*Disclaimer these are our opinions on food and we are looking at this issue from the idea of the whole country and it is not solely expat focused. Seoul has a 10.5 million Korean people and only 250,000 foreigners. The opinion of the masses can make or break restaurants here.*

A Look Back at 2011 South Korea is always changing and it is quite interesting to see the new food trends that pop-up and die so quickly here. In 2008, there was Roti Buns and Pappa Roti that spread like fleas during the black death (I know...not the most appetizing analogy). During that year and the next, these shops were on every corner and they thought they had the right formula for success in Korea. • Hot and Homemade • Not too sweet and fluffy and doughy • Easily packaged so they can be shared with everyone at the office. These buns were like Korean traditional rice cake in a way. The problem was that they franchised too fast so people's fascination with the bun was too easily sated. Also, once the buns cooled, they became a bit oily and a bit soggy- ultimately, something that was not endearing when you gave it to your dear mum and dad.
2011 was the year of the pie. Tartine's sweet pies have been popular for years and they have just opened a new larger space across from their old shop. Other shops like Retrona Pie has also done well in the extremely competitive Samcheongdong area. Jester Pies has been setting up franchises all around Seoul and Bundang and it looks like this is one trend that will stick around for 2012. The pies have the right formula to be successful.
- They are not too small
- They travel easily
- They are hot
- The crust is not too greasy
- The fillings are diverse and filling (starch on starch seems to work in Korea)
- They are savory (Koreans can eat very sweet, but only a little of it)
- They can be boxed to take and share with friends and family (Korean restaurants love take-out because the guests won't take up room in their restaurants. Also patrons don't tip in Korea.)
Here are some of our food trend predictions for 2012.
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