Pojangmacha (), also abbreviated as pocha (), is a South Korean term for outdoor carts that sell street foods such as hotteok, gimbap, tteokbokki, sundae, dak-kkochi (Korean skewered chicken),dakkochi fish cake, mandu, and anju (foods accompanying drinks). In the evening, many of these establishments serve alcoholic beverages such as soju.Goldberg, Lina "Asia's 10 greatest street food cities" CNN Go. 23 March 2012. Retrieved 2012-04-11
Pojangmacha is a popular place for late-night snacks or drinks. The food sold in these places can usually be eaten quickly while standing, or taken away. Some offer cheap chairs or benches for customers to sit, especially the ones serving late-night customers who come to drink soju.
, there were approximately 3,100 pocha in Seoul.Oh, Esther "Guide to pojangmacha: Why Koreans love drinking in tents" CNN Go. 23 March 2012. Retrieved 2012-04-13
Jongno is the most famous area for pojangmacha but other pojangmacha may be found in Gwangjang Market. Some pojangmacha in Jongno and other areas now offer set menus, with a combination of individual snacks put together on one plate.
History Pojangmacha developed in the 1950s, after the end of Japanese rule in 1945. Vendors operated then much as they do today, although their equipment has changed. Mobile food carts were made stationary, wooden poles were erected around the cart, and cotton cloth would be hung around the cart to protect it and the customers from the elements. Over time, wood changed to metal, and cotton changed to tarpaulin. Carbide lamps were converted to incandescent lights, fluorescent lights, and then to LEDs.
Popular foods in the 1950s included naengmyeon (cold noodles), sundae (sausages), bindae-tteok (mung bean pancakes), mandu (dumplings), and grilled seafood. During this period, pojangmacha served refugees during the Korean War. Stalls also served alcohol, including soju, makgeolli, and beer.
Since the 1980s, pojangmacha staple foods have reportedly remained relatively consistent. Around that time, stalls in Seoul, particularly in the Gangnam area, began receiving dedicated water and electricity.
In recent times, pocha has become an aesthetic in itself. They feature prominently in South Korean dramas and films. Some indoor restaurants and bars attempt to replicate the aesthetic, and are dubbed "indoor pojangmacha" ().
Menu
Some stalls in Jongno, Seoul, and other places offer set menus. For example, gimbap, tteokbokki, and sundae may be served on one plate.
Drinks Soju () Makgeolli () Beer
Food Dakbal () Twigim () Hoe () Tteokbokki () Eomuk () Gyeranmari () Jeyuk bokkeum () Kimchi dubu ()
See also
Street food in South Korea List of markets in South Korea Yatai Food cart Food truck Mobile catering
References
External links Why Pojangmacha Street Food Is What You Need 10 Magazine, Charles Montgomery, October 26, 2016