Street Food Yum - Mini Pancakes

It's been a while that I've had these mini pancakes as I've cried about them when living abroad in Korea, having the Korean version of the chesnut poppers. These cheap mini pancakes are of course, the childhood goodies that every ABC (American Born Chinese) child loves. Just for a measly dollar, who's price still stands, it is the perfect eat for anyone who is cruising around touring Chinatown or going food shopping. This perfect snack is cooked to a crisp within minutes, which makes it the perfect cheap snack, fun eat, everything you practically want in one! Be sure to ask them to make it a little more crispier so you get a perfect mini size cake. The best time to have it, of course, is right when it's removed from the pan on a Fall or Winter day! For anyone who is familiar with this childhood favorite, you'll know of the cart that is right in between Baxter and Mulberry, right at the break of Walker and Canal Street! 

Hidden Treasures - Once Upon a Milkshake

Once Upon a Milkshake, every big kid's fantasy to have a whole store devoted to milkshakes, ice cream, and all things good. Living in Korea, it is difficult to find a place that makes a good milkshake since it varies from place to place as well as person to person who makes it. Once Upon a Milkshake dedicates their everyday to making the perfect milkshake. Coming from Singapore, the first branch just opened in Seoul, bringing a menu that is just above the rest. 

They offer a handful of choices which range from fruit flavored to sweet classics and even new twists that you have never heard of before. The best part is being able to have the option of choosing the texture of your milkshake. This is one thing that is not offered anywhere. The dense taste of the milkshake is also adjustable to your personal buds by adding extra flavor if needed. 

With three sizes of mini, regular and large, milkshakes start at $4 a pop. Because there is so much to choose from, which can be difficult to make a choice, they offer a swirl of goodness by incorporating two flavors. The most popular mix at Once Upon a Milkshake which is unexpected is the cookies and cream with condensed milk mixture. If wanted, the option of mixing up to three flavor is allowed as well, but a rare case.  Using a high quality puree with 100% real fruits, no artificial flavoring, items are not that sweet but can be altered to your taste. The recommendation and most popular ones on the menu are: the classic cookies and cream, condensed milk, and tiramisu. It may be a little pricey, but if you crave for it, you'll understand the splurge.

For those who are looking for an alternative to milkshakes, there is the option of ice cream. Single scoops are just $3, doubles for $5.50 and a triple for $7.50. Plain in taste, the store is considering toppings but this is totally breaking from the Korean norms. The most popular being chocolate, cookies and cream and black currant (a sour fruit that is much like a blueberry but tartier) which is served in a regular cup.

Once Upon a Milkshake is closed on Mondays, opened Tuesday to Thursday from 10 to 10 and Friday to Sunday from 10-11pm. With free wifi and an open area, it is a relaxing environment for a chit chat and enjoying with a group of friends, even to do some work. BEST PART. Someone speaks English.

Take exit 2 from Noksapyeong station and go straight until you see a green underpass that takes you across the street on the right. Take the underpass and exit on the left when reaching the exit. Go straight past Craftworks and Once Upon a Milkshake is an eye catching purple storefront with opened windows cannot and should not be missed.

Address: Seoul, Yongsan-gu, Noksaypeyong 242
서울시 용산구 녹사평대로 242(이태원동)
Phone: 070-7435-313

Hidden Treasures - Bong's Food 봉스 떡볶이

Bong’s food 봉스 떡볶이 is a small chain in Korea with the original is located in Sookdae, serving up a less spicy version of the Korean traditional eat of rice cakes and probably the only place that I recommend for EVERYONE who lives and will visit Korea. Ddukbokki is the number one Korean staple food, along with blood sausages 순대, fish cakes 오뎅, and a variety of battered fried goodies 튀김 (which ranges from vegetables to dumplings to fish cakes even).

For starters, Bong’s Food serves up very soft and a less spicy version of ddukbokki that is recommended for anyone who is trying out this Korean traditional eat for the first time. Because it is less spicy, it is tolerable and actually enjoyable for anyone who cannot take spice. It does have a tint of sweet compared to other ddukbokki stands and locations which means it’s a great dipping sauce to be used with other items on the menu.

The blood sausage they have uses the top of the ladder meat of A+ which means a high level and tastier version. Compared to those served in the streets, there is definitely a big difference. Personally, I’m not a fan of blood sausage, but I was persuaded to give this a try and it is amazing. It’s the only place that I will eat blood sausage ever, beats all of the average C rating meat that the rest of Korea uses.

In addition to the amazing blood sausage, they are the only spot that offers fried fish cake which is amazing when eaten fresh. Coming from Busan, it is the one place in Seoul that offers the famous Busan fish cake. Anyone who lives in Korea knows that Busan carries the best of the best.

On another note, 납작만두 comes from Daegu, a new style of dumplings that no one offers in Seoul. Being that is a flat pancake like dish, it is known for many to dip it in the amazing soy sauce that the store whips up daily. For those who come from Daegu, they are known to wrap the Namjak with practically everything on the menu and use it as a bread.

The best part about Bong’s food, in addition to the menu of course, is the price. Most dishes are priced at an average of $2.50, some for just two bucks and set menus start at $4. Depending on how hungry you are and the variety you want, a meal at Bong’s Food won’t set your wallet back too far. It’s also a great place to pick up a quick eat and sample all of the Korean traditional eats in one spot because they have set menus.

The company orders fresh ingredients daily, from all over Korea of Busan, Daegu and their secret locations which is different from all other places. Opened from 11-11 daily, it is the place to go to. Be sure to go during the less busy hours so you don't feel so rushed to get out which is usually from 2-7PM. The owner is so chill, he'll definitely take the time to talk and explain to you why you should eat everything on the menu and I would take his advice, seriously. They speak English so it makes ordering easy for all.

Address: Yongsan-gu, Chungap-dong 2-Ga 67-5

용산구 청파동 2가 67-5

Directions: Take exit 8 or 10 from the Sookmyung university exit and make a u-turn. Take the first right and go straight (follow the tunnel under and keep walking) up towards the school. After approximately 5 minutes, you will see a Starbucks on your left and a Skin Food on your right. Bong's Food is located behind the Skin Food so follow the block around.

Phone: 02-312-3500

Korean Traditional Eat - 뻥튀기

Ppeongtwigi 뻥튀기 is the Korean take on the Western popcorn which is just popped grain. It comes in all different shapes, sizes, and colors which makes it a heck of a lot of fun. Watching people on the street make Ppeongtwigi is a full blast of fun and loud of course (the more traditional kind) If you ever pass a truck that is selling 뻥튀기 and see how it is made, you'll see that a frisbee like rice grain is literally popped out of a metal machine. It's quite a bit of fun to watch them make it and consuming it fresh is just as good. This cheap eat can usually be picked up for a measly price of $2 for a whole big bag that will last you quite some time. 

It is extremely common to be served in bars and hof restaurants for guests to enjoy drinks with (as shown in the photo). The smaller and bite sized 뻥튀기 is usually served in restaurants just so you can pop them in your mouth. As always, this is served as a "service" which means free with your drinks and an unlimited amount of refills. They all range in texture depending on where you go, but for the most part, they are all made of rice grain and it is the perfect snack with your beer. This extremely cheap street food is popular among children as well and it's extremely light in calories which makes it that much better. This Korean traditional eat takes it to a new level of fun, something to share with everyone in the family. 

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Teariffic

Tearrific

51 Mott Street

New York, NY 10013

(212)393-9009

Teariffic, an all time favorite for bubble tea and snacks on Mott street of Chinatown is the place to go since I was a teenager. It is definitely a place to hang out with friends to enjoy a drink and snacks if you have the stomach to hold it. They serve all kinds of snacks which include fried goodies, sweet goods, and even a few quick meals. This includes ramen and rice; my ultimate favorite, and most expensive on the menu is the eel rice just for the price of $9. 

Teariffic is the perfect place for big kids to enjoy meal for the stomach of little kids. The number one recommendation is the toast with condensed milk (pair it with peanut butter for a melted combination of deliciousness). Lastly, you cannot go to Tearrific without ordering their specialty drink.

With so much to choose from on the menu, the most popular is those paired with bubbles, but their speciality drinks made of combination fruit jam is just as good. Romeo and Juliet is perfect for those with a sweet tooth, but the traditional milk tea is amazing as well. 

