Korean Street Fries (Twigim) : The Unsung Hero of K-Food: Exploring the Diverse World of Korean Twigim

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Korean Street Fries, specifically known as Twigim, refer to a diverse and popular category of deep-fried street food items in Korea. Unlike typical French fries made solely from potatoes, Twigim encompasses a wide array of ingredients that are battered and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. Common Twigim items include vegetables (like sweet potato, perilla leaf, onion rings), various fish cakes, boiled eggs, and seaweed rolls (gimmari), all often enjoyed by dipping into the spicy-sweet sauce of Tteokbokki or a soy-based dipping sauce. They are a beloved crispy, savory, and satisfying snack.

Key Information

  • Main Ingredients: A wide variety of items can be fried. Common examples include:

    • Vegetables: Sweet potato, pumpkin, perilla leaf, onion rings, peppers, lotus root.

    • Seafood/Fish Cake: Shrimp, calamari (squid), fish cake.

    • Other: Boiled eggs, seaweed rolls (gimmari - glass noodles wrapped in seaweed), dumplings (mandu).

    • Batter is typically made from wheat flour and sometimes rice flour for extra crispiness.

  • Side Dishes: Most commonly eaten by dipping into Tteokbokki sauce (spicy rice cake sauce), or a soy-based dipping sauce (간장, ganjang) with vinegar and chili. Often served alongside Tteokbokki.

  • Pairing Beverages: Soda, water, beer, or a clear soup broth (often provided by the vendor).

Enjoyment Tips

  • Enjoy hot and fresh for the best crispy texture.

  • Don't hesitate to dip them liberally into Tteokbokki sauce – this is the most popular way to eat them.

  • Try a variety of items to experience different textures and flavors.

  • They are a perfect complement to Tteokbokki, creating a classic Korean street food combo.

Related Foods & Dining

  • Derivatives: While Twigim is a general category, specific types like "gimmari-twigim" or "saeu-twigim" (shrimp튀김) are common. Variations may include different batters or seasonings.

  • Similar Foods: Tempura (Japan), various types of fritters (global), fish and chips (UK - specifically the fried aspect), fried vegetables/seafood (global).

  • Restaurant Type: Street food stalls, snack bars (bunsik-jip), traditional markets, some casual Korean restaurants.

  • Best Time to Eat: Snack, light meal, anytime as a satisfying fried treat.

Price & Preferences

  • Price per person: $3-$8 (depending on the number and type of items chosen)

  • Foreigner Preference: ★★★★★★★★★☆ (9/10) - Very popular due to the universally appealing nature of fried food and the variety of options.

  • Spiciness: ★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ (2/10) - Inherently not spicy, but often eaten with spicy Tteokbokki sauce.

  • Saltiness: ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆ (6/10) - From the ingredients and seasoning in the batter.

  • Sweetness: ★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ (1/10) - Generally savory, unless specific sweet vegetables like sweet potato are fried.

Top 5 Locations in Seoul (Foreigner Preference for Street Food)

(Twigim is readily available at most major street food hubs.)

  1. Gwangjang Market (Food Stalls): 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno 4(sa)-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Famous for its wide array of street food, including excellent Twigim stalls).

  2. Myeongdong Street (Street Food Stalls): Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (A bustling area with numerous Twigim vendors).

  3. Hongdae Street (Various Vendors): Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul (Known for its vibrant youth culture and diverse street food).

  4. Namdaemun Market (Food Stalls): 21 Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (Another traditional market with a strong street food presence).

  5. Sindang-dong Tteokbokki Town: Toegye-ro 76-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (While famous for Tteokbokki, many restaurants here also serve Twigim specifically for dipping into the Tteokbokki sauce).

 

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