The Netflix TV show “Squid Game” brought Dalgona Candy to international attention. Korean desserts might not be as popular as bibimbap or kimchi but they are utterly unique, full of flavour and texture.

Suggest by a Korean Chef lets us delve into the sweeter side of Korean Food which you can often find at restaurants, eateries, and food markets in South Korea. They are nutritious and you can even find gluten-free and vegan options.

SONGPYEON (RICE CAKES)

Songpyeon is a Korean delicacy made with short-grain rice cake dough. It is a half-moon-shaped rice cake stuffed with sweet fillings such as honey, chestnuts or red beans. These are often steamed on top of pine needles.

It is traditionally made at home during the Korean celebration of Chuseok to celebrate the year’s bountiful harvest during the Mid-Autumn.

DASIK (KOREAN TEA COOKIES)

These decorative Korean pastries are usually served with tea. Its base ingredient may include rice flour, chestnut flour, black sesame, or beans. The Dasikpan moulds give them beautiful patterns and shapes and they can be made in different colours too.

They are gifted to family and friends to wish them good health and fortune for Seollal, the Korean new year. Since they often convey specific cultural meanings, shape and colour are important in the preparation of Dasik.

SIKHYE (SWEET RICE DRINK)

Sikhye is a traditional sweet drink made of Rice or barley fermented in malt water. It is refreshing and cools you down. Additional flavours like Pumpkins, sweet potatoes, buckwheat and corn can be added for variety. Since it’s fermented it aids digestion. It’s a very complex process to make it but it can also be bought from stores and supermarkets in Korea.

BUNGEOPPANG (FISH BREAD)

Bungeoppang or “fish bread” is a very popular Korean Street Food. It’s basically a pastry made in fish-shaped Taiyaki Pan. The bread is often filled with red beans, custard, or Nutella. This sweet treat is best served hot and fresh and tastes great with crunchy edges and chewy insides. It is often eaten with a glass of milk or any other hot beverage.

BINGSU (KOREAN SHAVED ICE)

Probably the most well-known of all Korean desserts outside Korea, perfect for hot summer days. It is believed to be invented by scholars during the Joseon Dynasty. It’s a refreshing and tasty dessert for hot, summer days. It is a dish of shaved ice, topped with red beans, misugaru (roasted multigrain powder), fruits, syrups and sweetened condensed milk. There are many Korean franchise shops that specialize solely in Bingsu where you can find an incredible array of toppings and flavours.