Life in Korea - Convenient Store Goodies

There is one good thing about the handful of convenient stores in Korea. Located in all areas which include popular tourist areas and hidden alleys, these convenient stores can be the biggest life saviors. Not only are they opened late hours, heck 24 hours, it is the one spot to go to for cheap goodies (including amusement parks and other family places Americans would raise the price at). They offer all kinds of daily necessities, making traveling and everyday life that much easier. A few of the more popular convenient stores in Korea are Family Mart, Buy the Way, GS 25, CVS, and 7-11 (but its nothing like the ones back at home).

Although the name varies, they generally all have the same goodies inside. Depending on the size and location of the store, you may be able to find more goodies than in other locations. Basic toiletries like any corner store can be found: tissues, pens, toothbrushes, cups, utensils, and a handful of packaged foods that can be cooked in the comfort of your own home (spam, rice, cereal, sauces and such). Moving on to the more important goodies in these convenient stores is the food of course!

For starters, Koreans love breads and baked goods so you can always find some sort of pastry for those who are in a rush. You can find the weirdest kinds sometimes which makes me wonder if there is anything that Koreans can NOT come up with? Although most packaged pastries we at room temperature, some stores offer warm breads fill with red bean jams and such.

One of the more popular goodies to have is the ramen of course. There is hot water available to cook up a bowl of ramen. The best part is being able to upgrade your ramen with sausages, eggs, fish cakes, and the many other microwaveables that are available. Each convenient store has their own microwave that is ready to be used so you can be as creative as possible. You'll be amazed at what you can find!

For those who aren't looking for a full on meal with their ramen can pick up a kimbap. There are cheap triangle kimbaps that are less than a dollar or even a two dollar roll! In addition to kimbaps there are cold cut sandwiches with all kinds of flavors and even half half selections. Yeap, half ham and cheese sandwich, half spicy chicken, my all time favorite to get the best of both worlds.

Looking for warm goodies? There are microwaveable burgers that are in the bag. Simply microwave and grub. Talk about fast food! They also offer hot dogs, pizzas, and a whole bunch of random microwaveables that you can consume within minutes. If you're looking for a healthy option, many stores offer fruits and such. It is definitely the place to go for a quick, cheap meal.

The one thing that the States should adapt from the Korean convenient stores is the warm fridge. Yes! The warm fridge. Ever go to the store and just want a hot drink that is not powdered or is not as fancy as a Starbucks cup of coffee or tea? There's an invention here in Korea that keeps drinks warm. This is not limited to coffees, teas, vitamin drinks and juices. You name it, they have it. It's a high controlled temperature box that keeps bottle and canned drinks warm. Usually this fridge is by the microwaves, but it differs from store to store. There is even some open fridges that are fancy and have different temperature rows. One row of coffees may be cold whereas the other is warm. This is probably my one obsession with Korean convenient stores other than a low priced lunch. There's nothing better than being able to pick up a can of hot tea to soothe a sore throat as easy as 1-2-3.

Moral of the story is do not underestimate what you can find in a convenient store. You'll be surprised how you can live off of your corner store for a week of travel. Be sure to be health conscious of what you are consuming though. After all, these packaged goods have been sitting around for a while and they must be packaged in a certain way so there is a high concentration of sodium. Of course a meal a week wouldn't hurt, unless you're dieting!

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Egg Tarts

Egg tarts are one of my favorite snacks for their flaky exterior and soft interior. A bit on the sweet side, there are a handful of different types which include the classic egg tart, bird nest egg tart, and the Portuguese egg tart which is a creamier version of the snack. 

This Chinese snack is an extremely popular afternoon snack, but it can be consumed at all times during the day. I definitely miss the fresh egg tarts in Hong Kong and Macau which is a lot more tastier than those in New York, but I would love to have one from NY now! It is definitely a Chinese tradition to have an egg tart for afternoon tea.

I sure wish they had this delicious snack in Korea, but the only thing that we can find in a Paris Baguette is similar, but they just don't have that same flaky crust. 

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Tous Les Jours

Tous Les Jours is a French Asian bakery popular chain in Korea for their baked goods. Measurable to the popular Paris Baguette, many of the breads are the same type with their own twist. Because I have previously blogged about it, I wanted to solely concentrate on their other baked goodies. 

