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! 

Bottoms Up - Standing Coffee

Standing Coffee is a coffee shop where you literally stand in a line in the streets to order your coffee whipped up by a group of handsome barista "Standing guys" dressed in a white dress shirt, black slacks, and topped with a tie. It is the cutest concept with a quick way to brew up your coffee from a small menu. It's said that they only hire "handsome guys" which is definitely an eye candy for all guests, guys included.

Coffee of course, is the number one choice from Standing Coffee, but they are also known for their blue lemonade. Made with fresh lemons and blue caracao, this spiked lemonade is the perfect drink for any hot summer day. Don't worry about getting a "buzz" from the drink because it is extremely sweet in taste and made from a low percentage of alcohol. Drinks are priced at most $5 and they even have shots of alcohol for sale, another plus for many.

The original Standing Coffee is located straight from the Noksapyeong exit number 2 of line 6. It will be across the street from you on the right side so before reaching the light, take the underpass that will facilitate crossing the street. From Standing Coffee Two in the Hongdae area, the easiest way to get there is a straight walk from Sangsu station exit 1. Within a two minute walk, it'll be on your right (a bigger location than the original).

Street Food Yum - Hoddeok Revisited

My all time favorite street food yum and Korean traditional eat is the sweet Korean pancake, Hoddeok. You can find this sweet tooth satisfaction in the streets at an average price of $1, sometimes even less! Because there are so many different stands to purchase this from, everyone has their own take to it. The more recent stands are turning this flat, doughy pancake into a more fluffy, bread-like eat. This stand in Kongdae offers fluffy bread that is cut in half and filling is added before handed off to guests to enjoy. This breaks away from the traditional way of filling a dough with a pine nut based syrup and thrown in a flat pan of oil to cook. Nonetheless, it is still my favorite traditional Korean eat and I just can't get enough of it!

Traditional Korean Eat - Fish Cake 오뎅

This Korean traditional eat is usually a street food yum, but some restaurants take it indoor for those who are looking for a more special kick and an upgrade on the dish. Restaurants specialize in making a spicy radish soup base and serve it boiling with sticks of fish cake 오뎅 for your enjoyment. The best part about eating this street food yum indoors is that you're sheltered from the cold and you are able to sit down and enjoy it. 

Such restaurants also have other dishes to add with this meal and for most Koreans, the most important is the option of alcoholic beverages to enjoy with a group of friends. Side dishes and other snacks can be ordered for those who are looking for more of a filling meal, but definitely one of my favorite street food yums and I just can't get enough of. Price differences of course is extreme, considering a stick of fish cake from the streets can cost you a measly 50 cents for the very least, average at a dollar a stick, but in restaurants, look to pay at around $20-30 for a bowl with about 10 sticks. 

Street Food Yum - Red Bean Bun 진빵

Red bean buns (진빵) are a popular eat in the Asian culture, mostly in the Chinese culture, but this popular eat has adapted to other cultures which includes the Korean culture. A red bean paste is stuffed inside a flour bun that is steamed to perfection. The main difference between the Chinese and Korean red bean bun is that the Chinese one is a lot sweeter. The red bean is turned into a paste whereas Korea's buns are filled with whole or chopped up red beans. Nonetheless, this is an extremely cheap street food yum, two buns for a dollar is the cheapest I have seen it!

Street Food Yum - Schneepang

Everyone knows that I am a big foodie and my recent discovery in Myeondong is a handful of new standing venues offering "Schneepang." A hard waffle ball that is topped with different flavors which include chocolate, caramel, strawberry, cinnamon or a plain glaze, originating in Germany. This ball is thrown into a bag and banged by a hammer a few times before given to you. A bag of broken up pieces of a hard waffle cone topped with a syrup, the ultimate sweet snack that is like a cookie mix. For just $3 a ball, it is a cheap street food yum that you can splurge on the calories by making it up with excessive walking and shopping in Myeondong.

This new yum yum can also be found in the Lotte department store food courts. Be sure to look for this goodie when you are shopping around for delicious eats. The only difference is the price in a Lotte department store is a little higher, but just a measly 50 cents. Slowly taking over the market, Schneepang is appearing in many different markets and taking over the food industry. They even have their own stores to specialize in selling balls of fun eats.

