6 Must-Try Korean Winter Street Foods for a Cozy Season

Winter in Korea brings with it a special charm, especially when it comes to food. As the temperatures drop, street vendors fill the air with the enticing aroma of warm and hearty snacks that are both comforting and delicious. In this post, we’ll take you on a flavorful journey through Korea's most beloved winter street foods. Plus, we'll show you how to enjoy these treats at home with products from H MART Manhattan!

Hotteok (Sweet Pancakes)

Hotteok is a quintessential Korean winter street snack made of chewy dough filled with sweet fillings like brown sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes ground nuts for added texture. Fresh off the griddle, each bite reveals a caramelized filling that oozes out, making it an indulgent winter delight.

How to elevate it? Recently, people have started topping hotteok with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for a fusion dessert vibe—imagine pancakes, but with a sweet Korean twist.

Taste Hotteok at Home:

Daifuku Korean Pancake Cinnamon

   

Beksul Sweet Korean Pancake Mix

Bungeoppang (Fish-Shaped Bun)

Bungeoppang is another street-food favorite. Despite its fish-like appearance, this pastry has nothing to do with seafood. Traditionally filled with sweet red bean paste, it now comes with a variety of fillings like custard, chocolate, and even savory options like pizza toppings.

Cultural Tidbit: The popularity of Bungeoppang has sparked a unique trend in Korea, coining the term “Bung-se-kweon,” which roughly translates to "Bungeoppang territory"—areas where Bungeoppang vendors can be found. Some enthusiasts even use mobile apps to locate vendors nearby.

Try It at Home:

Pulmuone red bean bungeo ppang

 Cj bibigo fish shape custard cream 300g

Baked Sweet Potatoes

No Korean winter is complete without the sweet and smoky aroma of gun-goguma. These roasted sweet potatoes are cooked in drum barrels, yielding a caramelized exterior and soft, buttery interior that warms your soul.

At-Home Hack: Use an air fryer to replicate the taste of traditional drum barrel roasting. It's quicker, cleaner, and still gives you that same melt in your mouth experience. For an extra treat, slice your sweet potato in half and add a dollop of butter and a drizzle of honey. Want to take it further? Sprinkle on some cinnamon powder or add a bit of melted cheese for a decadent honey butter sweet potato that’s truly irresistible.

Fish Cake

Fish cake is the ultimate street-food comfort. Fish cakes are skewered and simmered in a hot broth made with radish, seasoning, and anchovies. The highlight is the savory, piping-hot broth served alongside the skewers, perfect for sipping on a chilly day.

How to Enjoy It: You can experiment with different types of fish cake to add variety, and try adding tteok (rice cakes) to the broth for an even heartier combination. For a complete meal, add udon noodles to the broth—it transforms into a delicious and satisfying udon soup that’s perfect for cold weather.

Make It at Home:

Jjinbbang (Steamed Buns)

Soft, pillowy, and filled with sweet red bean paste, jjinbbang is a classic winter snack. Unlike baked buns, these are steamed, giving them a tender texture that melts in your mouth.

Fun Fact: Many people confuse jjinbbang with Hobbang, a similar snack introduced by a Korean food company in 1971. Hobbang now comes with various fillings like pizza, sweet potato, and vegetables, offering a modern twist on the traditional steamed bun.

Taste It Today:

Tteokbokki

Tteokbokki is one of Korea’s most iconic street foods. Made with chewy rice cakes simmered in a spicy, savory sauce, it's a dish that warms you from the inside out. Traditionally, it features rice cakes, fish cakes (odeng), and vegetables, but modern variations include ingredients like cheese, boiled eggs, and even noodles. For adventurous palates, you’ll find tteokbokki cooked with mala, cream, or black bean (jajang) sauce.

Enjoy It Fresh at H Mart Deli: Craving tteokbokki but don’t want to cook? H Mart Deli offers freshly made tteokbokki, so you can enjoy this flavorful and satisfying dish right away. Whether you’re shopping or looking for a quick snack, it’s the perfect treat to warm up your day.

Taste It Today:

Bibigo Tteokbokki Hot&Spicy

 

 88 Rice Cake with Sauce Original 1.23lb

With these six delicious options, your winter is about to get a whole lot cozier. Whether you crave the sweetness of Hotteok and Gun-Goguma or the bold, spicy flavors of Tteokbokki, there’s a Korean winter snack for everyone. Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear about your go-to treats!