Published On : 06/29/2023

Korean Food Predicted to Become the Latest Taste and Health Trend

Korean cuisine is set to become the next big thing with food lovers, health enthusiasts and top chefs around the world.

Healthy and extremely tasty, Korean dishes are the latest food trend to sweep across the world and probably one of the only cuisines to be embraced by both foodies and healthy food fanatics. The popularity of Korean food has risen by 32 per cent year on year.

The Koreans have one of the lowest obesity levels globally due to their healthy diets of proteins like tofu and beans, seasonally sourced produce, lots of garlic, spring onions, ginger, jeotgal and gochugaru, and other condiments that are full of flavour but low in calories. There is also their world-famous and super healthy fermented radish, onions and napa cabbage called kimchi.

The combination of the healthy ingredients – balanced use of carbs, good quality protein, lots of non-starchy vegetables, fibre and lots of antioxidants – Korean dishes are filling and satisfying and great recipes to turn to for those who are looking to lose a bit of weight.

There is also a foodie obsession with the famous sweet and spicy flavours created in Korean cooking. The flavour is often as a result of using the sweet, spicy gochujang sauce on chicken or the classic street food ttok-bokki.

Famous Korean superfood

Kimchi is the famous Korean superfood. It is something that is served with virtually every meal in Korea and there are more than 400 different versions of it. It has been a staple in every Korean household for generations, and every fridge will contain batches of the family favourite recipes. Kimchi is packed with nutrients like B vitamins, Vitamin K, Folate and Iron. As it is fermented, there are naturally occurring good bacteria in Kimchi, which make it perfect for digestive health. There are also said to be immune system and anti-inflammatory benefits due to the various ingredients. Kimchi is usually used as a side dish, but it can be used in soups and stews. It has also been known to have been used as a burger topping.

Rice is also a staple in Korea and the rice used alongside many Korean dishes is similar to Japanese rice – short grain with a slightly sticky texture.

Top chefs notice the rise in popularity of Korean cuisine

In an interview with ET Hospitality World, Chef Peter Battula, from Korean restaurant Kimpo at the Conrad Dubai, agreed that Korean food was set to become the next big food trend. He said that as people were becoming more and more health conscious and moving towards lighter foods, Korean food was perfectly placed to fill that space in the market.

Now anyone can produce Korean delights in their own kitchens thanks to online Korean supermarkets like Yami Buy. Cooking enthusiasts looking to experiment and create the latest food trends in their kitchen can make their own Korean dishes with authentic ingredients.

Other popular Korean dishes to look out for are Bipimbap, made up of rice, vegetables and minced meat; a combination of appetisers called Banchan, which often includes a spicy radish salad; a Korean pancake or pizza called Pajeon, the street dessert Hotteok; and a fish pancake called Odeng/Eomuk – to name a few.

Jessica Weisman-Pitts

Jesse Pitts has been with the Global Banking & Finance Review since 2016, serving in various capacities, including Graphic Designer, Content Publisher, and Editorial Assistant. As the sole graphic designer for the company, Jesse plays a crucial role in shaping the visual identity of Global Banking & Finance Review. Additionally, Jesse manages the publishing of content across multiple platforms, including Global Banking & Finance Review, Asset Digest, Biz Dispatch, Blockchain Tribune, Business Express, Brands Journal, Companies Digest, Economy Standard, Entrepreneur Tribune, Finance Digest, Fintech Herald, Global Islamic Finance Magazine, International Releases, Online World News, Luxury Adviser, Palmbay Herald, Startup Observer, Technology Dispatch, Trading Herald, and Wealth Tribune.