Korean Street Food vs. What’s Trending in the U.S. – A Guide for Food Lovers! 🇰🇷

날짜:

 Korean street food has exploded in popularity worldwide, especially in the U.S., where foodies are embracing spicy, crispy, and umami-packed flavors. But how does Korean street food in Korea compare to the versions trending in America?

Let’s explore authentic Korean street food, how it’s evolving in the U.S., and where you can find (or make) these delicious bites!


1 What Korean Street Foods Are Popular in the U.S.? 🇺🇸

With the rise of K-dramas, K-pop, and TikTok food trends, Korean street food is more accessible than ever in the U.S. Here are some of the biggest hits:

 Tteokbokki (떡볶이) – Spicy Rice Cakes

- Trending in the U.S.: Seen in TikTok spicy challenges and served at Korean food halls in cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago.
- Traditional in Korea: Often eaten late at night at pojangmacha (street food stalls) with odeng (fish cakes) and fried tempura (튀김).
- Where to Try in the U.S.:

  • Bunsik (NYC) – Authentic spicy tteokbokki with fish cakes.
  • Daeho Kalbijjim & Beef Soup (San Francisco) – Known for its cheesy, modern twist.

- Korean Corndog (핫도그) – Crispy, Cheesy, and Viral

- Trending in the U.S.: Social media loves the stretchy cheese-pull, and variations like hot Cheeto-coated or ramen-covered versions are taking over.
-Traditional in Korea: Sold at subway stations and stuffed with both cheese and sausage.
- Where to Try in the U.S.:

  • Two Hands Corn Dogs (nationwide) – Has locations in LA, NYC, Texas, and Florida.
  • Myungrang Hot Dog (multiple cities) – One of the first Korean corndog brands in the U.S.

Korean Fried Chicken (치킨) – The Crunchiest Fried Chicken Ever

- Trending in the U.S.: U.S. chains like BB.Q Chicken and Bonchon have made double-fried, crispy Korean chicken a favorite bar snack.
- Traditional in Korea: Often paired with beer (치맥, chimaek) and enjoyed with pickled radish.
-Where to Try in the U.S.:

  • Bonchon (nationwide) – Famous for its soy garlic and spicy wings.
  • Pelicana Chicken (NYC, LA) – An authentic Korean-style fried chicken joint.

2. Authentic Korean Street Food You MUST Try in Korea 🇰🇷

If you’re visiting Korea, street food culture is on another level! Here are some must-try dishes that are super popular locally but lesser-known in the U.S.

 Gyeranppang (계란빵) – Egg Bread

-What it is: A soft, fluffy bread filled with a whole egg, often topped with cheese or herbs.
- Where to find it: Myeongdong Street Market (Seoul), Gwangjang Market.
- Why it’s special: The perfect winter street snack—warm, slightly sweet, and filling!

 Hotteok (호떡) – Korean Sweet Pancake

- What it is: A crispy, chewy pancake filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts.
- Where to find it: Insadong (Seoul), Nampo-dong Market (Busan).
- Why it’s special: The crispy outside and gooey inside make it one of Korea’s best winter snacks.

Odeng (오뎅) – Fish Cake Skewers

- What it is: Fish cakes served on skewers, dipped in a hot, savory broth.
- Where to find it: Almost every street food cart!
- Why it’s special: It’s cheap, comforting, and the broth is free!

3. How to Make Korean Street Food at Home (Easy Recipes!) 🍽️

Can’t find a Korean street food stall near you? Make your own at home with these simple recipes!

 Simple Spicy Tteokbokki Recipe

Ingredients:
- 2 cups rice cakes (tteok)
- 3 cups water or anchovy broth
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 1 tbsp gochugaru (red chili flakes)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 1 cup fish cakes (optional)
- ½ cup green onions

Steps:

  1. Boil water or anchovy broth in a pan.
  2. Add gochujang, gochugaru, sugar, soy sauce, and garlic. Stir.
  3. Drop in rice cakes and fish cakes. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
  4. Add green onions, mix well, and serve hot!

Where to Buy Ingredients:

  • H-Mart (nationwide in the U.S.)
  • Korean grocery stores like Zion Market or Lotte Plaza
  • Online: Amazon, Weee! (Asian grocery delivery)

 Korean Corndog Recipe (Easy!)

Ingredients:
- 4 hot dogs
- 4 cheese sticks
- 1 cup pancake mix
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ½ cup milk
- Oil for frying

Steps:

  1. Mix pancake mix, egg, and milk into a batter.
  2. Dip hot dogs & cheese sticks into the batter, then roll in panko.
  3. Deep fry in hot oil until golden brown.
  4. Drizzle with ketchup, sugar, or spicy mayo!

 Final Thoughts: Which Korean Street Food Will You Try First?

Whether you’re eating in Korea or trying these dishes in the U.S., Korean street food is full of bold flavors, crispy textures, and spicy kicks.

Have you tried Korean street food? What’s your favorite? Let us know in the comments! 👇

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