Must-try vegetarian snacks in South Korea
What's the story
From sweet to savory, South Korea's lively food culture has a lot to offer in terms of vegetarian snacks. These delectable options give a taste of the country's culinary diversity. Whether at busy markets or local eateries, these snacks are an absolute must-try. Here are a few vegetarian delights that truly capture what South Korean cuisine is all about.
Spicy treat
Tteokbokki: A spicy rice cake delight
Tteokbokki is another popular street food. It consists of chewy rice cakes cooked in a spicy gochujang sauce. The dish is usually garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, adding layers of flavor and texture. The heat from the sauce and softness of the rice cakes make it an irresistible snack for spice lovers.
Sweet snack
Hotteok: Sweet pancake with fillings
Hotteok is basically a sweet pancake filled with brown sugar, cinnamon and nuts. It is usually fried until golden brown, giving it a crispy outside and a gooey center. This snack is especially popular during the winter months when its warmth comforts against the cold weather.
Savory bite
Bindaetteok: Savory mung bean pancakes
Another savory pancake, bindaetteok, is made with ground mung beans and combined with a variety of vegetables including kimchi and green onions. These are pan-fried to crispiness and remain soft on the inside. They are a filling and delicious choice for anyone looking for a hearty vegetarian snack. The combination of textures and tastes makes bindaetteok an excellent choice in South Korea's vegetarian fare.
Rolled delight
Gimbap: Korean rice rolls
If you haven't tried gimbap before, you're missing out on a delicious Korean snack. Gimbap is made with steamed rice rolled in sheets of seaweed and fillings like pickled radish, spinach, carrots, and cucumber. They look like sushi rolls but without the raw fish part. Gimbap is an explosion of textures packed into one convenient, bite-sized roll perfect for on-the-go snacking.