The doughnut couple

   
     The doughnut couple in Jongno bake fresh doughnuts and red bean fish shaped cakes all day long. I call them the doughnut couple because the food stand is run by a cute old man and woman.
    There are plenty of doughnut shops around Seoul, but I like this stand because they always have fresh doughnuts. Chances are when you walk by there will be doughnuts cooking away in the pot of oil. This ensures that you will almost never get a cold doughnut. They start baking early in the morning at around 5 am and continue throughout the day until around 4pm. Usually the couple just has you leave money on the counter. This is because they are rolling dough and filling it with red bean and don't want to get their hands dirty.
    The doughnut couple makes several types of doughnuts. My favorite is the round sugar dusted doughnut filled with red bean. The outside is flaky and crispy while the inside is gooey with red bean. The twisted doughnuts are flaky and do not taste very sweet. Each doughnut costs a whopping 500 won, or about 50 cents. 
   

Directions: The doughnut couple can be found on the corner directly across the street from the Jongno 3 Sam-ga exit 5.

If you have any questions or comments about the doughnut couple in Jongno please leave them in the comment box below or email seoulfoodgirl@gmail.com.

Introduction to street food

   Everyone in Seoul knows that the historic area of Jongno is home to hundred of street food stands. Of course there is street food throughout Korea, but Jongno has the most variety from standard Korean soju tents, to doughnuts and waffles.
    So what is street food? Basically street food is anything sold from a little stand on the sidewalk. Most of them are big and have wheels so that they can be moved. They vary in size, some are large enough to have people sit down inside of a plastic-like awning, and others simply provide shelter for the cook. These stalls are pretty much mini kitchens on wheels. 

   Everyday on my walk to work in Jongno, I see street carts being pushed out to their designated spots on the sidewalk. Some stands are open all day, and others open later in the evening to serve the soju crowd. The best time to go street food tasting is on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. On these nights every street food stand will be cooking the night away in Jongno.
    Most of these stands are affordable such as 500 won doughnuts. But others such as tempura prawns can run you 5,000 won for 3 pieces. The best thing to do when hunting out street food is to start slow and work your way in a circle around the street. This way you get the chance to see everyone's  prices and can choose wisely before getting too full!

   
Directions to "street food heaven" in Jongno- Simply exit number 1 of  Jongno 3 sam-ga and turn right at the Skin Food just past the Mc Donald's (on your right hand side). This street will take you past numerous street food vendors and straight into Insadong.

If you have any questions or comments about "Introduction to street food" please leave them in the comment box below or email seoulfoodgirl@gmail.com.