Introduction: Exploring North Korean Desserts
North Korean cuisine is not widely known or explored, but it boasts a variety of delicious dishes and sweets. Desserts in North Korea tend to be simple and not overly sweet, often featuring ingredients such as rice, nuts, fruits, and flowers. In this article, we’ll introduce you to some popular North Korean desserts that you can try at home.
Traditional North Korean Sweets: Saekom Dalkom
Saekom Dalkom, which translates to “colorful sweet,” is a traditional North Korean dessert made with glutinous rice flour, honey or sugar, and various natural food coloring such as mugwort, gardenia, and pumpkin. The mixture is steamed and cut into small pieces, which are then coated with sesame seeds or pine nuts. The result is a chewy, nutty, and slightly sweet treat that is perfect as a snack or dessert.
A Classic Dessert: Yakbap
Yakbap, also known as medicinal rice, is a classic dessert in North Korea and other parts of Korea. It is made by cooking sweet glutinous rice with nuts, dried fruits, and honey or brown sugar. The mixture is then steamed until the rice is soft and sticky. The nuts and dried fruits give the dessert a crunchy texture while the honey or sugar adds a sweet and rich flavor. Yakbap is often served during special occasions like weddings and birthdays.
Chrysanthemum Cake: A Unique Treat
Chrysanthemum cake, also called gukwha ddeok, is a unique North Korean dessert that is made with chrysanthemum petals, glutinous rice flour, and honey or sugar. The petals are boiled and blended with the rice flour to create a soft and fragrant cake. The honey or sugar adds sweetness and a hint of floral flavor. Chrysanthemum cake is typically served during important celebrations and events.
Sweet and Savory: Songpyeon
Songpyeon is a popular dessert in North Korea and South Korea, especially during the harvest season and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving). It is a rice cake that is filled with sweet or savory ingredients such as honey, nuts, sesame seeds, or beans. The dough is made from glutinous rice flour and water, and then shaped by hand into small balls or crescents. The cakes are then steamed and coated with sesame oil to prevent sticking. Songpyeon has a chewy texture and a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors.
Colorful Delight: Sujeonggwa
Sujeonggwa is a traditional North Korean drink that is often served as a dessert or refreshment during special occasions. It is made by boiling cinnamon, ginger, and dried persimmons in water and then adding honey or sugar. The mixture is strained and served cold with pine nuts and jujubes (Korean dates). Sujeonggwa has a spicy and sweet flavor with a hint of fruitiness. It is also known for its beautiful reddish-brown color, which comes from the persimmons.
