Contents

1 Our Top 9 Korean Street Foods We Tried (With Sesame, Nut, and Shellfish Allergies)
2 Our Top 9 Korean Street Foods We Tried (With Sesame, Nut, and Shellfish Allergies):
- 2.1 3 Tips For Eating Korean Street Foods (with Food Allergies) in Seoul:

Our Top 9 Korean Street Foods We Tried (With Sesame, Nut, and Shellfish Allergies)

Navigating sesame, nut, and shellfish allergies in South Korea can be daunting. However, with a little preparation, exploring Korean Street Foods in Seoul becomes a fun and memorable adventure.

Before our trip, we had no idea about Korean street foods. But they turned out to be a perfect way to experience South Korean culture. Every evening, starting around 4 pm, vendors would set up food carts to sell food snacks offering a wide array of delicious snacks. We were captivated by the preparation and cooking process, as we had a front-row seat to the culinary show.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, we armed ourselves with Korean/English Chef Allergy Cards and translation apps. These tools allowed us to communicate our allergies effectively and navigate the food scene with confidence. Not only did we sample a variety of traditional Korean street foods, but we also discovered fantastic souvenirs to bring home for our loved ones.

Join us on this mouthwatering journey through the vibrant streets of Seoul! We’ll be sharing our encounters with Korean Street Foods and provide valuable tips for allergy-friendly exploration.

Our Top 9 Korean Street Foods We Tried (With Sesame, Nut, and Shellfish Allergies):

BUNGEOPPANG (Fish-shaped Pastry)
GYERAN-BBANG (Egg muffin)
HWEORI GAMJA (Tornado Potato)
KOREAN EGG TARTS (Portuguese Egg Tarts)
TANGHULU (Candied Fruit)
BING-SU (Shaved Ice Dessert)
CRUNCHY RICE SNACKS
KOREAN WINTER FRUITS (Mandarins, Grapes)
ROASTED SWEET POTATOES

1. BUNGEOPPANG (Fish-shaped pastry)

Indulge in these delightful cakes resembling warm waffles, cooked in fish-shaped molds by street vendors. These delicious pastries turn out flaky and light after baking.

The street vendors presented us with options: steaming bungeoppang with red-bean, premium yellow custard, or no fillings. Some had a tempting warm chocolate filling, but we skipped those due to potential nut allergens.

Bungeoppang

2. GYERAN-BBANG (Egg muffin)

Enjoy these sweet, steamed mini bread loaves with a delightful egg surprise inside. They’re as filling as a tomato bruschetta with a warm egg twist.

As we braved the sub-freezing temperatures while shopping for holiday gifts, these warm egg muffins became our perfect companions.

Gyeran-Bbang

3. HWEORI GAMJA (Tornado Potato)

One bite of this hot snack in Myeongdong and we were instantly hooked. In fact, we searched for them in every street market after our first experience with this addictive savory snack.

These tornado potatoes are made by swirling a single potato frying it until crispy, and sprinkling it with garlic and cheese. Some even come with a sausage in the middle.

After indulging in the sweet BOONG-UH-PPANG fish cakes, we savored the salty flavor of these crispy potato snacks.

Hweori Gamja (Tornado Potato)

4. Korean Egg Tarts

A beloved Korean Street Food, Korean egg tarts, also known as Portuguese egg tarts, have a rich history originating from England and France. We found them in street markets, subway stations, cafes, and bakeries, offering various flavors like cheese and apple. The best way to enjoy them is when they are freshly baked, right out of the oven. With a crispy and soft crust reminiscent of a croissant, these warm tarts delighted our taste buds. The soft, slightly sweet egg filling had a delightful egg flavor. We couldn’t resist indulging in these addictive treats more than once.

Korean Egg Tarts

5. TANGHULU (Candied Fruit)

Indulging in tanghulu felt like guilt-free dessert as it was made with real fruit. Vendors coated the juiciest fresh fruit, like strawberries and luscious grapes, with a sweet, clear syrup made from hardened sugar.

With a light sugar coating, each bite offered a satisfying crunch, making it both enjoyable to eat, and perfect for snapping a few selfies. Watching the vendors create these edible works of art right before our eyes was a truly delightful experience.

Tanghulu (Candied Fruit)

6. Bing-Su (Korean Shaved Ice)

While not a traditional Korean Street Food, Bingsu is a must-try dessert. It features shaved ice topped with a variety of sweet toppings, like fruit, red bean, rice cakes, mochi, and sweet condensed milk.

We discovered this tasty dessert at Sul-Bing Bakery & Cafe along the bustling market streets. To our surprise, the shaved ice was incredibly flavorful and creamy. Our favorite was the strawberry bing-su, which offered a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. The portion size was generous, making it ideal for sharing.

Among the popular options, the red bean Bing-Su stands out. Although typically enjoyed in the summer, we found it to be a perfect refresher during our winter shopping spree, providing a cozy and warm respite from the cold markets. The friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere of the cafe added to the overall experience.

Bing-Su (Korean Shaved Ice)

7. CRUNCHY RICE SNACKS

These popped rice cakes are thin, light, and offer a satisfying crispness. They have a subtle sweetness that makes them enjoyable to munch on. We couldn’t resist their addictive texture and flavor, and wished we had bought more than just one bag. However, our luck turned around when we stumbled upon another vendor selling them from the back of his truck, which was perfect for our long journey home.

