[K-FOOD], week 3 of 09 This Week's K-Food Scene: From Fiery Noodles to Sweet Surprises
📌 Table of Contents
📰 K-Food Trend News
The global fascination with Korean culture continues to drive the popularity of K-food. This week, the trend of "Loconomy" (Local + Economy) is making waves, with major food companies launching products that feature regional specialties. This not only introduces unique local flavors to a wider audience but also supports local agriculture. For instance, McDonald's Korea has introduced a 'Suncheon Plum McFizz' using plums from Suncheon, and Hollys Coffee is offering seasonal menu items with persimmons from Cheongdo and Omija from Mungyeong.
Another significant trend is the rise of fusion street food. Think kimchi quesadillas and gochujang wings, which are becoming increasingly popular. The demand for convenient, easy-to-prepare Korean meals is also booming, leading to innovations like "Coin Broth" tablets from Daesang's O'food brand, which allow anyone to make authentic Korean broth in minutes. This reflects a growing desire among international consumers to cook Korean dishes at home.
✨ This Week's New Product Reviews
Nongshim's Shrimp Soup Instant Noodles (Bagged)
The beloved Shrimp Tang-myeon cup noodle is finally available in a bagged version! For fans of the savory shrimp and rich seafood broth who wanted a stovetop version, this is a dream come true. The flavor is just as rich and satisfying as the original, with a clean finish that isn't overly greasy. It officially hit the shelves on September 15th.
HAITAI's Fresh Chestnut Autumn Seasonal Edition
Embracing the autumn season, HAITAI has released a limited edition line of five popular snacks infused with the flavor of fresh chestnuts. The lineup includes Matdongsan, OH YES, French Pie, and Sweet Red Bean Jelly. This seasonal twist on classic favorites offers a warm and nutty flavor perfect for the cooler weather. They are available in a limited quantity, so grab them while you can!
GS25 x "KPop Demon Hunters" Collaboration
Convenience store giant GS25 has teamed up with the hit Netflix animated film "KPop Demon Hunters" to release a special line of ready-to-eat meals. The lineup, which launched on September 17th, includes items like Jeonju bibimbap gimbap and an assorted snack box. Each product comes with one of 42 collectible character stickers.
Pulmuone's 'Badeunhansik' Cooking Broth
Pulmuone has launched a new line of ready-to-use cooking broths made by simmering domestic vegetables and other natural ingredients. Available in four flavors (Beef Brisket, Anchovy & Kelp, Clam & Seafood, and Roasted Vegetable), these pouch-type broths make it easy to create a deep and clean-tasting base for various Korean dishes without the hassle of preparing it from scratch.
🤝 K-Food Pairing & Side Menu Recommendations
For Nongshim's Shrimp Soup Noodles:
Pairing: A crisp, light lager or a chilled glass of Cheongju (Korean rice wine) would cut through the richness of the broth beautifully. For a non-alcoholic option, try a refreshing barley tea.
Side Menu: Simple side dishes (banchan) work best. A classic kimchi is a must for that spicy, fermented crunch. Also consider a side of danmuji (yellow pickled radish) to cleanse the palate between slurps.
For HAITAI's Chestnut Snacks:
Pairing: These nutty, sweet treats are perfect with a warm cup of green tea or a classic Americano. The slight bitterness of the coffee will balance the sweetness of the snacks.
Side Menu: Enjoy these on their own or as part of a dessert platter with fresh seasonal fruits like pears and persimmons.
🏆 This Week's K-Food Popularity TOP Chart
- Shrimp Crackers (Saewookkang): A timeless classic since 1971, this snack continues to be a top seller. Its iconic savory shrimp flavor and satisfying crunch make it a favorite across all generations.
- Choco Pie: This marshmallow-filled, chocolate-covered cake is a symbol of affection in Korea. Its soft texture and sweet taste have made it a globally recognized treat.
- Pepero: These chocolate-covered biscuit sticks are especially popular, with their own holiday, "Pepero Day." The variety of flavors and crunchy texture contribute to their widespread appeal.
- Kkobuk Chips (Turtle Chips): Known for their unique four-layered structure that provides an extra crunch, the Choco Churros flavor has been a massive hit both domestically and internationally.
- Honey Butter Chip: Although the initial craze has settled, the perfect balance of sweet and savory continues to make this a steady seller and a favorite for many.
🌍 K-Food Popularity by Region
| Region | Popular K-Food | Reason for Popularity |
|---|---|---|
| North America | Ramen, Frozen Gimbap, Korean Fried Chicken | Influence of K-dramas and social media trends. The demand for convenient and diverse flavors is high, and Korean-style corn dogs have become mainstream. |
| Southeast Asia | Tteokbokki, Ramen, Kimchi | The sweet and spicy flavor profiles are well-received. The Hallyu (Korean Wave) effect is particularly strong, with K-pop and K-dramas driving food trends. |
| Europe | Mandu (Dumplings), Kimchi (especially vegan), Healthy Snacks | Growing interest in healthy and fermented foods. The versatility of mandu and the health benefits of kimchi appeal to European consumers. |
| China | Choco Pie, Gore-Bab (Whale Rice crackers), Flavored Milk | Snacks with unique flavors tailored to local tastes, such as tomato or spicy crayfish flavors, have become massive hits. Familiarity with Korean culture through media also plays a big role. |
🗓️ K-Food Expo & Pop-up Store Schedule
K-Food Expo 2025
Date: September 3 - September 6, 2025
Location: Daegu Exhibition Convention Centre (EXCO), Daegu, South Korea
Details: This international food exhibition is a major event for industry professionals and K-food enthusiasts. It will showcase a vast range of products from agricultural and aquatic goods to processed foods, beverages, and food technology. It's a fantastic opportunity to discover the latest trends and network with key players in the Korean food industry.
Wonju Ramen Festa
Date: September 19 - September 21, 2025
Location: Sangji University Amphitheater, Wonju, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Details: Celebrating the birthplace of the original 'Samyang Ramen,' this festival aims to become a representative food festival in Korea. Visitors can expect new product tastings, historical exhibits, and cooking competitions, showcasing the diversity and innovation of Korean ramen.
That's a wrap for this week's K-Food adventure!
Hope you discovered some new treats to try and trends to watch. Stay curious, stay hungry, and I'll see you next week with more delicious updates from the world of K-Food. Annyeong!
- BonoHyung
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