Korean Street Toast

Dokkaebi Toast (도깨비토스트) is a Korean street food sandwich that has become a national institution. The name comes from the Dokkaebi brand/style of toast popularized by street vendors, particularly in Incheon and Seoul. 'Dokkaebi' (도깨비) means 'goblin' in Korean mythology — the name is evocative of something mischievous and delightful. The preparation is specific and consistent: two slices of bread are buttered generously and toasted on a flat griddle. Meanwhile, a fritter is made from shredded cabbage, carrots, onions, and egg beaten together, which is cooked flat on the same griddle. This fritter is placed on one toast slice, followed by a thin slice of ham or spam, sometimes cheese, and then the whole assembly is drizzled with a combination of ketchup and sugar (or a sweet-savory special sauce). The result is a sweet, savory, eggy, buttery sandwich that should not work as well as it does — but it does, enormously. It is one of Korea's most beloved street foods.