Delicious Korean Desserts You Can’t Afford to Miss
Korean cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors and textures, but when it comes to desserts, it offers a unique experience that often goes unnoticed. From chewy rice cakes to sweet honeycomb treats, there’s a delightful variety to explore. Here are some delicious Korean desserts you can’t afford to miss.
Bingsu
This popular Korean shaved ice dessert is perfect for hot summer days. Traditional bingsu is made by shaving blocks of ice into fine, fluffy snow and topping it with sweetened condensed milk, red beans, fruits, and a variety of toppings, such as nuts and syrup. One of the most popular variations is mango bingsu, which features fresh mango chunks and mango syrup. You’ll find bingsu in many cafes, with each offering their unique twist on this classic dish.
Tteok
Tteok refers to a variety of traditional Korean rice cakes that can be savory or sweet. Sweet tteok is often made with glutinous rice flour and is sometimes filled with ingredients like sweet red bean paste, sesame seeds, or chestnuts. One particularly famous type of tteok is Songpyeon, which is a crescent-shaped rice cake filled with sweetened sesame or chestnut paste, typically enjoyed during the Chuseok festival.
Hoddeok, a popular street food, is a sweet Korean pancake usually filled with a mixture of brown sugar, honey, chopped nuts, and cinnamon. When cooked, the outside becomes perfectly crispy while the inside remains gooey and delicious. It’s the perfect winter treat, served hot and fresh off the griddle.
Though mochi has Japanese origins, it has become a beloved dessert in Korea as well. Korean mochi ice cream features a creamy ice cream filling wrapped in a layer of soft, chewy rice cake. These little bites of joy come in various flavors, from traditional green tea to fruity strawberry, making them a fun dessert for everyone.
Sikhye is a traditional Korean sweet rice drink, made by fermenting cooked rice with malt water. This refreshing drink is light, sweet, and often served with floating grains of rice. It's a popular choice during the summer and is also believed to help with digestion. Enjoying sikhye after a hearty meal is a common practice in Korean culture.
This chrysanthemum tea pudding is an elegant dessert often enjoyed on special occasions. Made from rice, water, and chrysanthemum petals, gukhwajuk has a light, floral flavor that is both soothing and refreshing. It's typically served chilled, making it a delightful way to end a meal.
A variation of bingsu, patbingsu, specifically highlights sweet red beans as a main ingredient. The beans are cooked, sweetened, and served over the finely shaved ice, then topped with fruits, condensed milk, and sometimes even ice cream. This combination results in a harmonious mix of flavors and textures, making it a must-try dessert.
This dish might not seem like a dessert at first glance, but tangsuyuk, the Korean version of sweet and sour pork or shrimp, is often enjoyed as a sweet end to a meal. The crispy batter is tossed in a thick, sweet sauce filled with pineapple and vegetables, creating a delightful balance of savory and sweet. Enjoy it with a side of rice for an unforgettable dining experience.
Whether you’re visiting Korea or dining at a local Korean restaurant, be sure to indulge in these delicious desserts. They offer a sweet glimpse into the rich culinary traditions of Korea, ensuring you leave with a sweet taste of this vibrant culture.