As a K-pop fan, my love for Korean culture goes beyond the music, choreography, and fashion. It’s also about the food! Korean cuisine has this way of making my mouth water just by scrolling through Instagram or watching my favorite idols enjoy a tasty treat on a variety show. So, I decided to dive into five trendy Korean recipes I can’t wait to try, and if you’re a K-pop fan like me, you’ll probably want to try them too!
1. Dalgona Candy (달고나)
Source: Squid Game
Who can forget the Dalgona Candy craze that swept through the K-pop world, especially after the hit drama Squid Game? But long before that, Dalgona was a nostalgic Korean street snack that idols have been seen enjoying. BTS’s V, for instance, tried his hand at making Dalgona during one of their RUN BTS! episodes. The sweet, crunchy treat has become a favorite challenge among idols, and I can’t wait to see if I can carve out the perfect shape without cracking it!
Source: BTS RUN Episode 142
2. Tteokbokki (떡볶이)
Source: Blackpink Rosé
Tteokbokki is one of those dishes that every K-pop fan should try at least once. It’s spicy, chewy, and just all-around comforting. I remember seeing BLACKPINK rave about tteokbokki during their VLIVE session. They shared how they often crave this spicy rice cake dish, and honestly, I can see why. The combination of the chewy rice cakes with the fiery gochujang (Korean chili paste) sauce just screams comfort food. I can already imagine myself cozying up with a bowl of this while binge-watching music videos.
3. Kimchi Fried Rice (김치볶음밥)
source: Gong Yoo Coffee Prince
Kimchi is a staple in Korean cuisine, and Kimchi Fried Rice is the perfect way to use up leftover kimchi while creating something absolutely delicious. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. I got the inspiration to makes this myself after seeing EXO’s Baekhyun cook it during one of his live streams. He even added cheese on top, which, according to him, makes everything better. And I agree! I’m all for that gooey, melted cheese combined with the tangy, spicy kimchi.
4. Korean Corn Dogs (핫도그)
Source: TWICE, August 2021
These aren’t your average corn dogs. Korean Corn Dogs are next-level, and they’ve taken the K-pop world by storm. I first noticed them when watching k-dramas, and soon after, I saw them pop up everywhere. They’re usually coated in a crunchy batter, with some even stuffed with mozzarella cheese, and rolled in sugar. I’ve seen so many idols munch on these during their downtime, and I’m super excited to try making them at home.
5. Bingsu (빙수) or Korean Shaved Ice Dessert
No list of must-try Korean foods would be complete without a dessert, and Bingsu is at the top of mine. This shaved ice dessert comes with various toppings like sweet red bean, fruits, and condensed milk.
It’s a refreshing treat, perfect for cooling down after an intense day. The most memorable scene in korean drama featuring Bingsu would have to be Fight My Way (2017) whilst on Ae Ra was on her first date with Moo Bin.
Source: Fight My Way (2017)
So, there you have it—five delicious Korean recipes I’m itching to try as a K-pop fan. Whether it’s the sweet crunch of Dalgona Candy or the fiery kick of Tteokbokki, these dishes are not just food; they’re a way to connect with the culture behind the music we love. Plus, knowing that our favorite idols enjoy these same treats just makes them taste even better! If you decide to try any of these, let me know—I’d love to hear your thoughts
