With each new wave of K-drama hits, the K-food craze in India keeps gaining momentum! Whether you’re eagerly awaiting the return of “Squid Game” Season 2 or getting swept up in the romance of “Crash Landing on You”, there’s no better way to enhance your viewing experience than with the perfect Korean food pairings. Here's a guide to some of the best K-foods available in India that will elevate your binge-watching sessions.
The K-food craze in India is more than just a passing trend. From the growing number of Korean restaurants to the increasing availability of Korean products like ramyeon and gochujang, Korean cuisine is becoming a staple in Indian homes. In fact, Korean food exports to India have grown by over 60 percent since 2018, reflecting the deepening influence of K-culture.
So, next time you settle in for a K-drama marathon, don’t forget to elevate your experience with these delicious Korean food pairings. Whether you’re in the mood for something fiery, crunchy, or comforting, K-food has got you covered.
From spicy noodles to crispy fried chicken, here’s a guide to the top 5 K-foods you can enjoy during your next binge-watching session.
Korean instant noodles, or ramyeon, are the ultimate comfort food. With a perfect blend of spicy broth and chewy noodles, it’s no wonder ramyeon has become a household favorite in India. Exports of ramyeon to India skyrocketed in 2024, crossing $8 million in the first half of the year alone.
If you’re curling up to watch a romantic K-drama like What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim or Nevertheless, a bowl of ramyeon is the ultimate companion to complement the cozy vibes. As love unfolds on screen, each steamy bite will match the warmth of the plot’s emotional highs and lows.
Perfect for: Romantic and feel-good shows like Nevertheless, Her Private Life, Love in the Moonlight, or What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim.
Fried chicken and beer—chimaek—is a quintessential Korean combo that has taken the world by storm. With crispy double-fried chicken slathered in a flavorful sauce and paired with a cold beer, this indulgence is perfect for intense dramas like Squid Game.
As you navigate the suspense and twists of the show, the satisfying crunch of chimaek will help ease the tension, keeping you hooked until the end.
Perfect for: Heart-pounding thrillers like Squid Game or Vagabond.
No Korean food experience is complete without gochujang, the famous fermented chili paste that brings a spicy, umami-rich punch to any dish. This flavor bomb has found its way to Indian supermarket shelves, making it easier to spice up your meals with authentic Korean heat.
Whether it’s jazzing up your bibimbap or adding a kick to tteokbokki, gochujang pairs perfectly with the lively, unpredictable humor of historical comedies.
Perfect for: Historical comedies like Hwarang or Mr. Queen—a blend of tradition and fun, much like the rich flavors of gochujang.
For noodle lovers, japchae is a must-try. Made from sweet potato starch, these stir-fried glass noodles are light, chewy, and tossed with fresh vegetables, sesame oil, and soy sauce. The delicate flavors make japchae a wholesome dish that’s perfect for binge-watching slice-of-life dramas.
As you follow the heartwarming everyday tales in dramas like Reply 1988, the simplicity and richness of japchae will complement the show’s focus on life’s small joys and connections.
Perfect for: Slice-of-life dramas like Reply 1988 or Welcome to Waikiki.
Chewy, spicy, and comforting—tteokbokki is the go-to Korean rice cake dish that’s quickly becoming popular in Indian K-food restaurants. Available in ready-to-cook options, this snack provides the perfect balance of spicy sweetness that’s great for cozy nights.
Watching light-hearted, feel-good shows like Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha or Hospital Playlist? Grab a bowl of tteokbokki, wrap yourself in a blanket, and let the comforting flavors mirror the warmth of the stories on screen.
Perfect for: Feel-good, heartwarming dramas like Hospital Playlist or Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha.
The K-food craze in India is more than just a passing trend. From the growing number of Korean restaurants to the increasing availability of Korean products like ramyeon and gochujang, Korean cuisine is becoming a staple in Indian homes. In fact, Korean food exports to India have grown by over 60 percent since 2018, reflecting the deepening influence of K-culture.
According to Mr. Abhay Parnerkar, CEO of Godrej Foods Ltd, “Korean cuisine’s use of familiar ingredients like rice, noodles, vegetables, and spices resonates with the Indian palate. The traditional Korean plate, with its balance of protein, broth, and rice, feels comfortingly familiar.”
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