14 Must-Buy Food Items from Korea’s LOTTE Mart

Remember the last time you visited Seoul and went on a shopping spree at LOTTE Mart? The aisles lined with an endless variety of Korean snacks, each more tempting than the last. While some of these goodies have made their way to our local supermarkets, there’s still an undeniable charm to indulging in a shopping spree at the source.

With the recent surge in Korean culture’s popularity, thanks to K-pop and K-dramas, Korean snacks have become even more sought-after. So, why not experience the thrill of discovering the latest trends firsthand? Here are some of the must-buy food items from LOTTE Mart that I personally enjoy!

Also read: 26 Seoul Airbnb Stays in Popular Areas & Neighbourhoods

Must-try Korean food from LOTTE Mart

1. Tteokbokki crackers

My first bite of Tteokbokki crackers was a revelation. These crispy treats captured the essence of the beloved Korean street food (think tteokbokki, but crunchy!), offering a sweet and slightly spicy flavour that’s simply addictive.

2. LOTTE Anytime Candy

If you’ve never tasted LOTTE’s Anytime Candy, take it from me: you’re seriously missing out in your candy department. Anytime Candy is not just any candy… it’s different. There’s a special middle layer, and the only way I can describe it is “cooling”. It comes in three flavours: Bluemarine (my favourite), Milk Mint and Lemon Mint. This is the kind of candy you can pop in your mouth, anytime.

3. Binggrae Banana Flavoured Milk

Korean banana milk is a beloved beverage by most Koreans, and for good reason. Though it might taste similar to other popular brands, its creamy texture and sweet banana flavour make it a refreshing drink.

4. MarketO Real Brownies, Chips and Crackers

MarketO has taken the snack world by storm with its delicious treats. From their iconic Real Brownie, which delivers a rich, fudgy experience, to the savoury Real Cheese Chip and the crunchy Real Cracker, each bite is a pure indulgence.

5. Korean Citron Tea

One of my favourite buys from LOTTE Mart is definitely Korean Citron Tea. After being offered a drink sample, my travel buddies and I immediately grabbed some boxes to bring home (even though they’re pretty bulky and heavy) – it’s just that good. It can be prepared hot or cold, and there are bits of juicy citrus inside.

6. Honey Butter Chips

Korea is the land of fast-changing fads, and a recent one is the honey butter craze. Finding the original Haitai-Calbee Honey Butter Chip on the shelf of a convenience store during the craze was harder than finding a unicorn on the street. You might even have to resort to the black market to buy a packet of… chips. How crazy is that?

So when in Korea, help yourself with everything honey butter, like these honey butter-flavoured Honey Star chips!

Also Read: All You Need to Know About the K-Shuttle in Korea

7. Orion Moist and Chewy Cake

If you’re a sucker for cute packaging, you just won’t be able to walk past this box of cutie patooties. It gets better when you open the box; the fish cakes are enclosed in bright, textured wrappers with adorable prints. The cake itself is dense, and the sauce red bean sauce has a chocolatey tinge.

8. Fire Noodles

This spicy Korean noodle dish once took the internet by storm, with many attempting to conquer its fiery heat. While the challenge might not be as popular as it once was, it’s still a great way to test your spice tolerance.

9. Crown Butter Waffles

Indulge in the buttery goodness of Crown Butter Waffles! These crispy treats are the perfect snack, combining a flaky texture with a rich, buttery flavour.

10. LOTTE Biscuit Sticks

Don’t we all love Pepero? If there’s flavour you haven’t tried yet, grab them at LOTTE Mart! Bonus if you come across the ones that are hard to find (or just aren’t sold) back home, such as the Nude Lemon Cheese or Hami Melon Pepero.

11. Petitzel Sweet Pudding

The Petitzel Sweet Pudding is oh-so-delicious. When you see it, buy it, eat it, and you’ll know what I’m talking about. It comes in fancy flavours like Honey & Creme Blanche, Caramel Milk & Egg, Cheese Mascarpone & Cream and Cream & Mustard. And yes, it’ll definitely satisfy your sweet tooth!

12. All sorts of seaweed

Seaweed Lovers, Rejoice! LOTTE Mart has a dedicated section filled with an array of seaweed snacks. From crispy seaweed sheets to spicy seaweed rolls, there’s something for everyone. It’s the perfect place to indulge your love for this healthy and delicious snack.

13. House Shine Muscat

The Shine Muscat grapes have become quite famous in 2024, and LOTTE Mart has just something that will quench your thirst with it! Cool off with the sweet and refreshing House Shine Muscat, a Shine Muscat-flavoured sherbet!

14. Four Flavors of Chicken Gangjeong

Like the characters in K-dramas, you can also indulge in a flavour explosion with Four Flavors of Chicken Gangjeong! From the classic spicy Gangnyeom Gangjeong to the sweet and tangy honey apple flavour, these fried chickens are simply divine.

Also read: 30 Fun Things to Do in Seoul On Your Very First Visit

So there you have it, a list of must-buy food and snacks from this popular Korean mart. But hey, don’t limit yourself to just LOTTE Mart! Explore other supermarkets like E-Mart, Homeplus, and Costco to discover even more Korean snacks. And remember, the world of Korean snacks is vast and ever-evolving. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and find your new favourite snack!

---

Facebook image (right) is credited to Korean Culture and Information Service.