In addition to the breads, there are sandwiches, cold refreshing summer drinks, bingsu desserts, ice cream and of course cakes! I love the bakeries in Korea because they are fully equipped for any and every event. This birthday cake was well packaged with a knife, candles, matches, and even poppers for a birthday celebration. Talk about an all in one! The best part about bakeries in Korea is their absolutely gorgeous designed cakes. Everything in Korea is just so pretty that sometimes it is too pretty to eat. I had a bit of trouble cutting into the cake, but of course no one had a problem eating the cake. Unlike cakes back at home, Korean cakes are less sweet. From countless blogs before, it is evident that Koreans are not a big fan of extremely sweet pastries, the cakes alike. This chocolate mousse cake tasted more like a chocolate bread, but that is the culture here and sometimes, you just have to learn to accept that. 

Street Food Yum - Burnt Sugar 꿀타래

One of the cutest and sweetest cheap eats on the streets of Korea is the various shaped burnt sugar or Dalgona Ppopgi or 꿀타래. For less than a dollar, this circular shaped caramelized like sugar with a cute image in the center is extremely sweet, even sweeter than some candies that I have had in Korea. The test for many is to eat around the shape and not crack the shape in the center, but I have yet to do so. Be sure to test your skills with this sweet tooth satisfaction! You can definitely find this in all tourist areas, any popular areas. Extremely great snack to walk and munch on.

Street Food Yum - Takoyaki Balls

A street version of the Japanese Okonomiyaki pancake, these squid (sometimes other seafood) pancake-made batter balls are topped with the flakes and sauce that will have you going bonkers. You can simply pop them in your mouth and have a Okonomiyaki-like pancake to go. Prices vary in the number of balls that you want, an average box of eight for three dollars or fourteen for five dollars. Definitely can't go wrong with that!

Takoyaki balls can be found all around town in Korea as a quick pick me up to eat. Ewha (the women's university), Kongdae (by the Konkuk University station), Gangnam, and many other centers of attractions. For those who are looking for a more filling meal, the Okonomiyaki Pancake is available in some locations as well. The pancake is usually topped with udon noodles, a filling meal for just $5.

The best thing about these Takoyaki balls is the way it is made. A batter is poured onto the circular cooking platform and the filing is added. It is then topped with more batter and as it cooks, a bubble will start to form. Keep in mind the batter pours everywhere. Once halfway cooked, two sticks are used to cut and pull the flat shaped filling into a ball like popper. It is something you have to see to believe. Descriptions does not work for the amazement of the technique. 

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Waffle Bant

Feeding off my obsession with waffles, Waffle Bant is a small Korean waffle chain in Korea is known for their coffee, waffle, and ice creams. I suggest the classic waffle with their classic ice cream. I warn you that their ice cream is not like that in America. The texture of the ice cream is actually made from their yogurt milk and not the mill form we are accustomed to in America. Although the ice cream may be a bit peculiar and something you can skip out on, the waffle is a must.

It may be a bit pricey for a small piece of waffle that costs two to three dollars as compared to the street food cheap eat, but this waffle is absolutely delicious. This small bite size piece of waffle is extremely fluffy and crispy on the outside that it makes you crave for more! It can be hard to resist the crave, but that supports the reason for its deliciousness and why you should definitely give it a go.

Korean Traditional Eat - Red Bean Duk (Mochi) Balls

Koreans are known for their mochi balls that are stuffed with red bean, a popular Korean Traditional Eat. The mochi is made from rice cake, dduk, which is a go to snack for Koreans. I love the mini size mochi balls that you can just pop into your mouth. This set contained red bean paste filling mochi that is covered with regular black sesame, red bean, regular sesame, green tea, and a yellow bean powder. For just $2, it is definitely a party in your mouth!

There are also other mochi (dduk) texture goodies that can be found on the street for two dollars. You can even purchase the plain dduk that comes in a small roll. The best part of it is the chewy texture, although it is plain it taste it is a yum yum that is healthy for you! The most popular dduk is the plain white kind and green tea dduk is second in line. It is made with a strong green tea flavor so I only suggest that to those who love the green tea taste, which is most Asians. Unfortunately for me, the taste is a little too strong for me because I am not big on tea, but I know many who love it.

