Hotteok

Hotteok is a popular Korean street food snack. It is a sweet pancake, often described as a Korean-style doughnut. The dough is typically made from flour, water, yeast, and sugar, and is then filled with a mixture of brown sugar, honey, peanuts, and cinnamon.

The preparation involves flattening a ball of dough, placing a spoonful of the sweet filling in the center, and then folding the dough over to enclose the filling. This filled dough ball is then flattened and pan-fried in a shallow amount of oil until golden brown and crispy on both sides.

Hotteok is traditionally enjoyed during the colder months in Korea, making it a comforting winter treat. It is commonly sold by street vendors, especially in busy marketplaces and subway stations. The warm, gooey, sweet interior contrasting with the slightly crispy exterior makes it a delightful snack. Variations exist, with some recipes including cheese or vegetables for a savory twist, although the sweet version remains the most iconic. The name "Hotteok" literally translates to "something that is fried" in Korean, reflecting its cooking method.