Quick Answer
Korean fish cake is not vegetarian.
Despite the name, Korean fish cake (called eomuk, 어묵) is made from ground fish mixed with flour and seasonings. Because of this, it contains seafood and is not suitable for vegetarians.
Many travelers are confused by the name “fish cake,” but in Korea it refers to a savory processed fish product rather than a dessert.
Fish cake skewers served in hot broth are a common Korean street food.
What Is Korean Fish Cake?
Korean fish cake, called eomuk (어묵) in Korean, is a processed food made primarily from ground fish.
The fish is usually mixed with flour or starch, salt, and seasonings. The mixture is then shaped and cooked, usually by steaming, boiling, or frying.
In Korea, fish cake is a very common ingredient used in many everyday foods.
Typical examples include:
- street food fish cake skewers
- tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes)
- kimbap fillings
- fish cake side dishes
Because fish cake appears in many dishes, visitors often encounter it without realizing it.
Fish cake is often used as a filling in Korean kimbap.
Why Korean Fish Cake Is Not Vegetarian
The main reason is simple: fish cake contains fish.
Most Korean fish cakes are made with ground white fish such as pollock or other inexpensive fish. Even when the fish flavor is mild, the product still contains seafood.
For this reason, Korean fish cake is not considered vegetarian food.
Fish cake is commonly used in dishes like tteokbokki, one of the most popular Korean street foods.
Fish Cake Broth in Korean Street Food
Another detail that often surprises travelers is the broth served with fish cake.
At many Korean street food stalls, fish cake skewers are served in a light soup.
This soup is usually made with anchovy broth, which is also not vegetarian.
Because of this, even the broth served with fish cake is typically not vegetarian-friendly.
If you want to understand more about hidden seafood ingredients used in Korean cooking, you can read this guide:
Hidden Animal Ingredients in Korean Food
Fish cake is commonly served with tteokbokki in Korean street food stalls.
Is Fish Cake Vegetarian in Convenience Stores?
Fish cake also appears in many Korean convenience store foods.
For example, it is often included in:
- kimbap
- packaged fish cake soup
- fish cake bars (hot bar)
Fish cake bars are commonly sold in Korean convenience stores and are usually made from processed fish paste.
Because fish cake is made from ground fish, these products are also not vegetarian.
If you want a broader overview of vegetarian food options in Korea, this guide may help:
Meat-Free in Korea – A Practical Guide for Travelers
Eomuk vs Odeng
You may also hear Korean fish cake called odeng (오뎅).
This word originally came from the Japanese word oden, but in Korea it became a common informal name for fish cake.
Today, eomuk is the official Korean word, while odeng is still widely used in everyday conversation.
Final Answer
Korean fish cake is not vegetarian because it is made from ground fish.
In addition, the broth served with fish cake in Korean street food is usually made with anchovy stock.
For vegetarians visiting Korea, it is safest to avoid fish cake dishes unless the ingredients are clearly labeled as plant-based.
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