They all come in with different powdery exteriors and tastes. Some, like that on the right, is made with a darker mochi interior, and topped with a bean powder on the outside, but it is made of the same chewy dduk texture. For just maximum two dollars a pack, you can explore all you want for the best choice that fits your taste buds. Each individual store tends to get creative with their dduk and powders so it is always great to try new ones. 

My Current Obsession - Crispy Cacao Chip Chocolate

My current obsession is the Crispy Cacao chip candy that I recently discovered. Shaped like a Pringles chip, but made out of chocolate, this crispy cacao chip is just too good to share! It definitely brings me back to the states, satisfies those cravings that I have for American chocolate, especially the Crunch bar. It is the thin version of the chocolate Crunch bar that is impossible to find in Korea. This chocolate obsession comes in a pack of 24 pieces, not even enough for me in one sitting, especially for the late night munchies! Sometimes, I feel that this goody is just too cute to be consumed, but too bad I'm such a fatty that I will eat the whole box within ten minutes!

Korean Traditional Eats - Korean Pancake (Pajeon)

The Korean pancake which includes the popular seafood and kimchi pancake is a party appetizer in Korea. It is a dish shared between a group which can come before a meal or as a dish with soju. In addition to the popular seafood and kimchi pancake, there is also the option of a bulgolgi beef and vegetable pancake.

Most pancakes are usually made with a bed of vegetables which include scallions, onions and eggs. Meat and other ingredients are then added to the sautéed goods until almost cooked. A pancake mix is then added to the pan of stir fry and cooked until the pancake is golden brown with a bit of extra crispy bites.

The one thing I love about this pancake appetizer aside from the crunchy exterior and soft interior is the size of the pancake. There is a reason as to why you must share the dish between a group of friends because it is almost impossible to finish between two.

Street Food Yum - Hotba

Fish on a stick is an extremely popular Korean street food yum and no, I am not speaking of a whole fish with the head and fins on a stick. Fish meat and other types of seafoods are actually broken down until its textures becomes like that of mashed potato. This batter is then formed into different shapes and sizes prior to being deep fried.

When purchasing from a street food cart, the Hotba is usually made of fish paste or cuttlefish. Depending on the cart you are purchasing from, the combo varies. The most common forms of fried fish sausages includes the fish paste with a sesame leaf, shrimp tempura, crabmeat, plain, and of course, one with a hot dog. My favorite combination is one with shrimp tempura or plain. Be sure to lather some ketchup on top and eat it fresh! 

This cheap eat us usually a dollar or two, maxing out at three dollars and can be found in most street vendors. The best one I have had by far is the one that only serves fried cuttlefish sticks in Myeongdong. They even have a few guts standing around making the actually stick there as you order!

Street Food Yum - Waffles

One of the most popular sweet tooth satisfactions in Korea that is also a street food yum is the waffles. For only a dollar on average (in the streets), you can have a waffle topped with half honey and a cream of your choice. It is absolutely delicious and a quick pick up for anyone who loves waffles the way I do.

Because waffles are a popular snack to go with coffee, you can find waffles in may coffee shops, on average for a price of an American equivalent three dollars, but they are usually smaller in size. The best part about eating a waffle in a coffee shop is the many different toppings that you can have with your waffle which includes fruits and ice cream. 

The main difference between a street waffle and those in a coffee shop is the texture of the waffle. For those that are quick pick me ups on the street, it is usually the classic American thin waffle that is made with a  waffle pan. These are crispy and flat whereas the coffee shop's waffle vary in texture. Some may be flat, but usually it is a fluffy thick waffle that is made fresh. Regardless of what kind of waffle it is and the texture of the waffle, I believe Korea has one of the best waffles in the world!

Street Food Yum - Sweet Pancake (Hoddeok)

One of the popular street food yum in Korea is this sweet pancake that may be filled with different foods depending on the stand. Battered up with a pancake mix and pan fried, this goody ranges in size and price that is equivalent to the American fifty cents, maxing at a dollar. It is one of those that I just can't get enough of!


