Most Popular Korean Food in USA
While other East Asian cuisines—like Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese—have long been popular in the US, Korean food has recently skyrocketed in popularity. Twenty to thirty years ago, Korean restaurants mainly catered to Korean-Americans, but today Korean food is even on menus of major US fast-food chains. Korean BBQ (KBBQ), bulgogi, and Korean fried chicken restaurants are everywhere, while fusion dishes like kimchi fries and Korean tacos have gone mainstream. Let’s look at the most popular Korean dishes in America!
Korean Immigration and Communities in the USA
The first Korean laborers arrived in Hawaii in 1903. After the Korean War (1950-1953), Korean immigration increased. Many started small businesses like dry cleaners and convenience stores. The largest Korean community is in Los Angeles’s Koreatown. Other large communities are in New York, Washington, Manhattan, Flushing, Chicago, Seattle, and Hawaii.
Most Popular Korean Food in the USA
¤ Korean Barbecue (KBBQ)
KBBQ is found in almost every major US city. You grill pork or beef cuts yourself at the table, then wrap the meat in lettuce or perilla leaves with sauces like soy and ssamjang. Pork belly (samgyeopsal) is a favorite.
¤ Kimbap
The popularity of frozen kimbap has skyrocketed recently, thanks to the availability of Korean frozen kimbap at Trader’s Joe’s. Filled kimbap with a variety of fillings is popular not only at specialty kimbap shops but also at delis in major American cities.
¤ Korean Corn Dog
Hot dogs coated in thick batter, deep fried, covered with sugar and ketchup. Variations include mozzarella cheese, rice cakes, or fish cakes.
¤ Korean Fried Chicken
Crispy yet juicy chicken, coated in sauces like soy, spicy, garlic butter, or cheese. Often paired with beer (“Chimaek”: chicken + maekju = beer).
¤ Dakgalbi
Spicy stir-fried chicken with cabbage, onions, sweet potatoes, and rice cakes. Served wrapped in lettuce/perilla, sometimes with cheese.
¤ Tteokbokki
Chewy rice cakes stir-fried in spicy gochujang sauce with scallions, boiled eggs, and fish cakes. Cheese and ramen (rabokki) are common add-ons.
¤ Ramyeon
Korean instant noodles, quick to prepare. Some varieties (e.g., Samyang Buldak) are extremely spicy. Often served with egg, scallions, or cheese.
¤ Kimchi Jjigae
Spicy kimchi stew with pork, tofu, or tuna. A popular winter comfort food.
¤ Soondubu
Silky soft tofu, eaten plain or in a spicy stew.
¤ Andong Jjimdak
Soy-braised chicken with vegetables and glass noodles. Large portions, less greasy, popular among students.
¤ Kimchi Mackerel Jjim
Braised mackerel with kimchi, a salty and flavorful dish.
¤ Korean traditional Soju
Traditional Korean distilled alcohol, usually made from rice, consumed as shots. Available flavored too.
