Korean desserts, known as “hangwa” in Korean, have a rich and diverse history that dates back centuries. These sweet treats are beloved locals and tourists alike for their unique flavors, textures, and presentation. From traditional rice cakes to modern twists on classic desserts, there is a wide variety of Korean desserts to discover. In this article, we will explore the different types of Korean desserts in detail, providing you with a comprehensive guide to satisfy your sweet tooth.
1. Yakgwa:
Yakgwa is a traditional Korean dessert made from wheat flour, honey, sesame oil, and ginger juice. It is usually shaped into small, bite-sized pieces and deep-fried until golden brown. The resulting snack is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a delightful hint of sweetness. Yakgwa is often enjoyed during special occasions such as weddings and holidays.
2. Patbingsu:
Patbingsu, also known as shaved ice dessert, is a popular Korean treat, especially during the hot summer months. It typically consists of shaved ice topped with various ingredients such as sweetened red beans, fruit, condensed milk, and rice cakes. The combination of flavors and textures creates a refreshing and satisfying dessert that helps beat the heat.
3. Tteok:
Tteok is a type of Korean rice cake that is an integral part of Korean cuisine. There are numerous variations of tteok, each with its unique flavor and texture. Some common types of tteok include:
a) Injeolmi:
Injeolmi is a chewy rice cake made from glutinous rice that has been pounded into a fine powder. It is often coated with soybean powder, giving it a nutty and savory taste.
b) Songpyeon:
Songpyeon is a crescent-shaped rice cake traditionally enjoyed during the Korean harvest festival, Chuseok. It is filled with sweet fillings such as honey, sesame seeds, or sweetened red beans.
c) Gyeongdan:
Gyeongdan is a small and colorful rice cake that is usually coated in various ingredients such as sesame seeds, soybean powder, or chopped nuts. It offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
4. Hotteok:
Hotteok is a popular street food in South Korea, especially during the winter months. It is a sweet pancake filled with a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts. The pancake is fried until golden brown, resulting in a crispy exterior and a gooey, sweet filling. Hotteok is best enjoyed warm, straight from the vendor’s cart.
5. Bungeoppang:
Bungeoppang is a fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet red bean paste. The batter is poured into a fish-shaped mold, and the sweet filling is then added before the pastry is cooked until golden brown. The combination of the crispy exterior and the smooth, sweet filling makes it a delightful treat.
6. Hodugwaja:
Hodugwaja, also known as walnut cookies, is a popular Korean street food snack. It consists of walnut-shaped pastries filled with red bean paste. The pastries have a crispy exterior and a soft, sweet filling, making them a crowd favorite.
7. Korean Pancakes:
Korean pancakes, known as “jeon,” come in various flavors and fillings. One popular option is bindaetteok, a pancake made from ground mung beans, kimchi, and pork. Other variations include haemul pajeon (seafood pancake) and kimchi jeon (kimchi pancake). These savory pancakes are often enjoyed as appetizers or snacks.
8. Yaksik:
Yaksik is a traditional Korean dessert made from glutinous rice, honey, nuts, and jujubes. It is typically steamed and then mixed with the other ingredients to create a chewy and sweet treat. Yaksik is often enjoyed during festive occasions or as a special treat.
9. Yugwa:
Yugwa is a crispy rice snack made from glutinous rice, honey, and sesame oil. The dough is flattened and cut into various shapes before being deep-fried until crispy. Yugwa is often enjoyed with tea and is a popular gift during the Lunar New Year.
10. Chapsal doughnuts:
Chapsal doughnuts are a modern twist on traditional doughnuts, made using glutinous rice flour instead of regular flour. They are often filled with sweet fillings such as red bean paste, custard, or chocolate. Chapsal doughnuts have a unique chewy texture that sets them apart from regular doughnuts.
Korean desserts offer a wide range of flavors, textures, and presentation styles. From traditional rice cakes like injeolmi and songpyeon to modern favorites like patbingsu and hotteok, there is something to satisfy every sweet tooth. Whether you’re exploring the streets of Seoul or trying your hand at making these delectable treats at home, Korean desserts are sure to leave you craving more. So, indulge in the rich and diverse world of Korean desserts and enjoy the sweet delights they have to offer.