In addition to the plain variety, we also tried the mixed Yugwa (above right), another type of rice snack. These colorful and airy were not overly sweet, allowing us to appreciate their natural taste. We found them in Nandemun market, where they were proudly labeled as “handmade” using locally grown radish.

To ensure the snacks were safe for our allergies, we made a point to communicate with the friendly vendor, who reassured us that they were suitable for our allergies. It was a joy to have found a delicious and allergy-friendly option to enjoy during our Korean street food adventure.

Crunchy Rice Snacks

8. KOREAN WINTER FRUITS

During the cold months in Korea, the markets are filled with delectable winter fruits. One fruit that stands out is the Mandarin orange, often sold in bundles or bags. Jeju Mandarins from Jeju Island are a popular choice in Seoul during this season.

Grown in rich, volcanic soil, they have a remarkably sweet and citrusy flavor. We couldn’t resist grabbing some for our train to Busan, and we noticed many other passengers enjoying them as well. These portable and refreshing snacks made the 2 hour journey from Seoul much more enjoyable.

Another winter fruit that captivated us was the luscious green grapes. They could be found in abundance at every market. Perfectly sweet and beautifully ripe, these grapes are real treat for your taste buds. Depending on the variety, some of these grapes can be quite pricey, ranging from $15USD to $30USD. However, their exceptional taste and quality make them well worth the investment.

Among the sought-after grape varieties is the famous Shine Muscat grape, which is in season from November to December. These bright green grapes are known for their large size and incredible sweetness. Each bite offers a delightful crispness and mango-like sweetness that is hard to resist. While they may be the priciest of all grapes, the indulgence is truly worth it for the unforgettable flavor flavor experience they provide.

Korean Winter Fruits

9. ROASTED SWEET POTATOES

When it comes to satisfying our taste buds and replenishing our energy, roasted sweet potatoes are exactly what you would expect! These piping hot potatoes never fail to hit the spot. They provided us with a much needed boost when we needed it the most. The most popular variety of sweet potatoes we came across had a beautiful purple brown skin and creamy yellow flesh. The contrast between the crispy skin and the tender, sweet interior was irresistible. Each bit was a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making the roasted sweet potatoes a true delight.

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3 Tips For Eating Korean Street Foods (with Food Allergies) in Seoul:

1. Choose vendors who prepare one type of food in real time so you can see all the ingredients

2. Approach vendors early when markets open so they aren’t as busy

To ensure smooth communication and prioritize our food safety, we adopted a strategic approach when engaging with vendors. We would wait for them to open up or choose moments when the lines were not too long. This gave us ample time to engage with them using our trusty Google Translate app and share our Korean/English Chef allergy cards.

We found that ordering our Chef Cards from Equal Eats proved to be a valuable resource. Armed with these cards, we approached vendors in a friendly manner, and they were more than willing to take the time to read and understand them with us.

Despite language barriers, we managed to navigate through broken English and creative hand gestures. Through these interactions, the vendors assured us that their food was prepared safely, free from sesame, nut, and shellfish cross contamination. It was relief to have that peace of mind while indulging in the delicious Korean street food.

3. Look for Korean “street foods” in upscale malls or department stores that sell the same foods

We were pleasantly surprised to discover that Korean “street foods” can be found in upscale department stores like the Shinsegae Food Hall. Malls and department stores in Seoul are a step above the average mall in the US, providing an elevated experience. An added advantage is the reliable English spoken by servers accustomed to serving international business travelers and tourists.

For those seeking upscale food courts, the I-Park Mall in the Yongsan district and the Starfield COEX Mall in Gangnam are excellent destinations. Within the comfort of these high-end shopping locations, you can indulge in the same popular street foods and other traditional Korean dishes. Here you’ll have the opportunity to savor the traditional dishes, street foods, and seasonal fruits mentioned above.

Make your Seoul street market adventure a fun and inclusive family experience with these tips! Please share your suggestions for more Korean Street Foods to try next time we visit Seoul!

2 thoughts on “9 Best Korean Street Foods [Without Sesame, Nuts, & Shellfish]”

Monica Teng says:

July 1, 2023 at 1:16 am

Thank you soooooo much for all the great info you’ve posted! I’m sick of being afraid to travel with son who has five food allergies. I feel so much better, I had planned on packing all his food in a suitcase and got a place with a kitchen. Now I’m so glad we’re staying in the Coex Ctr, since you wrote it’s safer. THANK YOU!

1. Pat says:
  
  July 7, 2023 at 10:44 pm
  
  Your welcome! Thanks for the feedback. So glad it’s helpful for you and your son ❤️!

9 Best Korean Street Foods [Without Sesame, Nuts, & Shellfish]

Our Top 9 Korean Street Foods We Tried (With Sesame, Nut, and Shellfish Allergies)

Our Top 9 Korean Street Foods We Tried (With Sesame, Nut, and Shellfish Allergies):

BUNGEOPPANG (Fish-shaped Pastry)

GYERAN-BBANG (Egg muffin)

HWEORI GAMJA (Tornado Potato)

KOREAN EGG TARTS (Portuguese Egg Tarts)

TANGHULU (Candied Fruit)

BING-SU (Shaved Ice Dessert)

CRUNCHY RICE SNACKS

KOREAN WINTER FRUITS (Mandarins, Grapes)

ROASTED SWEET POTATOES