Being Korean food is popular, many people ask me about Tteokbokki. But some people don’t know tteok actually means rice cake. Basically, Tteokbokki is a rice cake snack. However, in South Korea, there are tons of amazing rice cakes besides Tteokbokki.
I know some people don’t like the chewy texture, but I believe everyone should try at least a few. Here’s a list (not in ranking order)
1. Red Bean Rice Cake (팥떡)
Personally, I think red bean paste is one of the best flavors in the world. Depending on the rice cake shop, the sweetness can vary—some are super sweet, some less so. You can even find really good ones in department stores.
2. Sweet Honey Rice Cake
Different from red bean, this one is made with sugar and sesame mixed into the rice. If you’re not a fan of red bean, this is a great option.
3. Garaetteok (가래떡)
At first, it just looks like a plain white rice cake. But when people grill it and drizzle with real honey… wow. Soft texture, amazing flavor.
4. Injeolmi (인절미)
If you love nutty flavors, this one’s for you. Soft and chewy rice cake coated with roasted soybean powder. Super easy to find in Korea, and these days there are even modern variations. (I’ll introduce some in another article 😉)
5. Sirutteok (시루떡)
This one also uses red beans, but the difference is that beans are layered on the outside instead of inside. It’s not sweet at all. Traditionally, people share this rice cake when moving into a new home.
6. Cream or Red Bean Strawberry Rice Cake
A modern twist—rice cake filled with cream or red bean and a fresh strawberry. Kids and newcomers to Korean desserts love this one. Pretty sweet but very delicious.
7. Hobak-tteok (호박떡)
Hobak means pumpkin, so this is pumpkin rice cake. Yellow in color with a clean, light flavor. There’s even pumpkin injeolmi, which I heard is amazing (still on my list to try).
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8. Ssuk-tteok (쑥떡)
Ssuk means mugwort, which gives this rice cake its green color and healthy herbal taste. Often paired with red bean inside.
9. Rainbow Rice Cake 🌈 & Baekseogi (백설기)
These are basically the same type of steamed rice cake. Rainbow rice cake has layers of colors, while Baekseogi is pure white (sometimes with black beans added). Simple flavor, but perfect for a light snack.
Since the early 2000s, people even started making “rice cake cakes,” similar to Western-style birthday cakes. That shows how much Koreans love rice cakes.
It’s hard to get really good rice cakes in the U.S., but if you’re in South Korea and want a snack that’s both tasty and cultural, rice cakes are an amazing choice. Later, I’ll share some of my favorite rice cake shops too!
