Since time immemorial, our lifestyle and food habits have been influenced by different cultures and mediums. Over the last few decades, television and the internet have become powerful sources of inspiration, shaping fashion, beauty standards, and eating habits across the world. One of the biggest cultural waves among today’s youth is K-culture, or Korean culture, which has rapidly gained popularity through music, dramas, fashion, skincare, and food.
South Korea has emerged as a major global exporter of popular culture. What started with the growing popularity of K-dramas and K-pop gradually expanded into lifestyle trends, beauty products, and culinary experiences. As Korean entertainment reached audiences worldwide, Korean cuisine also gained massive attention for its unique flavors, presentation, and comfort-food appeal.
Popularity of Korean Cuisine
The rising fan base of K-dramas and K-pop has sparked worldwide curiosity about Korean food. Dishes frequently featured in Korean shows have encouraged people to explore and recreate Korean meals at home. Some of the most loved Korean dishes include Korean fried chicken, Bibimbap, Gyeran Mari, Kimchi salad, seaweed soup, and Bulgogi. Korean cuisine is appreciated for its balance of flavors, use of fermented foods, and colorful presentation.
Korean Food in India
Korean food has become increasingly popular in India as audiences discovered Korean dramas and music through online streaming platforms and social media. Indian consumers were introduced to a variety of Korean dishes, noodles, sauces, and condiments, which soon found space in local supermarkets and online stores.
Experts believe the popularity of Korean cuisine in India is largely driven by its relatability to the Indian palate. Ingredients like rice, noodles, vegetables, spices, chilli, sesame oil, soy sauce, tofu, and meat are commonly used in both cuisines. Korean meals usually consist of rice, soup or broth, protein sources like meat or tofu, and side dishes such as kimchi and seaweed, which appeal to Indian taste preferences.
Easy access to Korean recipes on the internet has also encouraged people to experiment with Korean cooking at home, often adding Indian flavors and twists to create fusion dishes.
How Indian Brands Are Adapting to the Trend
The growing interest in Korean food has encouraged several Indian and international food brands to introduce Korean-inspired products in the market. Instant Korean noodles, meal pots, sauces, and ready-to-cook products have become widely available in supermarkets and online grocery platforms.
Food delivery apps and restaurants have also witnessed increasing demand for Korean dishes, especially in metropolitan cities. Korean cafés, barbecue restaurants, and Asian fusion eateries are expanding rapidly, while social media continues to influence food trends among young consumers.
Future of Korean Cuisine in India
The popularity of Korean cuisine is expected to grow further with more innovation in flavors and fusion recipes. Experts believe that Korean-inspired fast food outlets and cafés may soon expand into tier-2 and tier-3 cities as demand increases. In metropolitan areas, Korean barbecue restaurants, premium dining experiences, and authentic Korean cafés are likely to become even more popular.
Korean Table Dining Rules
Korean dining culture places great importance on respect, gratitude, and mindful eating. Some common dining etiquettes include:
Say “I Will Eat Well”: Before beginning a meal, Koreans often say “Jal meokkesseumnida,” which means “I will eat well” or “I will enjoy this meal.” It reflects gratitude and appreciation for the food.
Respect for Elders: In Korean culture, the eldest person at the table begins eating first. Younger members wait for elders to pick up their chopsticks before starting their meal as a sign of respect.
Start with Soup: They start the meal with soup, as it helps activate the taste buds to enjoy other flavours.
Chopsticks and Spoons: Chopsticks are for dishes, a spoon is for rice and soup.In Korean culture, one can hold both of them together, and never use chopsticks like skewers, and never stab them in a bowl of rice –as it is a funeral ritual.
Don’t lift the rice bowl: Lifting the rice or soup bowl while eating is considered impolite. Instead, it is suggested to leave it on the table and use your spoon to bring the food to your mouth.
Use both hands for passing or receiving: While serving or passing food to others, it is suggested to use both hands.
Finish it clean: Once you are done, finish by placing your chopsticks and spoon beside your bowl or plate, not atop. Assure that there are no leftovers. And finally, say ‘Jal-muhguhs-seub-nida’, which means ‘I ate well’, to show your love and appreciation for the food and the host.
Most Popular Dishes
Kimchi: This fermented vegetable dish, most commonly made with napa cabbage and Korean radishes, is seasoned with a mixture of spices, including chili pepper, garlic, ginger, and more.
Bibimbap: It typically consists of a bowl of steamed rice topped with an array of colorful and flavorful ingredients such as sauteed vegetables, meat or tofu, and a fried or poached egg. Bibimbap is typically served with a spicy red pepper paste called “gochujang.”
Bulgogi: It is a Korean barbecue dish in which the meat is usually marinated in a sweet and savoury sauce made with soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and various seasonings.
Jjajangmyeon: Jjajangmyeon is a Korean-Chinese noodle dish that’s immensely popular in South Korea. It features thick wheat noodles topped with a rich and savoury black bean sauce made from fermented soybeans, along with stir-fried vegetables and sometimes meat.
Tteokbokki: Tteokbokki is a beloved Korean street food made from chewy rice cakes (tteok) cooked in a spicy and slightly sweet gochujang-based sauce.
