What is Tteokbokki? (Plus 1 Crucial Phrase to Order it in Korea!)

Do you like Tteokbokki? If you are Korean, it is almost impossible to dislike Tteokbokki. When I was young, my friends and I used to head straight to a Tteokbokki spot right after school. Today, let’s dive into everything about Tteokbokki!

1. What is Tteokbokki?

Tteokbokki is one of the most popular Korean street foods. It features chewy rice cakes (Tteok) cooked in a rich, savory, and spicy sauce usually made from Gochujang (Korean chili paste). It's the ultimate comfort food for Koreans!

2. Types of Tteokbokki

While Tteokbokki is basically known for its spicy flavor using Gochujang (Korean chili paste), these days there are so many different flavors available. Even if you don't like spicy food, you can easily find a version that suits your taste!

🌶️ 1. Original Spicy Tteokbokki

• This is the classic red Tteokbokki we commonly eat, made with a Gochujang-based sauce. It usually comes with fish cakes and green onions.

•  The spice level can be quite high, so beginners should definitely keep water or Coolpis (a sweet Korean peach drink) nearby! Fortunately, many places now let you choose your spice level, making it much easier for beginners to try.

🥛 2. Rose Tteokbokki (로제 떡볶이)

• This version mixes a smooth cream or milk into the spicy Gochujang sauce. Thanks to K-dramas and TikTok, it is currently one of the most popular variations worldwide!

• The cream neutralizes the spiciness, making it creamy and savory. It is the absolute best choice for spicy food beginners!

🟫 3. Ganjang / Royal Court Tteokbokki (간장/궁중 떡볶이)

• A traditional Tteokbokki stir-fried with soy sauce, beef, and vegetables instead of red pepper paste. There is absolutely no spiciness at all.

• If you want to experience an authentic, non-spicy Korean flavor, this is the one to choose!

🧀 4. Cheese Tteokbokki (치즈 떡볶이)

• This is the original spicy Tteokbokki generously topped with melted mozzarella cheese.

• The rich and savory cheese helps tone down the heat, and the stretchy cheese pull makes it absolutely perfect for taking photos for Instagram!

🟤 Jjajang Tteokbokki (짜장 떡볶이)

• It is a version of Tteokbokki cooked in Korean black bean (Jjajang) noodles sauce.

• This version features rice cakes cooked in sweet and savory Korean Jjajang sauce  instead of the spicy red pepper paste. It’s highly popular among children in Korea and is an excellent choice for anyone who cannot handle spicy food at all.

•  Tip for Foreigners: Especially if you loved "Jjapaguri (Ram-don)" from the movie Parasite, you will definitely fall in love with the sweet and salty flavor of Jjajang Tteokbokki!

🇰🇷 Today's Korean Phrase

When you visit Korea and want to order one of the delicious Tteokbokki we introduced today, just point at the menu (or a picture on your phone) and say this:

• Korean: 이거 주세요!

• Pronunciation: I-geo ju-se-yo!

• English: Please give me this! / I'd like this, please.

💡 Why this is your magic phrase!

When you visit a local restaurant in Korea, pronouncing the food names can sometimes feel a bit tricky. But don't worry!

Simply open this blog post on your phone, point to the picture of the Tteokbokki you want to try, and say: "I-geo ju-se-yo!"

It’s a 100% foolproof and practical way to order like a local, even if you don't speak any other Korean. Give it a try!