"I miss the taste I shared with friends while studying abroad"... Two people divided by tteokbokki preferences in 'Nana Land'

Different dietary preferences and memories regarding tteokbokki were revealed through variety content. In a video released on the Diggle channel, the participants visited a tteokbokki buffet and captured the process of making tteokbokki according to their own tastes using various types of rice cakes and toppings.

"Wheat cake is the taste of memories" vs. "Rice cake harmonizes with seasoning"... Diverging rice cake preferences

The participants in the video showed a clear difference in opinion regarding the type of 'tteok' (rice cake), which is the core of tteokbokki. One participant chose wheat cakes, which hold memories of their school days, emphasizing the texture where the wheat cake feels chewy while moistly lingering in the mouth. On the other hand, another participant mentioned the characteristics of rice cakes, explaining that because rice cakes have a firm shape, the seasoning tends to coat the edges, providing the fun of dipping them back into the sauce.

In addition to the type of rice cake, differences also appeared in how they approached supplementary ingredients. One participant took the stance that noodles must be added, while the other revealed they were a 'purist' who enjoys the original taste of tteokbokki without any extra additions, revealing different cooking philosophies. The buffet was prepared with various toppings, including Chinese glass noodles, and the participants used them to implement their respective styles.

'Spicy Cream' and 'Snack Bar Style' tteokbokki completed with individual recipes

The results of the tteokbokki made by each person using the various ingredients at the buffet were also revealed. One participant chose a cream sauce with a spicy kick to make 'Spicy Cream Tteokbokki,' while the other reproduced a typical snack bar style tteokbokki using cabbage and other ingredients. There were also differences in the cooking methods; one participant demonstrated a method of adding green onions first, while the other chose a method of adding the sauce first and boiling it so that the flavor absorbs well.

While tasting the finished tteokbokki, the participants talked about their respective results. Regarding the dish made with wheat cakes, an evaluation was made that "the glass noodles absorbed the seasoning very deeply," and for the menu using cream sauce, there was a mention that the color was similar to rose pasta. In particular, one participant mentioned that they do not usually have much cooking experience while checking the results they made themselves.

'Taste of memories' that soothed the longing during study abroad years

The conversation continued regarding the fundamental reasons why the two participants like tteokbokki. One participant cited the 'trinity' of tteokbokki's spiciness, sweetness, and chewy texture as the reason they like it.

Another participant recalled their experience while studying abroad, stating that tteokbokki was more than just food and was a medium that soothed their longing. The participant said that when they miss not only their parents and family while studying abroad but also their image of wearing a high school uniform and their friends, they think of tteokbokki. They shared that no matter how delicious a food is, it is difficult to recreate that taste shared with friends during school days, and that tteokbokki held such a special meaning that it even made them decide to return to their home country during vacations.