Introduction
As winter blankets Korea in a chilly embrace, street food stalls emerge with steaming treats that warm both body and soul. One of the most beloved winter snacks is Bungeo-ppang (붕어빵), a delightful fish-shaped waffle that comes filled with sweet red bean paste or choux cream. But there are even more snacks that will make the cold winter more bearable and sweet!
Bungeo-ppang (붕어빵) - Fish-Shaped Pastries
This iconic winter street food is shaped like a fish and crafted with a special waffle-like batter. The outer layer is perfectly crispy, while the inside holds either sweet red bean paste (the traditional filling) or custard cream (a modern variation). Vendors use specialized fish-shaped molds and cook them over a flame, creating a delightful aroma that draws people in. Each pastry is typically served piping hot, making it perfect for warming cold hands before enjoying.
Hotteok (호떡) - Sweet Filled Pancakes
A beloved winter comfort food, hotteok starts as a simple dough made from wheat flour, water, milk, sugar, and yeast. The magic happens when the dough is filled with a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, chopped peanuts, and sometimes sunflower seeds. When grilled on a flat top, the sugar melts into a caramel-like syrup that can be dangerously hot but irresistibly delicious. Modern variations include cheese, pizza toppings, or even green tea filling.
Gunbam (군밤) - Roasted Chestnuts
A healthy winter snack that's been enjoyed for centuries, gunbam are chestnuts roasted in large flat woks with small holes. Vendors constantly stir them over hot coals, creating a wonderful smoky aroma that permeates the winter air. The roasting process makes the chestnuts easy to peel and brings out their natural sweetness. Rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, they're not just delicious but also nutritious.
Gyeran-ppang (계란빵) - Egg Bread
This unique street food combines the comfort of freshly baked bread with a whole egg. The bread batter is poured into special molds, an egg is cracked on top, and it's seasoned with herbs, cheese, and sometimes ham. When baked, the egg becomes perfectly set while the bread develops a golden crust. The result is a portable, protein-rich snack that's especially popular for breakfast or as an afternoon pick-me-up.
Odeng/Eomuk (오뎅/어묵) - Fish Cake Skewers
These humble fish cakes are made from ground white fish mixed with flour and vegetables, formed into various shapes, and served on skewers in a hot, flavorful broth. The broth itself, made with dried kelp and radish, is often served free of charge and is a favorite way for Koreans to warm up during winter. Many vendors offer different varieties of fish cakes, from plain to cheese-filled or spicy versions.
Hoppang (호빵) - Steamed Buns
These soft, pillowy steamed buns are a winter necessity in Korea. Traditional hoppang contains sweet red bean paste, but modern variations include pizza filling, curry, vegetables, or meat. They're kept warm in special steamers at convenience stores and street vendors. The bread is incredibly soft and slightly sweet, making it the perfect vessel for its warm, flavorful fillings. Many Koreans associate hoppang with childhood memories of winter days.
Conclusion
These beloved Korean street foods do more than just satisfy hunger - they create a warm, comforting atmosphere during the coldest months of the year. Whether it's warming your hands with a freshly baked bungeo-ppang, sipping on hot odeng broth, or biting into a steaming hotteok, these winter snacks provide both physical warmth and emotional comfort.
What makes these treats special isn't just their delicious taste, but the experience of gathering around street food stalls with friends and family, sharing stories while steam rises from freshly cooked snacks. The combination of warm food, social connection, and the festive winter atmosphere helps transform Korea's chilly winter days into cherished memories.
From traditional favorites like roasted chestnuts to modern innovations like cream-filled fish bread, these winter street foods have become an essential part of Korea's winter culture, making the cold season not just bearable, but actually something to look forward to.
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Kim Ninja (Huy-Kim Nguyen)
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