Seoulful Bites

Dalgona/Ppopgi (뽑기) Where Sweetness Meets Tradition If you’ve ever visited a bustling Korean street market, you’ve likely encountered a delightful, golden treat known as ppopgi (뽑기). This traditional Korean candy, with its crispy texture and nostalgic charm, offers more than just a sweet snack – it’s an experience that transports you back to simpler times. What is Ppopgi? At its core, ppopgi is a sugary delight made by melting sugar until it turns into a golden liquid, which is then poured into a wooden mold. The treat hardens quickly, creating a thin, crispy sheet of candy that’s both delicate and crunchy. The fascinating part? Each candy is pressed into a shape, often featuring fun patterns like hearts, stars, or animals. The Art of Making Ppopgi Making ppopgi is as much about the process as it is about the product. Vendors heat sugar in a large wok, stirring it carefully to avoid burning. Once the sugar reaches the right consistency, it is poured onto a flat surface or a wooden m...

A Journey Through Street Food South Korea is a paradise for food lovers, offering a culinary adventure that begins on its vibrant streets. The moment you step into a bustling market or a cozy food alley, your senses are overwhelmed by the aroma of savory broths and the sight of colorful dishes crafted with care. A Culinary Journey Through Tradition and Flavor The Korean cuisine has evolved through centuries of social and political change. Originating from ancient agricultural and nomadic traditions in Korea and southern Manchuria, Korean cuisine reflects a complex interaction of the natural environment and different cultural trends. Korean cuisine is largely based on rice, vegetables, seafood and (at least in South Korea) meats. Dairy is largely absent from the traditional Korean diet. Traditional Korean meals are named for the number of side dishes (반찬; 飯饌; banchan) that accompany steam-cooked short-grain rice. Kimchi is served at nearly every meal. Commonly used ingredients incl...