Ranking 4th Globally, Surpassing the Churro
Recently, the global food guide ‘TasteAtlas’ announced its ranking for the ‘Top 96 Deep-fried Desserts in the World,’ and Korea’s Kkwabaegi (twisted donuts) proudly took 4th place. This ranking places it even higher than Spain’s beloved Churros or American Donuts, proving that this traditional Korean snack has successfully captured the palates of global gourmets. With international tourists increasingly listing it as a "must-eat dessert" when visiting Korea, Seoulicious takes a closer look at the irresistible charm of Kkwabaegi.
From Italy’s Bomboloni to Korea’s Kkwabaegi: A Sweet Competition
European desserts dominated the top of the list. The honor of 1st place went to Italy’s ‘Bomboloni,’ a soft, sugar-coated donut filled with rich cream. 2nd place was taken by Portugal’s custard-filled ‘Bola de Berlim,’ a favorite beachside treat, while 3rd place went to Italy’s ‘Graffe Napoletane,’ known for its unique texture derived from mixing potatoes into the dough. Following Korea’s Kkwabaegi in 4th place, the list continued with Austria’s apricot jam-filled ‘Krapfen’ (5th), Germany’s cheese-dough ‘Quarkbällchen’ (6th), and Portugal’s ‘Malasadas’ (7th). For Kkwabaegi to rank so highly among these dessert powerhouses is a testament to how its signature "crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside" texture appeals to people worldwide.
Twisted to Perfection: The Unique Charm of Kkwabaegi
So, why Kkwabaegi? The name comes from the act of twisting two strands of dough together before frying. Unlike standard Western donuts that are round or ring-shaped, the twisted valleys of the Kkwabaegi allow the frying oil to penetrate deeper, creating a savory, crispier texture. Eating a freshly fried Kkwabaegi, generously coated in white sugar and served in a paper cup, is a nostalgic taste of home for Koreans and a fresh, delightful culinary experience for foreigners.'Classic' vs. 'Ugly': The Joy of Choosing Your Style
Not all Kkwabaegi are created equal. They are generally divided into two types. The 'Classic Kkwabaegi' is made with wheat flour dough, twisted neatly and beautifully before being fried and sugared. However, the recent trend favors the so-called 'Monnani (Ugly) Kkwabaegi.' These are made with a high content of glutinous rice (chapssal), making the dough extremely sticky and soft. While it’s hard to shape them into pretty twists—resulting in a somewhat rough appearance—their chewiness is unrivaled. They might look a bit "ugly," but the chewy, mochi-like texture has made them even more popular than the classic version.
Red Bean Donuts & Friends: Happiness for 1,000 Won
Another reason you can’t simply walk past a Kkwabaegi shop is the lineup of fried friends displayed alongside them. The round ‘Chapssal Donuts’ (chewy sticky rice balls filled with sweet red bean paste) and the soft ‘Danpat Donuts’ (bread filled with red bean paste) are Kkwabaegi’s inseparable best friends. Recently, many shops also sell corn dogs or croquettes, often leading customers to walk out with bags full of treats when they only intended to buy one. The price is equally attractive. Despite high inflation, Kkwabaegi remains an affordable comfort food. While prices vary, you can usually get 3 for about 2,000 KRW, or one for 700 to 1,000 KRW. It is truly the surest happiness you can buy with a single bill.
From Traditional Markets to Hip Cafes: Finding 'K-Donuts' Everywhere
You can easily find these delicious treats anywhere in Seoul. The best places are undoubtedly traditional markets. Famous spots like Gwangjang Market, Tongin Market, and Mangwon Market are home to legendary Kkwabaegi stalls that have kept their spots for years. But you don’t need to go to a famous market; you can find excellent taste at small neighborhood markets, food trucks in front of apartment complexes, or specialty shops near subway stations. Recently, premium Kkwabaegi cafes with modern interiors and various toppings have also emerged, offering even more choices.Feeling peckish this afternoon? Why not experience the taste recognized as the 4th best in the world? If you’re walking the streets of Seoul and catch the savory scent of frying oil, don’t hesitate to stop. A bite of crispy, sweet Kkwabaegi is sure to make your day a little sweeter.