Korean cuisine inspired by K-pop and K-drama gains steam in Indian

Korean cuisine's bold flavours, including its use of spices, fermented ingredients, and diverse textures, resonate well with Indian taste preferences (Image: SOCIAL)

The global wave of Hallyu, or the Korean Wave, has brought Korean culture to the forefront of international attention. K-dramas, movies, and K-pop are not just entertainment but cultural ambassadors that showcase various aspects of Korean life, including its food. In recent years, Korean cuisine has seen a significant surge in popularity worldwide, and India is no exception.

Rise of K-cuisine:

The depiction of mouth-watering Korean dishes in popular shows and films has piqued the curiosity of Indian audiences, leading them to explore these culinary delights. For July, the ‘Kore-yeah festival’ at popular restaurant-chain Social features a special menu (K-Food) and themed beverages (K-Drinks) along with a complete package of culturally enriching activities, including K-Pop karaoke and Korean workshops, mentions Chef Shamsul Wahid, Group Executive Chef at Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. He informs, “We are offering engaging experiences such as Kimchi making workshops, K-Pop dance classes, chow-down challenges, and pop-up markets. With Korean culture’s growing popularity among India’s youth, this festival transforms Social into vibrant hubs for K-Culture fans, offering an authentic Korean lifestyle experience. With a backdrop of abstract and immersive Korean-themed décor to amplify our guests’ experience, we have partnered with the Universal Music Group India, to bring the best of K-Pop jams while guests enjoy a flavourful journey through the heart of South Korea.”

Blending the culinary cultures:

Korean cuisine's bold flavours, including its use of spices, fermented ingredients, and diverse textures, resonate well with Indian taste preferences. The emphasis on balanced, flavorful, and aromatic dishes is a common thread between the two culinary traditions. Speaking about the Korea-inspired menu for Indian foodies, Chef Yen Valavalkar and Chef Soonye Choi from Sattori Food Lab, mention, “At the heart of every culture belongs food, and much like the rising popularity and fandom of all things South Korean, our K-menu has been created using authentic ingredients such as Korean rice cakes, kim (seaweed), kimchi, Gochujang sauce, Soju and a range of ramen bowls. Deep diving into some of the star dishes, we have Ddak Gochi – a small plate with Korean-style chicken skewers marinated in sweet smoked soy, and the Kimchi ramen with chicken chashu. An indulgent Tofu Bibimbap is one of the traditional Korean meals with colourful veggies and soft jasmine rice. One can also enjoy the Tenderloin Bulgogi, Rose Tteokbokki with Bacon and Shrimp Ramen for an authentic K-food experience.”

Be it ramen, stew or Boba tea – the menu and Korean experiences are rooted in pop-culture giving guests a taste of the K-Culture. Talking about some popular Korean drinks, the chefs reveal, “We have options beyond Soju to go with the K-menu. From cocktails like Soju Kimchi Highball, Somaek to mocktails like Atypical Sangria, and Hallyu Litchi Boba, we have some interesting drinks that go well with the menu. Savor the Soju Kimchi Highball (a mix of Kimchi Vodka, Soju, grapefruit and rosemary served in a high-ball, garnished with a kimchi bread stick) or opt for the classic Somaek which has been created by dropping a shot of Soju into a glass of cold beer. For fans of mocktail, The Atypical Sangria is made of homemade melon and jaggery syrup, apple juice, fresh pomegranate, garnished with edible flowers.”