ingredients at Play 🥩🍄🧄

The essential ingredients for cooking Bulgogi are thinly sliced beef or pork, green onions, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, soy sauce, salt, and your choice of additional ingredients, such as pears or mushrooms.   

Korean Corn Dog

Korean corn dogs, although a bit messy and requiring some effort to make, are worth the trouble.   

Lately, they’ve gained significant popularity on social media, and the excitement around them is justified; they’re incredibly tasty and have a distinctive appearance.   

Unlike traditional American corn dogs, these are much crispier. Instead of using cornmeal, the batter is crafted from white flour and yeast, then rolled in panko breadcrumbs to achieve that extra crunch.   

My favorite variation combines half sausage and half cheese, coated in panko and topped off with ketchup for a delightful finish.  

Ingredients at Play 🌭🧀

The essential ingredients for making Korean corn dogs at home include sausage or cheese (sometimes both), batter, and panko breadcrumbs.   

The batter is typically made from flour, yeast, milk, eggs, and sugar; therefore, we will need these ingredients as well.   

Hangover Stew

Haejangguk, which translates to “soup to chase a hangover,” has a long history dating back to the Joseon Dynasty.  

This is a masterpiece of a dish, with its ingredients meticulously curated to ward off the classic demons of a hangover.  

Made essentially with bone broth, this soup is a warm hug after a feisty Friday night. The ingredients of this soup are both nutritious and incredibly tasty.  

Ingredients at Play 🥩🥗🧄🧂

The essential ingredients for cooking this stew are beef bone broth, veggies of your choice, onions, ginger, garlic, salt, and Gochujang.  

Are We Overestimating Korean Street Foods?

It may seem that the hype surrounding Korean street food is undeserved, but that isn’t true. Before I start sounding biased, I have some logic to back up my claim.   

The fandom of Korean food has reached its peak attention post-COVID, coinciding with the largest number of K-dramas being streamed.   

During contemporary times, we witness the upsurge of Korean street food in a much more vivid manner.  

Today, Korean street food ingredients are available in almost all convenience stores.   

Is K-Entertainment the Only Reason We Like Kimchi?

Nah, I don’t think so. The K-drama and K-pop industries have played a vital role in introducing us to certain quintessential Korean street foods, such as Ramyeon, Kimchi, and, of course, Fried Chicken, which is heavily featured.  

Nevertheless, Korean street food is loved in South Asian countries and probably worldwide because it caters to our blaring taste buds.   

The savory flavour palette has everyone occupied!

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:

• King’s Bakery Review: Kolkata’s First Korean Bakery
• 10 Korean Cafes You Need To Check Out In Kolkata Right Now
• Bibimbap: How Was My First Experience With This Korean Staple?