Must-Try Winter Flavors: The January 2026 Korean Foodie List!
- lewishooper1
- 11 hours ago
- 2 min read
From festive rice cake soups to trending black sesame lattes, the Dojeon team has shortlisted the must-tries this January, ideal for any K-foodie!
January in Korea is the ultimate season for "soul food", where freezing temperatures are met with steaming bowls and sizzling street snacks. As we step into 2026, the Dojeon team has narrowed the list down to our must-try flavors this month!
Eating this sliced rice cake soup is a ritual for starting the year, as the white cakes symbolize purity and a fresh beginning. In 2026, look for "Tteok-Manduguk" variations that add plump, hand-folded dumplings for extra wealth and luck. This is a Korean tradition that has been passed down for generations. If you want to embrace the more traditional side of the Korean culture, then the Dojeon team recommends trying this!
Street Food: Bungeoppang (붕어빵)
This fish-shaped pastry has evolved far beyond red bean; the January trend features decadent "Pizza" and "Cream Cheese" fillings. The Dojeon team have written about this staple snack time and time again, and for good reason! It’s the ultimate "must-try" snack this January, and the best thing is that you can grab it at a subway exit to keep your hands and stomach warm. So what are you waiting for?
A great way to keep warm this January is with Seolleongtang. This ox bone soup is simmered for hours until the broth is milky white and rich in collagen. It’s a January staple for boosting the immune system, and it tastes best when seasoned with plenty of salt, pepper, and fresh scallions. The Dojeon team looks forward to this dish every winter, as it warms you from the inside all the way through to the outside!
The "Heukimja" (black sesame) latte has officially become the drink of the season, offering a nutty, earthy comfort that’s less sweet than your average seasonal mocha. Taking over social media, this "grandmother-chic" trend is everywhere in Seoul’s cafes, often topped with a thick, velvety cream that’s as photogenic as it is delicious. Lewis Hooper from the Dojeon team has tried this, and despite his fist thoughts, he fell in love with the blend of flavors!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re slurping down traditional rice cakes for luck or chasing the latest café trends, our top picks are the best way to embrace the harsh Korean winter this year. So why not grab your padded jacket and head out—this January is full of flavors that are worth enduring the cold.
What is your go-to Korean food this January? Leave a comment for the Dojeon team below!