Ddeokbokki (Korean Spicy Rice Cakes)

Ddeokbokki, or Korean spicy rice cakes, are among the most common street food items in Seoul.

Characterized by a thick, fiery red sauce, these chewy pillows of rice are not for the faint of heart. The assault of flavors starts with a subtle introduction that grows into a full-blown explosion of spices. As you chew along, you wonder if it’s a tad bit too spicy to handle, but then it’s too late because you find yourself already addicted to ddeokbokki.

Ddeokbokki nowadays are commonly prepared by smothering the rice cakes in red sauce but there are still food stalls that prepare it the traditional way – stir fried in a wok and topped with a heaping of chili flakes.

Here are the best places to have ddeokbokki in Seoul.

• TONG-IN MARKET | Jongno-gu
  For old-fashioned ddeokbokki at cheap prices
  What to order: Ddeokbokki, Dumplings, Mayak Gimbap
  Price range: 300 to 1,000 won ($0.26 to $0.86)
  When: 09:00 – 18:00 Monday – Friday; 09:00 – 13:00 Saturday
  Where: 10-3 Tongin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
• DONGDAEMUN SASSY TTEOKBOKKI | Jung-gu
  For extremely spicy ddeokbokki that is perfect for sadists
  What to order: Ddeokbokki, Steamed Egg, Chicken Feet
  Price range: 3,000 to 14,000 Won ($2.59 to $12.10)
  When: 10:00 – 18:00 Daily
  Where: 117-9 Hongin-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
• MIMI'S TTEOKBOKKI | Mapo-gu
  For having ddeokbokki in a different style: Soup ddeokbokki
  What to order: Ddeokbokki, Fried Shrimp, Local Beer
  Price range: 3,000 to 9,500 Won ($2.59 to $8.21)
  When: 09:00 – 18:00 Daily
  Where: 404-29 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul