Samgyang Food’s “Fire Noodles” Become Popular Overseas

Buldak Bookeum Myun, affectionately nicknamed "Fire Noodles" in English.

Buldak Bookeum Myun, affectionately nicknamed “Fire Noodles” in English.

Samyang Food’s Buldak Bokkeum Myun, which records monthly sales of 6 to 7 billion won (US$5.56 to 6.49 million), is getting popular not only in the domestic market but also globally.

In February last year, a British man by the name of Josh filmed and posted a video clip on YouTube titled Buldak Bokkeum Myun Challenge in London with his friends. The clip showed the reactions of British people after they tried Buldak Bokkeum Myun. It had been posted on the YouTube and went viral.

On Jan. 14 of this year, Josh uploaded the new clip titled Buldak Bokkeum Myun Challenge in the US, which shows reactions of Americans after they tried the product during his U.S. road trip, attracting attention once again.

The product’s popularity is also spreading rapidly throughout the markets of Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, the company said. Stir-fried noodles without broth are very common in Southeast Asia, so Buldak Bokkeum Myun fits right in.

In Indonesia, when people eat fried foods, they have it with Cabe, which is similar to the Chungyang Red Pepper, and Sambal sauce, which is similar to Korean red pepper paste. Since they have a food culture accustomed to spicy foods, it was even easier for Buldak Bokkeum Myun to advance into local stores.

Samyang Food obtained a halal certificate for Buldak Bokkeum Myun in November last year, and the company is making every effort to open up more markets to Muslim countries.

 

Buldak Bokkeum Myun is available to purchase at SFMart.com

This article is originally posted on Business Korea

You Need To Try Gochujang. It’s Like Sriracha, But Maybe Even Better.

Some like it hot. If you’re the type, you’re going to need to try gochujang.

The Korean condiment is nothing new, but it’s been increasing its presence in America’s grocery stores and recipes over the past several years. Gochujang is a fermented hot pepper paste that has a history over 1,000 years old. It’s slightly reminiscent of ketchup, but with a powerful kick and staying power. It might be what you wish were the result of mixing sriracha with ketchup, but it’s got more depth than something you can concoct in your head. It’s savory, spicy (but not as spicy as sriracha), sweet and tangy all at once. For the love of all things hot, try some gochujang.

The condiment is a staple in many Korean households. It pairs perfectly with meats, veggies, scallion pancakes, soups and rice. If you like Korean food, you’ve probably had it while dining out without even knowing it. Once you get your tastebuds on it, you might be saying goodbye to sriracha forever. Yes, we went there.

You can learn more about the flavorful delight in the infographic from Bibigo below. Then, take yourself to an Asian specialty store or your grocer’s international section and buy it in bulk. You won’t regret it.

gochujang is available to purchase at SFMart.com

This article is originally posted on Huffington Post