Korea is a land that loves its food. Take a walk down any street and you will find at least one tent set up selling some kind of treat. This is especially useful in the winter, as they enclosed areas provide a wonderful escape from the bone chilling wind of Korea. Don’t believe me? As I’m writing this post, it is -4C outside, but the wind chill drops it down to -11C. That is just frigid!

However, that’s not what this post is about. It’s about the following video and the deliciousness that’s called Fish Bread!

OK, what am I talking about here? This is 잉어빵 (eeng-eo-bbang). Picture a golden pancake stuffed with red bean paste, served piping hot. If you can do that, then you have an idea of this staple of Korean Street Food. You can pretty much find them all over the nation. Larger ones usually go on sale for 3/W2000 while some of the smaller ones can go for up to 8/W1500.

They’re made by first placing a hefty amount of the batter in the mold. Then red bean paste is scooped inside and some more batter placed on top. The mold is usually attached to a circular iron place that has multiple molds. The cook, quickly moves them around, turning them over as necessary to ensure both sides are cooked.

The result is a wonderful golden brown and flaky crust with piping hot red bean paste inside. When you bite into it, the crust breaks away with a crunch (provided they’re fresh. Then your teeth sink into the red beans. It’s fantastic… if you like red beans. If that particular filling isn’t to your liking then 붕어빵 (boong-eo-bbang) may be for you. Sometimes in the shape of a fish, but more often presented as custard filled walnut cakes, these treats are easy enough to pop into your mouth while walking about your business in Seoul.

What do you think? Are these treats for you?