[K-FOOD], week 3 of Nov - Spicy Noodles, Global Festivals, and the Retro Wave Taking Over!
📌 Table of Contents
📰 K-FOOD Trend News
Hello K-Food lovers! BonoHyung is back with the spiciest and sweetest news from the world of Korean cuisine. This week, the K-food wave is not just a ripple but a global tsunami! Exports of Korean agricultural and food products have hit record highs this year, with ramyeon and dried seaweed leading the charge. The global appeal of K-culture continues to fuel the expansion of Korean food giants into new territories, with a particular focus on Europe and Southeast Asia. The demand for halal-certified K-food is also on the rise, opening up new markets in the Middle East.
In the United States, the Korean food scene is buzzing with the opening of new restaurant chains. Cupbop, a popular Korean BBQ in a cup concept, recently opened a new location in Pasadena, offering a convenient and delicious way to enjoy Korean flavors. Meanwhile, the crispy and juicy world of Korean fried chicken is expanding with chains like Chick Bo-Bao opening their first stores in new cities, bringing their unique double-fried goodness to more people.
🌶️ This Week's New Product Reviews
Samyang's "Samyang Ramen 1963" - A Blast from the Past!
Samyang Foods is taking us on a trip down memory lane with the re-release of their "Samyang Ramen 1963". For the first time in 36 years, this ramyeon is fried in beef tallow, giving it a rich and savory flavor that will transport you back to the early days of Korean instant noodles. The broth is deep and comforting, with a satisfying beefy taste that is both nostalgic and delicious. This is a must-try for any ramyeon aficionado!
Dongwon F&B's "Boseong Hongcha Hallabong Iced Tea" - A Refreshing Twist!
Looking for a refreshing and guilt-free drink? Dongwon F&B has you covered with their new "Boseong Hongcha Hallabong Iced Tea". This zero-calorie beverage is a delightful blend of fragrant black tea from Boseong and the sweet and tangy flavor of Hallabong, a citrus fruit from Jeju Island. It's the perfect drink to quench your thirst on a warm day or to enjoy alongside your favorite K-drama.
CJ CheilJedang's Probiotic Yogurt - A Healthy Gut is a Happy Gut!
CJ CheilJedang is helping us take care of our digestive health with their new multi-strain probiotic yogurt supplement. This innovative product is designed to support a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for overall well-being. It's a convenient and tasty way to get your daily dose of probiotics and keep your digestive system in top shape.
🥢 K-FOOD Pairing & Side Menu Recommendations
- For Samyang Ramen 1963: To balance the rich, savory flavor of the beef tallow, I recommend adding some classic ramyeon toppings like a slice of American cheese, a soft-boiled egg, and some chopped green onions. A side of crunchy, tangy yellow pickled radish (danmuji) is a must to cleanse the palate between slurps.
- For Boseong Hongcha Hallabong Iced Tea: This refreshing iced tea pairs wonderfully with lighter Korean snacks. Try it with some sweet and chewy songpyeon (half-moon rice cakes) or a handful of crispy, savory gim-bugak (seaweed crisps).
- For CJ CheilJedang's Probiotic Yogurt: Enjoy this yogurt on its own as a healthy breakfast or snack. For an extra boost of fiber and nutrients, top it with some fresh fruit, nuts, and a drizzle of honey.
🏆 Top K-FOOD of the Week
- Ramyeon (Instant Noodles): With Nongshim appointing the global K-pop sensation aespa as their new ambassadors for Shin Ramyun, the love for these spicy noodles is at an all-time high! The convenience and addictive flavor of ramyeon make it a perennial favorite worldwide.
- Korean Fried Chicken: The "chimaek" (chicken and beer) culture continues to conquer the world. The irresistibly crispy and flavorful Korean fried chicken, whether it's sweet and spicy yangnyeom or savory soy garlic, is a top contender for the most beloved K-food.
- Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes): This quintessential Korean street food is a global sensation. The chewy rice cakes smothered in a fiery gochujang sauce are a comforting and satisfying dish that's impossible to resist. The Sunchang Korea Tteokbokki Festa this week is a testament to its enduring popularity.
🌍 K-FOOD's Global Hotspots
The love for K-Food knows no borders! Here's a look at where Korean food is making the biggest waves and what people are enjoying the most.
| Region | Popular K-Foods | Reason for Popularity |
|---|---|---|
| North America | Mandu (Dumplings), Korean BBQ, Kimchi | High demand for convenient and high-quality frozen foods, and the social dining experience of Korean BBQ. |
| Europe | Ramyeon, Tteokbokki, Gochujang | Growing interest in spicy and unique flavors, fueled by the Hallyu wave. Gochujang is becoming a staple in European kitchens. |
| Southeast Asia | Instant Noodles, Kimchi, Korean Street Food | Strong influence of K-dramas and K-pop, leading to a high demand for the foods seen on screen. |
| Middle East | Halal-certified Ramyeon, Kimchi, Tteokbokki | Increasing availability of halal-certified products is opening up the market for a wider range of K-foods. |
🎉 Worldwide K-FOOD Events & Pop-ups
Want to experience the vibrant world of K-Food firsthand? Here are some events happening around the globe this week:
- Sunchang Korea Tteokbokki Festa (Sunchang, South Korea): November 15-16. A festival dedicated to one of Korea's most beloved street foods!
- The 24th Seoul Int'l Cafe Show (Seoul, South Korea): November 19-22. Explore the latest trends in coffee and cafe culture in Korea.
- Taste of Korea Festival (Deerfield Beach, FL, USA): November 22. Immerse yourself in Korean culture with authentic food, games, and more.
- Kimchi Festival (London, UK): November 22. Celebrate Kimchi Day with kimchi-making experiences and tastings.
- Seoul K-Food Festival 'Knock Knock' (Seoul, South Korea): Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in November. A foodie paradise with a variety of food trucks serving up delicious Korean treats.
That's all for this week's K-Food update! I hope you're all inspired to try some new and exciting Korean dishes. Stay tuned for next week's post, and as always, happy eating!
- BonoHyung
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