Try Korea’s must-eat street snack - Hotteok, the sweet pancake that wins every heart

If you’re traveling to South Korea, there’s one hot, crispy treat you absolutely must try: Hotteok – a simple yet irresistibly delicious street food found on nearly every corner of the country.

Korea has long been a top destination for Vietnamese travelers thanks to its fascinating attractions, shopping havens, and above all, its rich and diverse culinary culture. Among the many flavorful offerings of Korean street food, Hotteok stands out as a warm, comforting snack that’s both affordable and beloved by locals and tourists alike.

Try Korea’s Must-eat Street Snack — You can easily find hotteok when you set foot in Korea because almost every food court, local market and street in Korea has carts or stalls specializing in serving hotteok.

You’ll spot Hotteok easily as you stroll through Korea’s local markets or busy street corners. Vendors usually make them fresh upon order, filling the air with a sweet, nutty aroma that’s impossible to ignore. Although it’s a humble pancake, Hotteok has gained popularity among international tourists in recent years due to its nostalgic flavor and comforting warmth.

Try Korea’s Must-eat Street Snack 1 — Making hotteok is quite simple, the ingredients include wheat flour, glutinous rice flour, corn flour and mixed with yeast, white sugar and salt.

>> Must-try Korean dishes: Iconic flavors you shouldn’t miss

The dough is made from a mixture of wheat flour, glutinous rice flour, and cornmeal, combined with yeast, sugar, salt, and warmed milk. What makes it special is the sweet filling—typically a blend of brown sugar, crushed roasted peanuts, and sometimes a sprinkle of black sesame seeds for extra fragrance.

Try Korea’s Must-eat Street Snack 2 — The special thing is that while frying, people will use a tool to flatten the cake to help the dough cook evenly, without any bumps or dents. When a customer comes to buy, the seller will start frying the cake.

After the dough is shaped into flat discs and stuffed with the filling, it’s pan-fried until golden brown. While cooking, vendors press the pancakes down with a special tool to ensure they’re evenly crispy and fully cooked. The result? A golden, crispy exterior with a molten, chewy center bursting with nutty sweetness.

Try Korea’s Must-eat Street Snack 3 — You can enjoy this cake while walking on the busy streets of Korea.

>> What to buy in Korea: Must-have souvenirs everyone will love

One bite and you’ll understand why this snack is a winter favorite. The crunchy crust contrasts beautifully with the soft, gooey filling, creating a mouthwatering combination of textures and flavors. It’s the perfect snack to enjoy while wandering through Korea’s bustling city streets, especially on a chilly winter night when the warmth of a freshly made Hotteok feels like a hug in food form.

Related Posts