I remember the first time I saw kimchi in an American grocery store—I was so surprised! Growing up in Korea, kimchi was just an everyday food, something we had at every meal. But now? Korean food (K-Food) isn’t just a trend—it’s becoming a staple in the U.S.
From kimchi and gochujang to Korean-style fried chicken and hot dogs, more people than ever are embracing the bold flavors of Korea. And as a Korean, seeing my country’s food celebrated worldwide is honestly exciting and emotional!
So, let’s take a look at how K-Food is conquering America, why it’s so popular, and where you can find (or even make) these delicious dishes yourself!
1. The Rise of Kimchi & Gochujang in the U.S. 🇺🇸
Kimchi (김치) – The Superfood Everyone Wants
Growing up, kimchi was always in our fridge, made fresh by my mom or bought at a local market. But today? Kimchi is everywhere—even in Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s!
-Kimchi sales in the U.S. skyrocketed in the past five years.
-Even major brands like Whole Foods & Ocado now stock multiple varieties.
-Many Americans are drawn to kimchi’s health benefits—it’s probiotic, good for digestion, and packed with vitamins.
Where to Buy Kimchi in the U.S.:
- H-Mart, 99 Ranch Market (for authentic Korean brands like Chongga & Bibigo)
- Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods (for American-made versions)
Gochujang (고추장) – The Spicy Secret to Korean Cooking
I can’t imagine Korean food without gochujang. The deep, spicy, slightly sweet fermented chili paste is a game-changer in so many dishes!
- Sales of gochujang increased by 71% in U.S. supermarkets in recent years.
- Chefs like David Chang (Momofuku) use gochujang in fusion dishes, introducing it to even more people.
Where to Buy Gochujang in the U.S.:
- H-Mart, Weee! (Asian grocery delivery)
- Amazon, Walmart, Whole Foods
2. Korean Street Food Is Taking Over: Hot Dogs & Fried Chicken!
Korean Hot Dogs – The Viral Sensation
The first time I saw Korean-style hot dogs in New York, I couldn’t believe my eyes. This was a food I used to buy from a street cart in Seoul, and now it was on TikTok with millions of views!
- What makes Korean hot dogs different?
- Crispy batter (sometimes with ramen bits!)
- Cheese pulls that go viral
- Sugar coating for that perfect sweet-savory balance
Where to Try Korean Hot Dogs in the U.S.:
- Two Hands Corn Dogs (nationwide)
- Myungrang Hot Dog (Los Angeles, NYC, Chicago)
Korean Fried Chicken – The Crispiest in the Game!
Korean fried chicken (KFC, but not that KFC!) is extra crispy, extra flavorful, and totally addictive. As a Korean, I always say, once you try KFC, there’s no going back!
-What makes Korean fried chicken different?
- Double-fried for extra crunch
- Soy garlic, spicy gochujang, and honey butter flavors
- Always served with pickled radish & beer (치맥, chimaek)!
Where to Try Korean Fried Chicken in the U.S.:
- Bonchon Chicken (nationwide)
- Pelicana Chicken (NYC, LA, SF)
- BBQ Chicken USA (rapidly expanding!)
3. Why Is K-Food So Popular in the U.S.?
Reason 1: The Health Factor
- Americans are becoming more health-conscious, and many K-Food staples (kimchi, doenjang, seaweed) are fermented, nutrient-rich, and probiotic.
Reason 2: The K-Wave (한류)
- Thanks to BTS, BLACKPINK, and Netflix K-Dramas, more people want to experience Korean culture—including the food!
Reason 3: Bold Flavors & Fusion Potential
- Korean food is savory, sweet, spicy, umami-filled—perfect for fusion dishes.
- Korean ingredients like gochujang & kimchi are being added to tacos, burgers, pasta, and even pizza!
4. How to Make Korean Food at Home
If you want to cook K-Food at home, try these easy recipes!
Simple Korean Fried Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings or drumsticks
- 1 cup potato starch (for that extra crunch!)
-2 tbsp gochujang
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Steps:
- Coat chicken in potato starch & deep fry twice for crispiness.
- Mix gochujang, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and sesame oil into a glaze.
- Toss the crispy chicken in the glaze and serve with pickled radish!
Where to Buy Ingredients:
- H-Mart, Weee!, Amazon, Whole Foods
Final Thoughts: K-Food’s Global Takeover
Seeing Korean food grow in America is a proud moment for me as a Korean. What was once a niche cuisine is now beloved worldwide—and honestly, I love watching people discover its bold flavors for the first time!
Have you tried Korean food? What’s your favorite dish? Let’s talk in the comments!
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