From Trendy Desserts to Comfort Food: A Real-Life Korean Food Diary to Start 2026
From the last days of 2025 into the first weeks of 2026, my routine was filled with familiar comfort foods, trending desserts, and honest reactions.
There were long waits for hyped sweets, home-cooked meals prepared with care, and a few cooking experiments that reminded me why some things are best left to professionals.
This short food diary captures everyday tastes, small disappointments, and a few unexpectedly better alternatives along the way.
Ending the Year with Comfort Food and a Trendy Dessert
On December 30 and 31, I spent my time eating leftover kimchi fried rice with pork belly, topped with mayonnaise.
It was simple, greasy, and comforting in the best way.
Around the same time, I couldn’t avoid the hottest trend everywhere, Dduchonku.
Waiting in Line and a Disappointing Second Bite
I heard there was a dessert shop selling Dduchonku near my friend’s house.
We tried lining up in the morning, but even on a weekday, the line was way too long and we failed completely.
We tried again in the afternoon, waited about 40 to 50 minutes, and finally tasted it.
Honestly, it wasn’t good enough to eat twice, which made the long wait feel even longer.
Welcoming the New Year with Rice Cake Soup
On January 1, 2026, we welcomed the New Year with rice cake soup.
My friend had prepared the ingredients in advance, and I made the soup using them.
It felt comforting and symbolic, the kind of meal that quietly sets the tone for the year ahead.
Homemade Dishes and a Failed Copycat Experiment
On January 2, my friend’s mom made japchae, and it was unbelievably delicious.
Even so, I somehow felt a little unsatisfied afterward.
I ended up watching a YouTube video claiming you could easily recreate Kyochon Honey Combo using nuggets.
Some Things Are Best Bought, Not Recreated
I tried following the video, but I shouldn’t have.
It was a clear reminder that store-bought really is the best when it comes to certain foods.
Desserts from a Famous Bakery
That afternoon, my friend’s couple visited and brought canelé and various financiers from Dongindang.
Since Dongindang is well known for its desserts, I had high expectations.
But after tasting them, I wasn’t sure they were worth the long wait.
Market Jokbal That Truly Hit the Spot
On January 5, we had bibimmyun with market jokbal.
My friend’s mom prepared the jokbal, and it was incredibly tender and flavorful.
It was easily one of the best jokbal meals I’ve had in a long time.
I’m always grateful for how generously she prepares food for us.
An Improvised Meal and an Unexpectedly Better Dessert
By January 11, I found plain bibimmyun a bit boring.
I had no vegetables left and didn’t feel like washing a frying pan for pork belly.
So I added Busan whale fish cake I brought from my friend’s house.
Dubai Waffles That Beat the Trend
Something still felt missing, and while eating frozen hometown dumplings, my friend suddenly ordered Dubai waffles for me.
Surprisingly, they were much better in both texture and taste compared to Dduchonku.
It felt like a quiet win after all the hype and waiting.
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