The Korean rice dog wins over Barcelona: the street snack taking Kokkiri by storm

The rice dog, the Korean version of the hot dog, is now being served in the very centre of Barcelona. Sauces, toppings and rice instead of bread make it irresistible. Discover why this quick bite is revolutionising local street food.

In Barcelona, street food is undergoing a new revolution with the arrival of the rice dog, a Korean snack that is already drawing queues at Kokkiri, on Joaquín Costa street. This bite, which replaces traditional bread with a creamy rice coating, has caught the attention of people looking for something different to eat on the go or share with friends.

The rice dog lets customers choose between several types of sausage — chicken, beef, combinations with cheese or melted cheese alone — which are put on a stick and generously coated in rice batter. The result is a crisp, golden exterior, ready to be customised with ingredients such as potato, ramen noodles or cereal, according to each customer’s taste. Sauces, from classic garlic mayonnaise to spicy options, complete the experience, and creativity can push the price up to 10 euros if extras and a drink are added.

The proposal has caught on particularly with young people and groups of friends, who come both out of curiosity and for the possibility of personalising every detail. The only Catalan member of the team, Martina Torres, acknowledges that the rice dog has become her favourite option for a quick, tasty meal, and highlights the multicultural atmosphere of the venue, where most staff are Asian.

The star accompaniment is fried chicken, prepared with locally sourced chicken thigh marinated for a day in a secret sauce and finished with a sweet and spicy glaze. To drink, the Korean beverage milkis adds a refreshing, different touch, with its milky texture and a flavour reminiscent of yoghurt.

In just four months since opening, Kokkiri is already planning events to build customer loyalty, such as spicy-food endurance contests and challenges to see who can stretch the rice dog’s melted cheese the furthest. These initiatives aim to create a community and turn the venue into a meeting point for lovers of urban food and gastronomic trends.

The rice dog is not just a passing fad: its success in Barcelona reflects the city’s capacity to integrate international flavours and adapt them to the local pace of life. Personalisation, speed and flavour have made this Korean snack an essential option for people looking for something new in the heart of the city.

The Raval neighbourhood, where Kokkiri is located, is known for its cultural diversity and vibrant atmosphere. In recent years, the area has seen culinary proposals that fuse traditions from around the world flourish, becoming a laboratory for food trends. Places like this not only offer food, but also contribute to Barcelona’s dynamic, cosmopolitan identity, attracting both residents and visitors in search of authentic experiences.