© Etsy

Korea has a special talent for turning the simplest things into nationwide trends – and sometimes, even reviving them years later. Whether it's fashion, skincare, or unexpected food fads, Koreans are not only trendsetters but also enthusiastic trend-followers. One such quirky food trend that recently resurfaced is the oddly named yet irresistibly nostalgic “ex-boyfriend toast”. Sounds intriguing, right?

© Tiktok

As mysterious as it sounds, the toast itself is simple: a slice of bread topped with cream cheese and blueberry jam (or preserved blueberries), heated in the microwave for about 10 seconds. But why are Koreans suddenly obsessed with this sweet little snack again? The answer lies in its origin story – and let’s face it, we all love a good story.

© Future Dish

The "ex-boyfriend toast" first gained popularity back in 2018 when a Korean woman posted a screenshot of her text conversation with her ex-boyfriend on social media. In the chat, she casually asks him for the recipe for a particular toast he used to make for her. She explicitly states she isn’t trying to get back together, she just really wants to know how to make that specific toast. Her ex kindly replies with the instructions, and the short but emotionally loaded exchange quickly went viral. People found it both touching and hilarious.

© Instagram @baaaaaaaaaannn

Naturally, everyone wanted to taste the toast that made someone reach out to their ex. What could be so special about it? Sensing an opportunity, major Korean convenience store chain GS25 quickly capitalized on the trend by releasing a pre-packaged version in 2019, cheekily named the “Boyfriend Sandwich.” The snack flew off the shelves and became an instant hit. Unfortunately, like many novelty items, it was eventually discontinued. Still, the toast left a strong impression on people’s minds and taste buds.

© tvN

In 2025, however, the "ex-boyfriend toast" is having a renaissance. This time, it was thanks to a segment on the popular tvN variety show “Earth Arcade”. In one episode, the cast played a game where they had to guess the names of different bread and pastries. When the toast appeared, IVE’s An Yu-jin confidently answered “blueberry cream cheese toast”. While technically correct, her answer sparked debate online about whether it should be called that - or stick to its more dramatic and nostalgic moniker: “ex-boyfriend toast”.

© Instagram @omuk_food

The discussion reignited public interest, and soon after, another major convenience store, 7-Eleven, jumped on board. Their version is now available in stores and even comes with poetic descriptions. According to 7-Eleven’s Instagram, the toast is “sweet and salty in the first bite, sweet and sour in the second” and – perhaps most fittingly – “the taste that keeps coming to mind even if I want to forget it”. It's clear that the appeal isn’t just in the flavor, but also in the romanticized story that goes with it.

© Simply Recipes

Of course, while it’s fun to try the store-bought version, the original charm of this toast lies in how easy it is to make at home, just like the ex-boyfriend did.

Here’s the "ex-boyfriend toast" recipe:

1.     Take a slice of white bread.

2.     Spread a generous amount of cream cheese on it.

3.     Add a layer of blueberry jam or preserved blueberries on top.

4.     Pop it in the microwave for 10 seconds until warm.

That’s it! You’ve just made the famous “ex-boyfriend toast.” It’s easy, quick, and endlessly customizable. Don’t have blueberry jam? No problem – use strawberry, raspberry, or even Nutella for a different twist. Want to elevate it? Add a sprinkle of crushed nuts or a dash of cinnamon.

© The Korea Times

Whether you're in it for the flavor or just for the story, the “ex-boyfriend toast” is one of those uniquely Korean trends that combines food with emotional storytelling. It’s nostalgic, dramatic, and sweet in more ways than one. So, if you're even a little bit curious, give it a try. Who knows? It might just become the toast you’ll never forget.