Seoul Food At Home: 6 Viral Korean 7-Eleven Treats To Replicate

This is the quintessential Korean convenience store "pouch" hack. At home, simply take a chilled bottle of banana-flavoured milk and pour it into a tall glass filled with ice. Top it with a double shot of strong espresso or a concentrated pour of instant coffee. The creamy, nostalgic sweetness of the banana perfectly rounds off the bitterness of the coffee, creating a drink that is much more sophisticated than its humble ingredients suggest. 

Named after a K-pop star, this is the ultimate comfort bowl. It traditionally combines a cup of instant tteokbokki (rice cakes) and a packet of spicy ramen. At home, cook your favourite spicy instant noodles and toss them with softened rice cakes or even gnocchi. Stir in a generous handful of shredded mozzarella and a sliced cocktail sausage while it is piping hot. The cheese melts into the spicy sauce, creating a rich, chewy, and incredibly satisfying meal. 

This is a go-to for those looking for a quick, high-protein snack that packs a punch. Take a bowl of steamed white rice and top it with a tin of flaked tuna and a swirl of spicy Buldak sauce (or any smoky hot sauce). Add a generous dollop of creamy mayonnaise and a sprinkle of toasted seaweed or sesame seeds. The mayo tames the heat of the sauce, while the tuna adds a savoury depth that makes it feel like a complete, balanced lunch. 

Unlike the artificial syrups often found elsewhere, the Korean version is prized for its chunks of real fruit. To make this at home, macerate chopped strawberries with a spoonful of sugar until they become syrupy. Spoon this mixture into the bottom of a glass and top with ice and cold full-fat milk. It is a colourful, refreshing drink that feels like a decadent treat on a humid afternoon. 

The "Melona" bar is a legendary Korean honeydew melon ice cream. For a refreshing drink, place a fruit-flavoured ice cream bar directly into a glass and pour chilled lemon-lime soda or sparkling water over it. As the ice cream begins to melt, it turns the clear soda into a creamy, fizzy, fruity float. It is a brilliant way to cool down and makes for a fun, interactive dessert. 

A staple snack that is surprisingly easy to replicate, this toast relies on the sweet and savoury combination that Korean snacks are famous for. Mix canned sweetcorn with a little mayonnaise and a pinch of sugar. Spread this over a thick slice of buttered bread, top with a thick layer of mozzarella, and grill until the cheese is bubbly and golden. The result is a crunchy, creamy, and slightly sweet toastie that works perfectly as a mid-day pick-me-up.