Updated:
There is now a store dedicated to Schneepang in Hongdae. From exit 9 of the Hongik station on line 2,  go straight until you hit the light. Take a left at the light and go straight until the end. You will see grey buildings of Hongik University in front of you. At the very end, take a right and take the first street uphill. Go straight and the Schneepang store will be on your right.

Street Food Yum - Walnut Poppers 호두과자

The cold weather is one time of the year that I love to grub on all sorts of street yums where ever I go. 호두과자 is a cheap eat that helps to keep your hands warm and tummy full at all times!


Reminding me of the pancake mini cakes that I would always find back in New York. I have been longing for the dollar Chinatown goodies  of pancake balls that are soft on the inside, crispy on the outside. The only difference with those cakes and these here are the filling and the way it is made. A walnut filling is popped in the pancake-like batter which is heated over fire. The produced shape is that of a ball. It wasn't exactly the mini pancake I was looking for, but it was delicious. For this Walnut Popper, be sure to eat it fresh. It doesn't taste as good when it is cold because it looses its crunchy texture. Therefore, as much as you may love it, be sure to get small bag if you don't plan on finishing it all right away. 

Street Food Yum - Banh Mi Bros

One of the only Vietnamese Banh Mi (bread) places that I have seen in Korea is this Banh Mi Bros food truck in Itaewon. Heck, it is even one of the only food trucks that I have seen in Korea. It was an automatic given to grab a sandwich when I laid eyes on the enormous "Banh Mi" sign. 

Banh Mi is a Vietnamese bread served with vegetables, meat, and a Vietnamese paste. Every restaurant's bread varies with the types of ingredients used and one of the best breads is that in Chinatown, New York under the Brooklyn Bridge. Nonetheless, Banh Mi Bros was able to satisfy my temporary craving in Korea for the Vietnamese bread.

The bread is still warm when served, with sweet and sour vegetables as well as fresh vegetables. The meat is cooked fresh in the truck so you know you are getting the real deal. The best part about this sandwich is it being available at a late hour, perfect for those who are looking for a midnight snack, especially after a night of partying in Itaewon. 

Because ingredients are a bit difficult to get in Korea, there were some alterations made to the traditional bread. For just $5, it is an extremely cheap eat that can fill you up and "bring you back home" for a moment of comfort food. Be sure to look out for one of the only food trucks in Korea and grab a sample of the Vietnamese traditional eat!

Korean Traditional Eat - Barley Rice Cake

This soft and chewy Barley Rice Cake is a traditional Korean yum. A bit on the bland side, but it is perfect for those who like the dduk texture which is a chewy noodle. With a bit of barley flavor, this soft rice cake is made by a pouring a barley mix into a small pan. It is best when consumed fresh and warm, when each mold is still in place before sticking to one another.

With no filling, many love this cheap eat for its dough texture.  It is a perfect and cheap snack for all, especially because it is made of healthy grains, it is a low calorie snack. 

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Sweet Soup

This peculiar Chinese dessert to some is a soup which is usually consumed after dinner. Served both hot and cold, it is a sweet tooth satisfaction on my boat! With a variety of choices which include the most popular of mung bean, red bean, tapioca, tofu, and a handful of others, it is a must try for all. When visiting Hong Kong, I actually had sweet soup every night. 

This extremely cheap eat can be found almost everywhere in Hong Kong. The best part about it is the convenience of this sweet soup which can be found out in the streets. My absolute street food yum is the tapioca soup which is boiled in coconut milk, usually consumed cold or on the cooler side. My ultimate favorite hot sweet soup is the rice balls filled with sesame or peanut paste. The texture is like mochi balls, but it may be too strong of a taste for some because it is boiled in a ginger soup. Nonetheless, sweet soups are a different kind of dessert, but absolutely tasty!

Korean Traditional Eat - Sundae 순대

Sundae (순대) is an extreme traditional Korean eat, but also considered a peculiar dish for many, especially foreigners because of its strong tastes. Most commonly made from boiling or steam cow or pig intestines and filled with a variety of ingredients, this blood sausage is something that many cannot tolerate. Most Sundaes are filled with cellophane noodles (dangmyeon), pork blood, fermented soy bean paste, glutinous rice, kimchi, and or soy bean sprouts. It is a popular eat in Korea and they come in all different forms.

Depending on the area stirring up Sundae, the most common is the cow or pig sausage served whole and consumed just like that. Other areas specialize in different kinds which is made of squid (Ojingeo Sundae), Alaska pollock (Myeongtae Sundae), Brown Coacker's air bladder (Eogyo Sundae) and many others. 

