Hello, everyone! Today, let’s delve into one of Korea’s most iconic street foods, “tteokbokki,” which showcases Koreans’ creative palates. We’ll explore the distinctive flavors of tteokbokki and how Koreans uniquely enjoy it. Additionally, I’ll introduce you to the top three hotspots in Seoul where you can savor this delightful dish. So, let’s uncover the special charm of tteokbokki together!

Tips for Enjoying Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cake Dish)

1. If You Know “Rabokki,” You’re a Tteokbokki Expert

“Rabokki” is a combination of the words “ramyeon” (Korean instant noodles) and “tteokbokki” (spicy rice cakes). It’s a dish where ramyeon is added to the tteokbokki broth to create a flavorful fusion. This dish is often enjoyed by young people due to its spicy and exciting flavors. If you’re a foreigner traveling to Korea and you’re looking for tteokbokki, you might be surprised to find “rabokki” on the menu instead. Have you heard of rabokki? Try surprising your Korean friends with your knowledge!

2. The Official Convenience Store Combo: ‘NCT Mark Special’

If you’re a fan of the NCT group, you might be familiar with this dish. NCT member Mark introduced a delicious combination of Korean convenience store foods on a TV program, and it quickly became popular. This recipe combines various convenience store items like tteokbokki, cup ramyeon, string cheese, and sausages. The result? A delicious fusion that’s easy to make and hard to resist!

3. The Rise of Rosé Sauce Tteokbokki

Inspired by the popular rosé pasta, rosé sauce tteokbokki has taken Korea by storm. While it may look similar in color to rosé pasta, the taste is entirely different. This recipe blends the spiciness of traditional tteokbokki sauce with the creaminess of Alfredo sauce, creating a unique and milder flavor.

While the origin of this dish is unclear, it has gained nationwide popularity. Many tteokbokki shops across the country have introduced their own versions of rosé sauce tteokbokki. Once you try it, you might find it hard to go back to the original!

Top 3 Tteokbokki Spots in Seoul

In Korea, there are numerous tteokbokki restaurants and tteokbokki recipes. Let me recommend three popular tteokbokki spots in trendy Seoul.

1. ‘Geu dongne tteokbokki’ – The Cheese Waterfall Rabokki Place

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그동네떡볶이(@cheese_dongne)님의 공유 게시물

◆ Location and Operating Hours

🚩 Address : 14, Wausan-ro 27-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea (Go to Google map)

⏰ Operating Hours : Opened on Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun (Closed on Wednesdays)
11:30 – 21:40 / 15:00 – 16:00 Breaktime / 21:00 Last order

🤑 Price : 4,000 KRW ~ 10,000 KRW

Located in Hongdae, “Neighborhood Tteokbokki” has already caused a stir on social media, gaining significant attention. Despite its small and cozy space, this place has become immensely popular, mainly due to its signature Cheese Waterfall Tteokbokki and regular Tteokbokki. Served in a steaming hot pot that might remind you of a hearty soup or hangover soup, this dish features the vibrant yellow cheese melted over the Tteokbokki, creating an enticing sight.

While you might think that there’s no better combination than Kimbap, the menu here boasts a diverse range of fried dishes just as extensive as its Kimbap offerings. Any concerns about it being too heavy will likely fade away after a taste of the spicy and sweet broth with the crispiness of fried toppings – a perfect match created through innovative thinking.

‘Halmae Jib’ – The Original Tteokbokki with 50 Years of Tradition

◆ Location and Operating Hours

🚩 Address: 22, Eungam-ro 4-gil, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea (Go to Google map)

⏰ Operating Hours: Open year-round, Monday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Situated within Eungam-dong’s Daerim Market, “Halmae Jib” is a well-established eatery that has been serving authentic Korean street food for over 50 years. Regulars and visitors to the market alike are drawn by the aroma of their Tteokbokki.

The Tteokbokki here strikes a balance between being not too spicy yet wonderfully flavorful, with a chewy texture that’s hard to resist. It’s recommended to enjoy their flat dumplings alongside the Tteokbokki. The synergy of dumplings soaked in the Tteokbokki broth creates a burst of flavor in your mouth. Additionally, their Jabchae (glass noodle stir-fry) is a must-try dish among the regulars – a challenge you might want to take on.

‘Hongmi Dan’ – The Essence of Rice Cake Tteokbokki

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홍미단(붉을 홍 , 맛 미 , 장소 단)(@hongmi_dan)님의 공유 게시물

◆ Location and Operating Hours

🚩 Address: 94, Hyoryeong-ro 31-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea (Go to Google map)

⏰ Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Closed Monday) / L.O 20:00

Presenting “Hongmi Dan,” a hip Seoul Tteokbokki hotspot with charming interior design. If you’re a fan of sweet and savory Tteokbokki seasoning, this is the place for you. Korean Tteokbokki preferences are divided between those made with rice cakes and those made with wheat flour. Their elongated cylindrical rice cakes are generously coated with seasoning, allowing you to savor the balanced flavor.

What’s more, they offer an impressive selection of 8 different hand-crafted fried items, adding an element of choice and fun to your dining experience. Enjoy them crispy and crunchy or dip them in the Tteokbokki seasoning – both ways are delightful. For a more satisfying meal, they also recommend trying their bite-sized Kimbap.

🔥Recommend🔥