Korean food, often known as ‘K-food,’ is spreading like wildfire over the world. K-food is pleasing palates all over the world, from the bustling lanes of Seoul to the bright streets of New York. Bunsik stands out among the various types of K-food, occupying a valued niche.
Bunsik’s Ancestors
Bunsik (분식) originally meant “food made from flour,” emphasizing foods made from wheat flour. The term ‘Bunsik’ first appeared in the 1960s and 1970s, following a major push to incorporate blended meals into everyday diets. This effort attempted to reduce rice consumption while increasing the use of wheat flour. The scope of the phrase grew over time. It now includes not just classic flour-centric delicacies such as Tteokbokki and fried specialties, but also everyday delights and street foods such as Gimbap. As a result, modern Bunsik shares similarities with various dishes from Western culinary traditions.
Bunsik’s Diverse Spectrum
- Rice Cakes (떡류)
- Tteokbokki: A must-have in every Bunsik outlet.
- Cup Tteokbokki: Tteokbokki in easy-to-carry disposable containers.
- Tteok Skewers (떡꼬치)
- Fried Delights (튀김류)
- Classic fried treats (e.g., vegetable fritters)
- Sweet potato fries
- Fried shrimp
- Fried squid
- Assorted fried dumplings
- Fried chili pepper
- Kim Mari (Seaweed roll fritters,김말이)
- Tonkatsu (Breaded pork cutlet)
- Skewer Sensations (꼬치류)
- Chicken skewers
- Variations of corn dogs
- Odeng (Fish cake skewers)
- Minced meat delights (e.g., Pikachu Tonkatsu)
- Sotteok Sotteok (Interplay of rice cake and sausage)
- Noodle Nook (면류)
- Ramyeon
- Janchi Guksu (Feast noodles)
- Udon
- Jjolmyeon (Zesty chewy noodles)
- Other Gems (기타)
- Gimbap (Korean sushi rolls)
- Sundae (Korean sausage)
- An array of rice concoctions
- Fried rice
- Omurice (Egg-wrapped rice)
Bunsik’s Ever-Evolving Menu
Bunsik shops have a wide range of products. While some replicate traditional cafés with a diverse menu, others emphasize the attraction of street cuisine. Establishments such as ‘Gimbap Heaven(김밥천국)’ offer a wealth of alternatives at reasonable costs, leaning more toward budget dining than traditional Bunsik. Gimbap is becoming a mainstay in many Bunsik locations. Contrary to popular belief, several franchises offer far more than Gimbap, highlighting the dynamic evolution of the Bunsik scene. While some new-age restaurants specialize solely in Gimbap, those that specialize in Tteokbokki frequently couple it with fried delicacies and Sundae.
Bunsik is a sensory journey that transcends mere culinary delights. Whether you’re strolling through Seoul’s bylanes or discovering the world of K-Bunsik from afar, the profound history and unique flavors of K-Bunsik beckon. Step inside, walk around, and let Korea’s culinary trails captivate you.
autumn cafe bread cafe chuseok chuseok food dessert donut foliage view foodtruck galbijjim gentlemonster gochujang gyeongbokgung gyeongbokgung palace highway rest stop jamsil jeon knotted korean cafe korean dessert korean pancake London Bagel Museum miyeok guk newjeans new menu paris baguette ramen ramyeon recipe rice scoville seoul seoul cafe shin ramen shin ramen hack shin ramen the red smokepoint songpyeon soondubu jjigae spc group spiciest ramen ssamjang sykhye winter yakgwa
