Hotbar : Chewy Texture, Savory Flavor! The Endless Transformation of Korean Hatba

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Hotbar is a popular Korean street food made from processed fish cake. It's typically a stick of steamed or fried fish paste, often mixed with various ingredients like vegetables (carrots, onions), seafood (squid, shrimp), or sometimes cheese. Hotbars are known for their savory, slightly chewy texture and are a quick, convenient, and warming snack, especially popular from street vendors.

Key Information

  • Main Ingredients: Fish paste (어묵, eomuk), various vegetables (carrot, onion, perilla leaf), sometimes seafood or cheese, oil for frying/grilling.

  • Side Dishes: Not typically served with traditional side dishes. Often accompanied by dipping sauces.

  • Pairing Beverages: Hot broth (often served by the vendor), beer, soju, soda.

Enjoyment Tips

  • Enjoy hot off the grill or fryer for the best taste and texture.

  • Dip in ketchup, mustard, or spicy gochujang-based sauce as desired.

  • Perfect for a quick, warming snack on a cold day or after work/school.

  • Try different varieties – some have a plain fish flavor, while others include chili, corn, or cheese.

Related Foods & Dining

  • Derivatives: Fish cake soup (eomukguk), fish cake skewers (eomuk kkochi), various stir-fried fish cake dishes (eomuk bokkeum).

  • Similar Foods: Odeng (Japan - though hotbar is a specific form of Korean fish cake), Fish balls (China/Southeast Asia), Sausages/Frankfurters (Global - in terms of quick, stick-based protein snacks).

  • Restaurant Type: Street food, snack bar (bunsik-jip), convenience stores (reheated).

  • Best Time to Eat: Snack, light meal, alongside drinks (술자리).

Price & Preferences

  • Price per person: $1-$4

  • Foreigner Preference: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ (7/10)

  • Spiciness: ★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ (3/10) - Can vary depending on sauce or ingredients.

  • Saltiness: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ (7/10)

  • Sweetness: ★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ (2/10)

Top 5 Restaurants in Seoul (Foreigner Preference)

(Note: Hotbar is predominantly a street food item. These locations are famous for their street food scene where you can find excellent hotbars.)

  1. Gwangjang Market (Food Stalls): 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno 4(sa)-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul

  2. Myeongdong Street (Street Food Stalls): Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

  3. Namdaemun Market (Food Stalls): 21 Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

  4. Hongdae Street (Various Vendors): Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul (around Hongik University Station)

  5. Busan Eomuk (Various Branches - specialized fish cake stores, some offer hotbar): For instance, Busan Eomuk Lotte Department Store Main Branch, 81 Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

 

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