BP
Britney Pardo
Jan 15, 2026
I finally got a chance to try Halgatteok, and I'm SO glad I did.
This was my very first time having Korean street food, and the experience from start to finish was absolutely wonderful.
First things first, the service deserves a shoutout of its own. The woman who greeted me was genuinely one of the sweetest people ever.
From the moment I walked in, she made me feel welcomed and comfortable.
She took her time explaining the menu, walking me through each item, the spice levels, and what she personally recommended.
It never felt rushed or overwhelming.
Just thoughtful, patient, and kind.
That level of care really stood out and made the experience feel extra special.
Now, onto the food (because WOW).
I ordered the giant rosé tteokbokki at spice level 1, and it was absolutely delicious. You can customize your bowl with additional toppings to your liking at their self serve topping station, making the experience just that more personalized!
The sauce was creamy, rich, and comforting with just a gentle kick of heat. Which is perfect for someone easing into spice like I am! The rice cakes were thick, chewy, and cooked perfectly, soaking up all that flavorful rosé sauce. I'm already craving this, it was truly wonderful.
The portion was generous, especially considering it's called "giant" for a reason. It felt indulgent without being overwhelming, and I could honestly eat this again and again.
I also tried the rice balls, which were a great balance to the saucier dishes. It was served as a bowl of steamed rice as the base, with crispy seaweed and sesame oil. They provide gloves so you can shape them yourself, which makes the experience feel interactive and fun! You get to form the rice into little balls at your own pace, or bigger ones! They were simple, satisfying, and comforting. I personally loved parking the rice balls with the rosé sauce!!!
The vegetable tempura was light, crispy, and not greasy at all. Each piece had an incredible crunch. It paired really well with the heavier dishes and added a nice contrast.
Then there was the Dakgangjeong (Korean fried chicken) in soy garlic, which might've been my favorite bite of the entire meal. The chicken was perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, coated in a glossy soy garlic sauce that was sweet, savory, and jam packed with flavor. It had that addictive quality where you keep reaching for "just one more piece."
Seriously so good. If you try anything from their menu, let it be this and their giant Tteokbokki, of course!
To drink, I ordered the Thai tea latte, and it was the perfect finishing touch. Creamy, smooth, and not overly sweet. Refreshing enough to balance out the richness of the food. I never really enjoyed Thai tea until now!! I will be back for this drink alone I think!
Overall, this place COMPLETELY exceeded my expectations. Between the incredibly kind service, the comforting and exciting flavors, and the generous portions, Halgatteok made my first Korean street food experience unforgettable.
You can tell there's heart behind what they do here!!!
If you're new to Korean street food or even if you're already a fan, I highly recommend stopping by. I'll definitely be back to try more items on the menu, and honestly, I'm already craving that rosé tteokbokki again haha.