Cycle 14 – Item 344
15 (Fri) December 2023
Manyo Tteokbokki
3.0
-Changgok, Sujeong, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea-
with the Family
Manyo Tteokbokki (마뇨떡볶기) is a Korean restaurant. Specializes in DIY ddeokbokki, with ingredients and sides offered in a buffet. Franchise, of course, currently 4 locations (soon to be a million).
Outside the home, ddeokbokki in its simpler form can be found at street carts (see for example 13.003 Ddeokbokki) and at snack shops emulating street carts (see for example 4.363 Ddeokbokki + Sundae), while fancier jeukseok versions can be found in casual specialty restaurants (see for example 13.297 Original Topokki).
This DIY buffet is a new thing.
Debate rages whether ddeokbokki is better with rice ddeok or flour ddeok. Technically, ddeok is a rice product, and it always is in other contexts. But street carts and snack shops often use ersatz ddeok made with flour, which are cheaper. However, some people – I among them – feel that flour ddeok are superior because they’re chewier, compared to rice ddeok, which tend to be denser. These days, some places offer both, at the same price, just to appease both sides (see for example 12.148 Ggoma Gimbap).
Upon my repatriation to Korea in 1985 (when I was 12), I was first introduced to ddeokbokki at a small snack shop in the neighborhood (Bulgwang-dong). The ddeok were made of flour, sold per piece, 10 won each – equivalent to half a penny, in 1985. I’d drop by whenever I had loose change – “3 pieces please!”
Another shop down the street sold ddeokbokki with rice ddeok, at double the price, 20 won each – too expensive for my blood.
The food was good. Starting with the basic Manyo sauce, it was was sweetish, a touch of spice – perfect for the kid in all of us; for the second round, we went with the rosé sauce, which was also nice. Various types of ddeok were thrown into the pot, all fine. Additional components, such as fish cakes, white cabbage, enoki, scallions, provided more texture and flavor. Beyond the food itself, the experience was more about the fun.
A great bargain at just 9,900 per adult, 8,900 per kid (elementary to high school) – in 1985, that would’ve bought us 890 pieces – 5,900 for young children (30 months and above).
(See also HANSIK)
(See also RESTAURANTS IN KOREA)