If there’s one dish that captures the heart and soul of Korean street food, it’s tteokbokki. This iconic dish of chewy rice cakes drenched in spicy-sweet sauce is a must-try for anyone exploring Korean cuisine. In this blog, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about tteokbokki — its history, variations, where to find the best spots, and even how to make it at home.
The History of Tteokbokki
Tteokbokki has a long and fascinating history. Originally called “royal court tteokbokki” (공화로 대장), this dish dates back to the Joseon Dynasty. Back then, it was a savory dish made with soy sauce, meat, and vegetables. The spicy version we know today was introduced in the 1950s when gochujang (red chili paste) became a staple ingredient.
Popular Variations of Tteokbokki
While the classic spicy tteokbokki is a crowd favorite, there are numerous variations that cater to different tastes:
1. Cheese Tteokbokki
- Topped with melted cheese for a creamy twist on the spicy original.
2. Rose Tteokbokki
- A milder version with cream and tomato sauce added to the base.
3. Black Bean Tteokbokki
- Made with jajang (black bean paste), offering a savory and rich flavor.
4. Seafood Tteokbokki
- Includes mussels, squid, and shrimp for a seafood lover’s delight.
5. Gungjung Tteokbokki
- The original royal court-style tteokbokki with a soy-based sauce, vegetables, and beef.
Where to Find the Best Tteokbokki
1. Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Alley
- Location: Sindang Station, Seoul
- Highlight: A historic street filled with restaurants specializing in tteokbokki. Try the classic spicy versions or unique local twists.
2. Myeongdong Street Food Stalls
- Location: Myeongdong, Seoul
- Highlight: Grab a quick bite of tteokbokki while exploring this bustling shopping district.
3. Gwangjang Market
- Location: Jongno, Seoul
- Highlight: Enjoy tteokbokki alongside other Korean street food classics like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes).
Making Tteokbokki at Home
Want to recreate the magic of tteokbokki in your kitchen? Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 500g Korean rice cakes (tteok)
- 3 cups water
- 3 tbsp gochujang (red chili paste)
- 1 tbsp gochugaru (red chili flakes)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sugar
- Fish cakes, boiled eggs, and green onions (optional)
Instructions:
- Soak the rice cakes in warm water for 10 minutes if they are hard.
- In a large pan, combine water, gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, and sugar. Bring to a boil.
- Add the rice cakes and fish cakes to the sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and boiled eggs. Serve hot and enjoy!
Interesting Facts About Tteokbokki
- National Tteokbokki Day: Celebrated every year on October 28th in South Korea.
- Calorie Count: One serving of classic tteokbokki typically contains around 300–500 calories.
- Global Popularity: Tteokbokki is now sold in instant snack form in many countries, thanks to the Korean Wave (Hallyu).
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“Discover the ultimate guide to tteokbokki, Korea’s favorite street food! Learn about its history, popular variations, the best places to try it, and an easy recipe to make at home.”