While exploring Namdaemun Market, Kitty and I were determined to try the famous hotteok after reading numerous positive reviews online. Upon arrival, we were initially confused by two stalls located side by side, both having long queues. We first joined the queue at the stall with the yellow label and purchased their vegetable glass noodle hotteok, which was priced at 3,000 KRW and was quite pleasant. However, we remained curious as to why the locals specifically recommended the other stall as the "original" establishment. After speaking with local residents, we identified the authentic store as the one located on the main road with the distinctive green label and large red umbrellas covering the queue. To make a proper comparison, Kitty and I joined the second queue. Interestingly, the original green label store offers their hotteok at a more affordable price of 2,500 KRW. Since we had already tried a vegetable version, Kitty ordered the vegetable hotteok here while I opted for the red bean variety. Our final verdict is that the green label store is undoubtedly superior, as the vegetable filling was much more flavourful and well seasoned than the first one we tried. My red bean hotteok was also excellent, with a perfect balance of sweetness and a crispy outer crust. It was a wonderful culinary adventure to sample both, and we highly recommend that visitors look for the green sign and the red umbrellas to enjoy the best quality and value in the market. Kitty and I were thoroughly impressed by the authentic flavours at this original stall, which made the second wait entirely worthwhile.

+3

When I first arrived I saw an entire grouo of people facing the street so I thought they were just waiting to cross the street. Sadly, I was mistaken and these people were, indeed, standing in line for the famous hotteok. The line moves in a snake like pattern. Luckily, I got engaged in a nice conversation with two other people, so that made time go even faster. I think I must have waited for perhaps 20/25 minutes. It didn’t feel long or annoying. I bought the vegetable (with the japchae filling) for myself and I wanted to buy two with cinnamon sugar or honey for my son and partner. Since they didn’t have cinnamon sugar, I went with the seeds filling which turned out to have sugar and cinnamon in them after all. I ate mine right after I got it and it was freaking delicious! The filling was nicely spread throughout the hotteok, the filling hot and flavourful, with a heavenly crispy exterior! I had a bite of the seeds hotteok, but since my kid and partner were further away there must have been about 40 minutes in between buying and eating them. It was still good. My partner liked it. I did notice that the filling in my kid’s hotteok was more concentrated in the centre so the outside consisted of too much dough. Not sure if this is the case for all seeds hotteoks. Mine didn’t have that.

One of the yummy street food that we had in korea. You have to queue for this and there is always a queue but it is worth your time. We ordered all 3 flavours and they were all very nice. If you're alone, just pick one. If you're with friends or family then you can order and try more. It's crispy and hot, only the vegetable one is savoury. The other two is the sweet type, red bean and the other is seeds with cinnamon.

+1

Long queue but pretty manageable - just buy snacks from the other surrounding stalls and eat while you wait! I had the vegetable glass noodle one which was fab, but I enjoyed the traditional sweet seeds one as well. They come piping hot so it’s extremely satisfying on a cold day.

One of the must-visit stalls when traveling around Namdaemun Market, according to many guides. As the market is very big with multiple different entries, it can be quite challenging to find. It doesn't help that there are also many hotteok sellers, there is even one right next to this! The difference is that this one has a constant queue even if it moves reasonably fast. There is no seating available, so it really is food to go. There are only 3 variations on the menu, and we tried their vegetable version, which is filled with various vegetables and japchae. As they constantly fry new ones, you will get one that is still super hot! The sauce that they glaze at the end right before passing it to you gives that hint of sweetness and saltiness which elevates the dish overall. Food - 8 Service - 7 Vibe - 5 Price - $

+1