1. DDEOKBOKKI (KOREAN SPICY RICE CAKES)

Characterized by a thick, fiery red sauce, these chewy pillows of rice are not for the faint of heart. The assault of flavors starts with a subtle introduction that grows into a full-blown explosion of spices. As you chew along, you wonder if it’s a tad bit too spicy to handle, but then it’s too late because you find yourself already addicted to ddeokbokki.

2. ODENG (KOREAN FISH CAKE)

The most common is skewered odeng submerged in warm, flavorful broth. Something similar but definitely much more filling and potent: served in broth with chopped chilies, green onions, and seasoned with gochujang –a cure for colds and hangovers. Deep-fried odeng is also a tasty find, especially when served with a mustard-ketchup sauce.

 

3. CHI-MAEK (KOREAN FRIED CHICKEN)

The ones sold on the streets of Seoul, however, come with a drizzle of honey-mustard sauce, which brings the spice level down a notch while embracing it in a beautiful cacophony of flavors.

Chi-maek is served in a paper cup along with fried potatoes and rice cake. Make sure to get the bigger cup because it is so addicting, you’ll surely want more.

4. DAKKOCHI (GRILLED CHICKEN SKEWERS)

If you’re the conservative type of foodie who needs to get warmed up to foreign flavors, dakkochi, or grilled chicken skewers, is a great way to jumpstart a Korean culinary adventure.

Dakkochi is something familiar yet different – tender pieces of chicken fillet glazed with an assortment of sauces and marinades. Of course, you’re bound to come across sauces so spicy, you’ll be compelled to take a swig of beer – not that you would mind.

5. TOKKEBI HOT DOG

In Korean folklore, tokkebi is a ruthless creature that casts evil spells on mean people. Threats of it were often used to scare misbehaving children who wouldn’t do their homework at night. In Korean street food culture, however, tokkebi is a deep-fried masterpiece of French fry-crusted corndog.