Whether you’re drawn to classic recipes or curious about modern twists, Korean desserts invite discovery. Their delicate balance of flavors, textures, and presentation shows why they’ve become a beloved part of the Pacific Northwest’s culinary scene.
Traditional Korean Desserts
Hangwa or traditional Korean sweets display the classic Korean love of anything made from rice, beans, honey, or fruit. Such desserts contain delicacy, shades, and textures that can be traced back to centuries of culinary tradition, in stark contrast to most cakes and pastries. Commonly served at parties, festivities, or tea events of any sort-so carrying a cultural flavor-its out there above the taste.
Any lover of dessert traveling to Seattle or Edmonds may like being able to go into something quite different. The "sweet" variety that makes up traditional Korean sweets through conventional types or the acquiring of some of the known and omitted ones will purvey the cultural warmth of "those were the days" plus a zest for culinary adventures to digest all the way.
Tteok: Iconic Korean Rice Cakes
The tteok - or the rice cake, for us Americans- happens to be a very special thing in the realm of Korean desserts. These take the shape of a variety of objects and can be of different colors and flavors, and while some are steamed, others require the pounding-molding process, so to speak. Often these are filled with sweet red bean paste, nuts, or fruits. If you have time to check out an International District bakery in Seattle or a counter of a cafe in Edmonds, you are likely to discover these in their plain or, however, be treated to some fancy shapes and colors according to the season. The chewy texture and subtle-sweet-tasting nature thereof make an approachable introduction to Korean sweets for a first-timer and an enjoyable return of something familiar for the old-hat sweet afficianado.
Hangwa: Crispy and Honeyed Confections
Hangwa is the popular family of sweet foods made of grain, honey, and nuts, the most hardy being yangkwa (deep-fried snack-cake), and maejakwa (another deep-fried one, very crispy). Treasured for festivals, these cookies are built upon the heritage of Korean baking. These cookies can be found on stalls of local Korean markets as well as specialized bakery shops where both ready-to-eat ones and the ingredients needed for preparation may be dished out.
Patbingsu: Refreshing Shaved Ice
Chilled shaved ice, slathered in sweet red beans, fruits, rice cakes, and condensed milk makes Patbingsu dish a must-eat all summer. Top cafes of Seattle and Edmonds have adopted a modern, whimsical twist into this dessert and sometimes even put a spin on it using toppings like mochi, matcha, or chocolate. Given its soothing lightness and sophisticated sweetness, so it's a real charm that would please any palate, any age.
Modern Korean Desserts
Modern Korean desserts blend traditional flavors with contemporary techniques, creating inventive, approachable treats. Local chefs and bakeries in Seattle and Edmonds experiment with fusion desserts, combining Korean ingredients with Western baking methods to create something uniquely appealing.
Korean-Style Pastries and Cakes
Many bakeries now offer soft, airy cakes like castella or chiffon infused with flavors such as green tea, black sesame, or sweet potato. Some cafes incorporate these cakes into dessert menus alongside signature drinks, offering a full sensory experience. Others experiment with French-inspired pastries, incorporating Korean ingredients like red bean, matcha, or chestnut, creating a dessert that is at once familiar and excitingly new.
Mochi-Inspired Creations
While mochi is traditionally Japanese, Korean adaptations have emerged, using glutinous rice dough to encase fillings like sweet red beans, black sesame paste, or seasonal fruits. Modern cafes serve mochi in bite-sized portions, layered desserts, or even combined with chocolate, caramel, or nuts for inventive flavor combinations. These treats are visually appealing and versatile, allowing chefs to continually innovate.
Ice Cream and Dessert Cafes
Ice cream and frozen treats are an area of modern creativity. Cafes across Seattle and Edmonds feature flavors like injeolmi (toasted rice cake powder), black sesame, or honey citron. Often, these desserts are served in bowls that combine ice cream, rice cakes, and fruit, creating multiple textures in every bite. Lighter, less sweet Korean-style soft serve has become particularly popular, offering a refreshing contrast to traditional American ice cream.
Korean Desserts in Seattle and Edmonds
Seattle’s International District is a hub for traditional Korean desserts, with bakeries offering rice cakes, honeyed cookies, and classic pastries. Markets stock prepackaged hangwa and tteok, perfect for gifts or home enjoyment.
In Edmonds, smaller cafes and dessert shops showcase modern interpretations and seasonal creations. Here, dessert lovers can try mochi-based treats, creative patbingsu, and innovative fusion pastries. Exploring both cities provides a full spectrum of flavors, from traditional favorites to contemporary experiments.
More Than Just Sweets
Korean desserts offer a glimpse into Korean culture. Traditional treats reflect patience, precision, and subtlety, while modern innovations show creativity and adaptability. Experiencing these desserts allows both locals and visitors to connect with Korean culture in a way that is tangible, enjoyable, and memorable.
Tea Pairings and Rituals
Many traditional desserts are paired with teas such as green tea, barley tea, or citron tea. These combinations enhance flavors and reflect a cultural philosophy that emphasizes balance. Local cafes continue this practice, offering thoughtful pairings alongside modern dessert presentations.
Festivals and Community Events
Seasonal festivals in Seattle and Edmonds often feature Korean desserts, creating opportunities for cultural exchange. Chefs showcase classic and innovative treats, allowing attendees to taste, learn, and appreciate the depth of Korean culinary traditions.
Bringing Korean Desserts Home
For those inspired to try Korean desserts at home, ingredients like rice flour, sweet red beans, honey, and mung beans are readily available in local Asian markets. Recipes for tteok, hangwa, mochi, and patbingsu are accessible online and in cookbooks, offering a hands-on way to explore Korean sweets.
Making these desserts at home provides insight into their textures, flavor balance, and preparation techniques. Even a simple homemade patbingsu or mochi ice cream can open doors to cultural appreciation and culinary experimentation.
Sweet Experiences in the Pacific Northwest
Seattle and Edmonds are vibrant centers for both traditional and modern Korean desserts. From rice cakes and honeyed cookies to innovative cakes, mochi treats, and ice cream bowls, the dessert scene reflects a dynamic blend of heritage and creativity.
Exploring these treats offers more than taste, it’s a cultural journey, a chance to experiment with flavors, and a way to share a piece of Korea with friends and family. Whether visiting a bakery, dessert cafe, or making sweets at home, the Pacific Northwest offers endless opportunities to enjoy and learn about Korean desserts.
A Journey of Flavor and Tradition
Korean desserts in Seattle and Edmonds perfectly balance history and innovation. Traditional favorites like tteok, hangwa, and patbingsu carry centuries of cultural significance, while modern cakes, mochi, and fusion desserts highlight culinary creativity. Tasting these sweets provides a rich experience of flavor, texture, and culture, inviting dessert lovers to celebrate both tradition and modernity in the heart of the Pacific Northwest.
Mochi (もち, 餅) is a Japanese rice cake made of mochigome (もち米), a short-grain japonica glutinous rice, and sometimes other ingredients such as water, sugar, and cornstarch.
— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) February 26, 2024
This is a mango flavored one.
[📹 u_tastekitchen]pic.twitter.com/GmV8oQybR0