Butter Tteok: The Viral Korean Dessert That’s Bringing The Chew Factor To KL’s Dessert Scene

Kaylee Teo

a guide to get your butter tteok cravings fixed

One of life’s greatest treasures is discovering new desserts that somehow spawns out of thin air, and just when you think you’ve seen it all, another one appears and steals the show. You’ve never heard of them before but once you’ve tried, it’s all you can think about when you’re stuck munching on the oat biscuits you bought during your short-lived “eat-clean” era.

The cool kid on the block this time comes from Korea, aka the trendsetter of all trendsetters, so its viral status was practically guaranteed. If you haven’t made your acquaintance to butter tteok yet, here’s a preview: Imagine a lovechild of mochi and a freshly baked butter cake — golden and crisp on the outside with a caramelised edge, with an dense and chewy filling that keeps you reaching for another one before you know it.

Two baking trays with madeleine cakes, one tray featuring multiple shell-shaped cakes and the other with half-visible oval-shaped cakes.

^{Image credit: @cakejalantiung}

LOCUS

True to its name, Locus holds the coordinates for our latest food fixation. Located in Damansara Jaya, Locus is an intimate, sleek space that usually spends its evenings executing brilliant Modern Australian cuisine with a familiar Asian edge. True to form, they aren’t just chasing the trend, they’ve introduced a sourdough butter tteok that brings a distinct depth and extra richness.

Address: 72, Jalan SS 22/25, Damansara Jaya, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Operation hours: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm Wednesdays to Saturdays, 12pm – 3pm Sundays, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays

A plate of freshly baked round pastries with a textured brown exterior, some pastries are whole while one is cut in half to reveal a soft, light interior.

A circular dessert on a decorative plate next to a printed menu, with a creamy beverage topped with chocolate and orange zest.

^{Image credit: @monomalaysia @locus.my}

65°C ONDO

Known for their mastery of temperature and texture (it’s in the name, after all), 65°C Ondo approaches the butter tteok with the same commitment when you’re making excuses to skip the gym. While they started as a singular neighborhood favorite, this bakery has expanded its empire across multiple outlets, spreading its signature soft buns, burnt cheesecakes, and fluffy croissants across the city. They lean into the dairy quality here, ensuring the butter is rich, fragrant, and perfectly absorbed by the rice cake rather than just sitting on top.

Address: Multiple outlets

Operation hours: 9am – 10pm daily, Hours might differ by outlets

Interior of a bakery named 'ondo' with a wooden counter and various baked goods displayed, customers waiting in line.

A close-up view of freshly baked round pastries arranged in trays, featuring a variety of flavors, with labels in the background.

^{Image credit: @65ondo}

WEEEE BY WELEMON

If your afternoon slump requires a heavy dose of pure serotonin, WEEEE by Welemon is the cute, whimsical escape you’re looking for. They are known for their smiley egg-face waffles and bold, experimental bingsu flavors that range from sweet mangosteen to—yes, really—coriander. That playful, bubbly energy translates perfectly on the butter tteok. A simple yet delectable treat, golden and crispy on the rims with a soft, chewy core and a deep butter scent.

Address: S-G-27, Residensi Majestic Maxim,45, Jalan 9, Taman Bukit Cheras, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur

Operation hours: 2:30pm – 11:45pm (last call) daily

Exterior view of a cafe named 'weeeeee by welemon' featuring the words 'bingsoo', 'pastry', and 'beverage' on a bright yellow sign. The entrance showcases large windows displaying colorful food images, and there are outdoor seating arrangements.

A silver plate holding seven golden-brown steamed dumplings with a textured surface, set against a white background.

^{Image credit:@weeeebywelemon @hungrybabes @zachy.foodie}

CAKE JALAN TIUNG

Leaving Shah Alam out of the pastry conversation is always a mistake. Cake Jalan Tiung found its home in a cosy neighbourhood in Seksyen 4, Shah Alam. This decade-old bakery cafe has made its name in the local food scene as a go-to place for delightful baked goods. Known for their stellar bakes and clever flavor profiles, their entry into the butter tteok space is pure soul food. It’s one of those places where you can tell just how much love and thought was put into the space by the people running it. Worth the drive to Shah Alam, and worth every ringgit.

Address: 9, Jln Sukun 4/7, Seksyen 4, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor

Operation hours: 8am – 6pm daily, closed on Thursdays

Exterior view of a cafe named 'Cake Jalan Tiung' with a prominent orange door, a large black banner featuring a tank illustration, and a parked car in front.

A close-up of two baking molds: one with shell-shaped madeleines and another with round cakelets, both filled with baked brown treats.

^{Image credit: @shinpson611 @thirararara @cakejalantiung}

FANTAXY BAKERY

With a name like Fantaxy, it’s safe to say they aren’t interested in boring bakes. While most people know them for their gorgeous whole cakes, they’re not cutting corners when it comes to their butter tteok either. Their execution gives the rice cake a deeply caramelized, almost canelé-like crust that locks in a seriously satisfying chew. Plus, it comes in chocolate flavour too. It’s the ultimate pastry pick-me-up when you’re ready to trade your standard coffee order for something different.

Address: Multiple outlets

Operation hours: Operating hours differ by outlet

A clear container with four freshly baked butter rice cakes inside, placed on a light-colored surface.

Two small baked goods on a light background, one whole and one cut in half to reveal a soft, airy interior.

^{Image credit: @fantaxybakery}

SIRU

As the very first Korean rice cake dessert specialty shop in KL, they don’t just make tteok, they understand it inside out. Displaying a sprawling array of different traditional and modern tteok, this contemporary space treats the humble rice cake with the finesse of a high-end pastry kitchen. If you want a plate that skips the guesswork, Siru is a spot that feels like they brought the blueprint with them.

Address: Jalan 24/70a, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Operation hours: 11am – 9pm daily, closed on Wednesdays

Interior view of a modern restaurant featuring wooden tables, a hanging lantern, and decorative wall signage.

Freshly baked brown pastries cooling on a wire rack.

^{Image credit: @_carmenyong_ @siru_kl}

Butter tteok is dominating the conversation right now, nd honestly, our snack rotations are all the better for it. If your mid-afternoon slump is begging for an upgrade, this list is a good place to start. Go while it is still warm, literally and figuratively.