What's in it
Rice cakes, beef broth, egg, seaweed, green onion.
More about Rice Cake Soup
The coin-shaped slices of rice cake are said to bring wealth in the new year. Seoul and Gyeonggi families use beef broth, some regions use anchovy broth or, traditionally, pheasant, and Gaeseong-style tteokguk uses small rice cakes shaped like gourds (joraengi tteok).
Special diets and allergies
- Vegetarian: usually made with beef, but many places can leave it out — ask.
- Watch for: Beef broth or stock.
- Vegan: no — contains egg.
- Pork: usually pork-free — meat is not halal unless the restaurant is certified.
- Allergens: Soy, Egg.
Recipes vary between restaurants. If an ingredient matters to you, ask before you order — or show a diet card.
Quick answers
What is rice cake soup?
Sliced rice cakes in beef broth with egg and seaweed — eaten on Lunar New Year, when everyone turns a year older.
Is rice cake soup spicy?
No — it is not spicy.
Is rice cake soup vegetarian?
Usually made with beef, but many places can leave it out — ask.
Does rice cake soup contain pork?
Usually pork-free — meat is not halal unless the restaurant is certified.
What is rice cake soup called in Korean?
떡국, pronounced “tteokguk”.