What’s Special About Korean Bun, A Street Snack In Seoul But Mandatory Order In Indian Cafes?

If you’ve walked into a trendy café lately, you’ve probably noticed a shiny golden bun filled with cream cheese and dripping with garlic butter, that’s the Korean Garlic Cheese Bun! Once just a popular street snack in Seoul, it has now become a star item in cafés all over India. People can’t seem to get enough of it, and honestly, it’s not hard to see why.

The Story Of Korean Garlic Cheese Buns

Locally called keurimchijeu maneul ppang (which means “cream cheese garlic bread”), it was originally sold at small street stalls in South Korea. It was a clever twist on the regular garlic bread we all know. Unlike the usual flat and crispy ones, this one was made using soft milk buns. The buns are sliced into six even sections, filled with sweet cream cheese, and then completely soaked in a rich garlic butter mixture. The result was something truly unique: buttery, creamy, slightly sweet, and perfectly garlicky all at once.

The magic of the Korean Garlic Cheese Bun lies in its texture and balance of flavours. On the outside, it’s crisp, shiny, and golden brown. Inside, it is soft and cloud-like, with that rich cream cheese filling that melts in your mouth. The flavour is both sweet and savoury. It’s a combination that surprises you at first, but one bite is all it takes to get hooked.

It’s also very different from the garlic bread we usually eat. Traditional garlic bread is crunchy, purely savoury, and often served with pasta or soup. The Korean version, though, feels like a complete snack on its own. It’s almost like a dessert and savoury treat rolled into one.

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Why It’s Taking Over Indian Cafes

Indian foodies love experimenting with food, and this bun fits perfectly with our taste preferences. We enjoy things that are flavourful, buttery, and comforting, and the Korean Garlic Cheese Bun delivers all of that. It reminds you of soft pav or freshly baked buns, but with a modern, Korean-style twist. 

It’s also incredibly photogenic: the golden crust, cream cheese oozing out, and that glossy garlic butter finish make it a favourite for Instagram. Cafes across India have added it to their menus, and it often sells out within hours. It pairs beautifully with coffee, especially a cappuccino or cold brew, making it a go-to snack for cafe lovers.

Beyond its taste, this bread represents how much Indian food culture is changing. With the growing love for Korean dramas, music, and beauty, food is the next natural step in the K-wave. So next time you see this glossy Korean bun at a cafe, tear it apart, let the cream cheese melt in your mouth, and enjoy the sweet and savoury magic that’s winning hearts everywhere.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva/edgunn