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Hotteok

Hotteok is a Korean filled pancake and popular street food, especially associated with winter.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 10, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Hotteok is a Korean filled pancake and popular street food, especially associated with winter. It is usually made from wheat- or rice-based dough and filled with sweet ingredients such as brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts, though savoury versions also exist. In Canada, hotteok is familiar through Korean restaurants, winter festivals, and the broader popularity of Korean cuisine.

History

Hotteok originated in Qing-dynasty China and was introduced to Joseon Korea in the 19th century. Over time, it developed into a distinctly Korean street food with sweet fillings becoming especially popular.

Ingredients and preparation

Hotteok is typically made from wheat flour or glutinous rice dough, which is filled, sealed, and then pan-fried or fried in oil. The filling commonly melts into a syrup-like center during cooking.

Varieties

While the sweet brown sugar version is the best known, hotteok can also be filled with nuts, seeds, red bean paste, green tea flavouring, or savoury ingredients. Regional and modern variations have expanded the original recipe.

Cultural significance

Hotteok is strongly associated with winter and with Korean street markets. It is widely seen as a comfort food and a familiar part of everyday food culture in South Korea.

Key facts

  • Hotteok is a popular South Korean street snack and is commonly eaten hot and fresh.
  • The classic version is sweet and syrupy, with brown sugar often mixed with cinnamon and nuts.
  • The dish originated in China and was brought into Joseon Korea in the 19th century.
  • Modern versions may include savoury fillings such as vegetables, kimchi, or cheese.
  • Hotteok is especially associated with winter street food culture in Korea.
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Canadian context

Hotteok is familiar to many Canadians through Korean restaurants, winter festivals, and the broader popularity of Korean cuisine in Canadian cities.

Frequently asked questions

What is hotteok?
Hotteok is a Korean filled pancake, usually sold as a street food and often eaten warm.
What is hotteok made of?
It is usually made from wheat-based or glutinous rice dough and filled with sweet ingredients such as brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts.
Where did hotteok come from?
Hotteok originated in China and was introduced to Korea in the 19th century.
Is hotteok always sweet?
No. Sweet versions are the most common, but savoury fillings also exist.
When is hotteok most commonly eaten?
It is especially popular in winter, when it is sold as a warm street snack.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotteok
    Supports: Definition as a Korean filled pancake, street food status, and origin in Qing-dynasty China.
  2. VISITKOREA — https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/svc/contents/contentsView.do?vcontsId=180934
    Supports: Preparation method, honey-filled pancake description, and street-food context in Korea.
  3. Korean Culture and Information Service — https://www.korean-culture.org/eng/webzine/202011/sub06.html
    Supports: Hotteok as a popular winter street snack and examples of fillings.
  4. HallyuWords — https://hallyuwords.com/hotteok/
    Supports: Sweet pancake description, common fillings, and winter association.