Baedduk’s black rose tteokbokki
In Korea, rose sauce has recently risen in popularity as many enjoy a soft creamy twist to their regular tomato sauce-based pasta. Rose sauce is no longer the sole domain of western cuisines, as Korea has taken the ingredient and incorporated it into their recipes. Samyang, famous for their ultra spicy instant noodles, even launched a rose buldak (spicy chicken) glass noodles and rose sauce tteokbokki recently.
There’s nothing surprising or distasteful about rose sauce – until you see the black rose tteokbokki launched by Baedduk, a Korean tteokbokki franchise.
Don’t judge Baedduk’s black rose tteokbokki by its cover
Image credit: @ddonge_e_
Baedduk is well-loved for their rose sauce tteokbokki. In June, they decided to take their rose sauce game to the next level by launching a black rose tteokbokki.
The dish is made with a combination of squid ink and rose sauce, but the colour of the squid ink unfortunately overpowers the rose sauce. This explains the off-putting appearance of Baedduk’s black rose tteokbokki.
Image credit: @yunafoodgram
Although the tteokbokki resembles a mudflat populated by slimy loaches, those who have tried the dish advised others not to judge a book by its cover.
The dish has a buttery and savoury taste, thanks to the addition of cheese, which makes this dish fragrant and tasty. Similar to regular tteokbokki, the black rose tteokbokki has a kick of spice, which helps to mellow out the rich taste of cheese.
Korean netizens react
Given the appalling visuals of the black rose tteokbokki, it’s no surprise that many Korean netizens were revolted by it. However, you’d be shocked to find that some were eager to give the strange dish a shot.
Image adapted from: @eunssol_k
Instagram user @eunssol_k left a hilarious comment saying, “It’s tteokbokki but I’m losing my appetite.”
Image adapted from: @kyeong._.eee
Image adapted from: @sssoyoungee
Instagram user @kyeong._.eee commented, “Mudflat for real.” User @sssoyoungee commented, “They have crossed the line……”
Image adapted from: @ardor_h_h0v0
There were a handful of Korean netizens who were game to try the tteokbokki. Instagram user @ardor_h_h0v0 commented, “Aren’t you curious about it? Maybe it’s just me but I think it’s going to be delicious.”
Image adapted from: @vxronicx.x
Instagram user @vxronicx.x took a similar stance by commenting, “Is there a Baedduk [outlet] around us?”
Where to try Baedduk’s black rose tteokbokki
Image credit: @ddonge_e_
Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, the black rose tteokbokki is only available in Korea. There are more than 200 Baedduk franchise outlets in the country, so if you live in Korea or plan to visit someday, you should challenge yourself and try the black rose tteokbokki. It’s priced at KRW9,800 (~USD8.37), and each dish serves up to two.
From coriander cake to mint chocolate soju, Korea is truly the land of unusual yet innovative food combinations. We’re excited to see how long the list of weird food combinations can get.
Also check out:
- Won Hyeong Deul coriander cake
- Good Day’s mint chocolate soju
- Baskin Robbins Korea is selling mint chocolate toothpaste
- Ottogi’s curry-flavoured toothpaste
- Chung Jung One honsool fan
Cover image adapted from: @sung_ju_lee_75 and @ddonge_e_