[K-FOOD], week of - The Ultimate K-FOOD Weekly: Spicy, Sweet, and Everything Neat!
📌 Table of Contents
📰 K-FOOD Trend News
This week, the K-food scene is buzzing with the global expansion of Korean flavors. In a significant move, Pick n Pay in South Africa is launching a dedicated Korean food range across its stores, featuring over 80 products including gochujang, kimchi, and ready-to-eat tteokbokki. This collaboration with Korea's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs highlights the unstoppable "K-wave" influencing global palates.
In the Middle East, the UAE has announced plans to build a 'K-City' dedicated to Korean culture, with a major focus on K-food. This project aims to create a hub for cultural exchange, capitalizing on the region's growing obsession with everything Korean. Meanwhile, Korean temple food is gaining international acclaim for its sustainable and mindful philosophy, recently being designated as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in Korea. Events in France and the UK are introducing European gourmands to the refined, plant-based flavors of temple cuisine.
🍜 This Week's New Product Reviews
New Saucy Drumsticks from K Fry Urban Korean
Malaysian favorite, K Fry Urban Korean, has just dropped their "Jjuk Jjuk Four Sauces Drumsticks". This new offering allows diners to experience a quartet of their famous sauces, ranging from sweet and savory to fiery hot, all on crispy fried chicken drumsticks. It's a flavor explosion that caters to all taste preferences.
Convenience Store Delights: Vegan Gimbap and Spicy Pork Belly Rice Balls
This week sees the launch of a new vegan-friendly gimbap option in major convenience store chains, filled with seasoned tofu and fresh vegetables. For the meat-lovers, a new spicy pork belly (Jeyuk Bokkeum) rice ball is hitting the shelves, offering a quick and satisfying meal on the go with a perfect kick of spice.
🥢 K-FOOD Pairing & Side Menu Recommendations
For the Jjuk Jjuk Four Sauces Drumsticks:
A classic pairing for Korean fried chicken is pickled radish (chikin-mu), which provides a refreshing, crunchy contrast to the rich, saucy chicken. For a beverage, try a light Korean lager or a crisp, cold glass of Makgeolli (Korean rice wine) to cleanse the palate between bites of different sauces.
For the Vegan Gimbap:
Enjoy this light and healthy gimbap with a side of traditional kimchi for a spicy, fermented kick. A warm bowl of miso soup or a simple Korean spinach side dish (Sigeumchi Namul) would also complement the flavors perfectly.
For the Spicy Pork Belly Rice Ball:
Balance the heat of the spicy pork with a cool and creamy Korean potato salad (Gamja Salad). A simple clear soup, like a soybean sprout soup (Kongnamul Guk), would also be a great accompaniment to this flavorful snack.
🏆 This Week's K-FOOD Popularity TOP
1. Korean Fried Chicken
Reason for Popularity: The "Chimaek" (chicken and beer) culture continues to be a global phenomenon. A recent survey of overseas consumers revealed that Korean-style chicken is their most frequently eaten and favorite Korean dish. Its extra-crispy texture and variety of sweet, spicy, and savory glazes make it irresistibly addictive.
2. Kimchi
Reason for Popularity: As the cornerstone of Korean cuisine, kimchi's popularity is ever-growing, especially with the global trend towards healthy, fermented foods. It's not just a side dish anymore but a versatile ingredient in everything from stews to fusion dishes like kimchi risotto.
3. Tteokbokki
Reason for Popularity: These chewy rice cakes in a spicy, sweet gochujang sauce are the ultimate Korean comfort street food. Its frequent appearance in K-dramas has skyrocketed its international demand, with many trying to replicate the dish at home.
🌍 This Week's K-FOOD Popularity by Region
| Region | Popular K-FOOD | Reason for Popularity |
|---|---|---|
| North America | Korean BBQ & Fusion Tacos | The interactive and communal experience of K-BBQ is a major draw. Fusion foods like Korean tacos are popular in urban areas, blending familiar formats with exciting Korean flavors like gochujang and kimchi. |
| Southeast Asia | Spicy Instant Noodles (Ramen) & Tteokbokki | The bold and spicy flavor profiles resonate well with local cuisines. The influence of K-dramas and K-pop has created a massive demand for the foods seen on screen. Thailand, for instance, imports 76% of its instant noodles from South Korea. |
| Europe | Kimchi & Mandu (Dumplings) | There's a growing interest in healthy and fermented foods, making kimchi a popular item. Mandu is also gaining traction as a versatile and convenient meal option, with major companies like CJ CheilJedang expanding their presence in the European market. |
| Middle East | Bibimbap & Korean Fried Chicken | The colorful and customizable nature of bibimbap appeals to a wide audience. The Halal status of many Korean fried chicken establishments in the region contributes to its popularity. The overall "Hallyu" wave is driving significant interest in all aspects of Korean culture, including food. |
🗓️ This Week's K-FOOD Expo & Pop-up Store Schedule
Seoul Food in Bangkok
Date: November 26 - 28, 2025
Location: Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok, Thailand
Details: A major trade show aiming to make Thailand the hub for Korean food in Southeast Asia. It will feature a wide range of products from ready-to-eat meals to health supplements, with significant business deals expected.
Daegu Food Industry Expo
Date: November 27 - 29, 2025
Location: EXCO, Daegu, South Korea
Details: A premier event in Daegu showcasing the latest innovations and trends in the Korean food industry.
ZERONI × LINE FRIENDS Pop-Up Store
Date: November 8 – 28, 2025
Location: LINE FRIENDS HONGDAE, Seoul, South Korea
Details: While not exclusively a food event, this pop-up celebrating the character ZERONI will feature character-inspired treats and drinks, offering a fun and immersive experience for fans.
That's all for this week's K-FOOD journey! Stay hungry for next week's update. Until then, happy eating!
- BonoHyung
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