Dessert Trends: Recommended Popular K-Food in Korea Today

What are the most popular types of desserts in Korea right now?

Desserts are beloved not only by the younger generation in Korea but also by K-food fans around the world. Menus reinterpreted from traditional snacks with a modern twist are gaining massive popularity, and the sweet finish after a meal has become an essential course in Korean cafe culture. Recently, menus that emphasize a crispy exterior and a moist interior texture are the trend.

The meeting of tradition and modernity: Yakgwa

Although Yakgwa is a traditional Korean confection, it has recently gained great popularity in forms combined with modern bakery items, such as 'Yakgwa cookies' or 'Yakgwa financiers.' It is characterized by its chewy texture and the sweet taste of grain syrup, making it a perfect accompaniment to coffee.

• When choosing Yakgwa, select one that is not too hard and has a moderately chewy texture.
• Pairing it with vanilla ice cream allows you to enjoy an even more sophisticated flavor.

The natural taste of fruit: Tanghulu

Tanghulu is a food made by coating fruit in a thin layer of sugar, and its appeal lies in the 'crunchy' texture that breaks in your mouth. It features a variety of seasonal fruits such as Shine Muscat grapes, strawberries, and tangerines, adding the joy of visual appeal.

• Tanghulu is best eaten immediately after purchase to ensure it is as crispy and delicious as possible.
• If the sugar coating is too thick, it can stick to your teeth, so it is best to choose ones with a thin, even coat.

3 ways to enjoy desserts even more

Korean cafes go beyond simply selling delicious desserts; they focus on providing a special experience along with visual satisfaction. To truly enjoy a dessert, it is important to understand the characteristics of the menu and pair it with an appropriate beverage.

Decoration that satisfies both sight and taste

Korean cafe desserts feature very elaborate plating. Beyond having a visual appeal perfect for photos, they enhance the value of the menu using edible flowers, gold leaf, or unique sauces. These desserts provide not only great taste but also the joy of sharing on social media.

Perfect pairing with beverages

When eating sweet desserts, it is recommended to pair them with a bitter Americano or a clean Korean tea. This neutralizes the sweetness, allowing you to enjoy the original flavor of the dessert for longer.

• For heavy, chocolate-based desserts, warm black coffee is recommended.
• For fruit desserts, fragrant herbal tea or iced Americano pairs well.
• Be careful not to eat overly sweet beverages with sweet desserts, as you may easily tire of the flavor.

A checklist for foolproof dessert selection

If you are wondering what to choose among countless menus, checking the cafe's bestseller list is the fastest and most accurate method. Korean cafes often release limited-edition menus using seasonal ingredients.

Utilizing seasonal limited menus

Korea has four distinct seasons, so the fruits available change with each one. Desserts using strawberries in winter and peaches or watermelons in summer are the freshest and most delicious. Seasonal limited menus have a uniqueness that can only be tasted during that specific time.

Checking the cafe's signature menu

Each cafe has a signature menu item they are most confident about. This usually includes beverages with the cafe's name, cakes made with unique recipes, or baked goods. These are often prominently displayed at the entrance or at the top of the menu board, so keep an eye out for them.

• Check popular menus in advance before visiting via review platforms.
• Rather than ordering too many items, it is better to order 1 or 2 desserts per two people to taste them.
• If you are concerned about the sugar content of the dessert, asking if the sweetness can be adjusted when ordering is a good method.