You will surely be able to find this goody by the train station where there is a lot of traffic. If you see anything that is rolled up like a ball and slapped onto the frying pan, it is the worth making a pit stop! Most stands will whip you up something that is filled with cinnamon syrup and maybe a few nuts, others will have a variety of nuts and fruits in their mix. Location to location varies, but it is worth trying out for less than a dollar.

Life in Korea - Junkfood Stash

I am big on food, very big on small eats and junk food. I finally decided to share with the world my "stash." Everyone knows I am big on sweets and chips and when I go shopping, the three C's (cookies, chips, and candy) are always on the top of my list. Sometimes, I spend more money on junk foods than real food. 

Nonetheless, I love Korea for its flavored goodies. I am currently addicted to the chocolate covered sunflower seeds which is equivalent to a peanut's M&M, but oh so delicious. I recently bought a 1.5 pound bag of these sunflower seeds. You won't understand until you have tried them!

In addition to the oh so delicious sunflower seeds, I have a stash of the Ganache Macadamia Chocolates that are truffle like squares filled with macadamia nuts. It is delicious! Being that I am big on truffles, with my numerous posts (La Maison Du Chocolat, Leonidas, Lily O'Briens Cafe, teuscher, neuhaus chocolate), I've been on the search here. I haven't found any chocolate truffle places, but I did find a store brand that has helped me satisfy my current cravings: Royal Milk and Dark Chocolate Truffle.

I haven't found any great cookies here, but I did find a whole bunch of chips. Korea doesn't have the many typical plain flavors that we find back in America, but there are a bunch of seafood and sweet chips. For a different craving, these chips have a blast of flavor that is usually puffy inside. I love the big fluff of Asian chips, doesn't taste anything like the flat, thin fried potato chip you find in America. My favorites include the crab shaped chips, puffy fish shaped cuttlefish chip, the sweet potato chip, and the sweet flavored chip topped with black sesame in the shape of a ring.


Lastly, rice cakes and uncooked ramen noodles are a big snack here as well. They even have baby size bags of ramen that are compressed and kid's bite sizes. I have learned to like them, just not as much as the kids do here. They even have the chips where the ramen come in size and a bag of powder for the kids to add it to. All they do is shake it up and enjoy. I know for a fact when I fly back, I will be having a suitcase full of junk food!

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Fisher's Popcorn

First day of my mini vacation here in Ocean City, Maryland and although I’m working remotely, I still have the time to enjoy some boardwalk goodies. I skipped out on lunch today and replaced it with popcorn goodies from Fisher’s Popcorn, a spot that has been around since 1937. Yes, it is an actual place that sells popcorn.

We picked up original butter, white cheddar, and my favorite caramel with peanuts. Please don't mind the not so full cups, my barbarian friends couldn't wait for me to take the picture first so they just dug right in. These popcorns were so fresh that it was still warm long after it was purchased. We just couldn’t get enough, finishing the three bags that we bought.

I believe it is the perfect souvenir for family and friends back at home. If only they were able to eat it fresh like I was! I’m definitely looking forward to returning tomorrow for more goodies! If you're in town, it is definitely a must visit. Prices for popcorn aren't even as expensive as it is in the movie theaters, so it is a worthy pick up. 

Prepare for the Hurricane with SNACKS !

Considering that I went to Pathmark to stack up for the Hurricane, I really didn’t buy much can foods or water. I only got two cans of Chef Boyardee and a whole lot of junk food. Junk foods are non-perishable, works out to my favor anyway! Excuse the opened package, I couldn't wait to share it with you.

With that said, I picked up two new snacks which I am so obsessed with. First is the new Keebler’s Mint Creme Middles with chocolate graham cookies. For anyone who loves cookies as much as I do, as well as mint and chocolate, this is the perfect CHEAP cookie. My all time favorite is the Andes mint cookie, but that is impossible to find in New Jersey, so I’ll just have to settle with this and it's only $2.50 on sale!

Next off, I am the ultimate juice person and I love drinking juice more than anything. I guess this is better than drinking soda. I just discovered Langers Strawberry Peach juice cocktail. I was obsessed with Ocean Spray’s White Cranberry Strawberry juice cocktail, but that is growing to be too sweet for my taste. This new discovery is just perfect for me. All I hope is that there will be some more in stock after this hurricane passes!