Tradition
Hotteok is a winter street food in Korea, evoking warm memories for many Koreans. During winter, the sounds of hotteok being made and its nutty aroma waft through the streets, providing a comforting experience even amidst the cold. It's more than just food; it's a traditional snack imbued with Korean sentiment and culture.
History
Hotteok is believed to have been introduced to Korea from China in the 1920s. Initially resembling the traditional Chinese baozi, it evolved in Korea into the hotteok we know today, filled with sugar, cinnamon, and nuts. As a staple of Korean traditional snacks, hotteok has diversified over time with various ingredients and methods, shaping its current form.
Manufacturing Process
Traditional hotteok is made by fermenting a yeast dough, then filling it with sweet red bean paste or a mixture of sugar and cinnamon before frying. The fermentation process is crucial, resulting in a dough that, once fried, has a crispy exterior and a soft interior. Nuts can be added for a richer taste.
Food Stories and How to Enjoy
Hotteok is a treat best enjoyed in winter. A warm hotteok warms your hands and offers just the right amount of sweetness, pairing well with coffee or tea. It's perfect for making at home or sharing with friends and family, creating moments of conversation and joy.
Taste
The first impression of hotteok is its crispy exterior coupled with a sweet, melting interior. The sweetness of the honey and cinnamon spreads throughout the mouth with every bite, while the nutty flavor of the nuts adds a perfect balance. Its simple yet profound taste is captivating.
Restaurant Recommendations
- Namdaemun Market Hotteok Shop - Namdaemun Market, Jung-gu, Seoul: Known for a variety of hotteoks, especially popular are the honey and nut hotteoks.
- Insadong Traditional Hotteok - Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul: Adheres to traditional methods, featuring hotteoks generously filled.
- Gwangjang Market Hotteok - Gwangjang Market, Jongno-gu, Seoul: Famous for its crispy outside and sweet inside, loved by many tourists.
Online Purchase Recommendations
- Samjin Eomuk Hotteok Mix - Allows you to conveniently make traditional hotteok at home.
- Haitai Confectionery Hotteok Mix - Recreates the soft and sweet inside and crispy outside, a popular product.
- Ottogi Hotteok Mix - Comes with dough and filling ingredients for easy and quick hotteok making.