For those who are trying out the dish for the first time, you can find this along the street through the street vendors. It is a good idea to share with others, just in case you are not used to the unique taste. Another suggestion is to have the 순대국 which is a soup version of the traditional eat.

Street Food Yum - Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is a popular eat in Korea, particularly bonchon, but there are a few areas that you can find regular fried chicken without all of the crazy flavors and different sauces. The best part about these locations is it being in the street where service is quick, food is fresh, and price is low. 

This bucket of salted boneless fried chicken found in the streets of Hongdae was only for the price of five bucks. The best part is, the stand is open late hours for those who are craving something to eat after a night of partying. This cheap eat can be shared between a group of friends or hogged up for one. Regardless of what the intentions are, the purpose of a street food yum to fill a stomach of craving is fulfilled.

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. 

Street Food Yum - Baby Kimbaps

Kimbaps are a Korean traditional eat, but this street food yum has taken the traditional eat and turned it into a twist. With so much to choose from, it is practically impossible to make a choice without sampling each! This stand located in Dong Dae Mun whips up baby kimbaps and sells each roll for just fifty cents.  The variety of kimbaps include spam, tuna, pork, eel, radish, anchovies, sweet potato, and a handful of others that I just can't remember.

For those of you who are looking for a quick, cheap, and cute eat for a night of shopping in Dong Dae Mun, definitely stop by this stand located across the street from the central malls of attractions which includes Doota, Milagro, and the many wholesale locations as well.

Street Food Yum - Seafood Stir Fry Noodles

One of the cheap eats for just $3 is this seafood stir fry noodles found in Dong Dae Mun that is made of thin rice noodles, bean sprouts, onions, cabbage, other vegetables, and squid mixed with soy sauce, topped with a mayonnaise-like sauce. Made fresh on the stand, this street food yum helps to satisfy the stomach of shoppers.

Although this mix is more of a vegetable dish rather than a seafood dish, it is still worth it for the cheap price of $3. This same stand also serves enormous sausages on a stick and BBQ chicken, freshly grilled.

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. 

Street Food Yum - Sausage Hot Dogs

I am constantly in Hongdae and almost always see a line for this hot dog vendor that took me quite a while to try. Ran by a group of guys, this street food yum puts a twist on the traditional New York hotdog. Made with a flat sausage patty squished in a bun, this sausage hot dog is topped with cabbage, mayonnaise and a BBQ sauce that is absolutely delicious. It is the finishing touch to the hot dog which makes you crave for more.

In addition to the taste, the price of the hot dog is worth every bite. For just $1.50, it is a must have for those who are looking for a quick bite or even to fill a stomach. Open until early morning, it is a must to stop by this line that moves rather quickly for this cheap eat. 

Street Food Yum - Fun and Games

Korea is big on couple activities and this street game is one of them. This is one of the popular street games that can be found in a handful of tourist attractions and popular late hang out areas. These street vendors are usually out during late hours, in hope of attracting the young crowd.

Depending on the vendor, the prizes vary as well. There are vendors that have a variety of different candy and snacks to choose from as a prize. This game definitely brings out the inner kid and is worth the hype.

The concept of the game is simple, you pay a couple of dollars (usually two) and you're given a block of sticks that have different pictures on it. Select the numbers that you wish to cover and pick out these numbers from a bag. For those matching numbers you pick out, you will receive the corresponding shape of sugar crystal candy. For different stands, there is one giant candy that you can get if you get the special fish. Its nearly impossible, but always fun. I definitely got beginners luck picking 3/5 candies my first time!

Street Food Yum - Shredded Squid

Squid is a popular street food yum in Korea that comes in all different styles; some are soft, some fried, some grilled. Depending on what you are craving, you will find a kind to satisfy your taste buds. I randomly chose what I thought to be a grilled squid but instead it was a flat slice of squid that was slapped on a press pan. After lathering on some peanut butter, cinnamon and a bit of sugar, this squid is then placed though a machine that slides it through while simultaneously cooking. 

I thought it was a weird combination at first to have peanut butter, cinnamon and sugar on something that is supposed to be a salty snack but this baby was delicious! It is the right combo for someone with a sweet tooth like myself who is in love with peanut butter also. For just five dollars, it was not enough to keep me going because it was just that addicting. If you are not so big on the sweet salty combo, be sure to try out the other squid snacks!