Lotte Kokal Corn Soup Snack: I don't know what it is about corn soup that inspires corn-soup-flavored snacks in Asia, but I'm certainly not complaining. These Korean snacks are exactly the same size and shape and Bugles – conical corn snacks that are most definitely not healthy. The corn soup flavor leaned more salty than sweet, tasting of what I'd imagine concentrated corn-soup-flavored soup mix powder might taste like sprinkled over fried corn snacks. Not one of the better corn soup snacks I've been adding to my re... (read more) 3.0/5.0
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The Doughnut Project Hotteok Jeju Noodle Bar Donut: I got this donut exactly a week ago on the last day it was available from The Donut Project in the West Village (sorry for the delay in posting!). I had only ever had Hotteok once from a boxed mix from HMart, and not surprisingly, this donut interpretation from Korean ramen noodle shop Jeju Noodle Bar was much better. The dough had a great consistency, with a crisp griddled-like exterior and soft interior filled with a sweet crushed peanuts mix. Topped with a berry-jelly syrup and pistach... (read more) 3.5/5.0
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Cosmos Tteokbokki Rice Crackers: Korean spicy and sweet rice crackers shaped like rigatoni, with the exact opposite texture of the typically soft and chewy cylindrical rice cakes. Tastes of fermented gochujang chili paste, which is a staple in most Korean cooking so will taste familiar if you enjoy eating Korean stews. More sweet than savory but has a mildly spicy aftertaste. This is the second brand I've tried from HMart, and they seem pretty much interchangeable but both delicious. 4.0/5.0
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Lotte Roasted Ohing Snack: Combining clam, octopus, shrimp, and kelp, these curled wheat crackers have a potent sweet and savory flavor reminiscent of a seafood stew with a generous helping of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes). It's a little unbalanced because the finish is very sweet, but the flavor overall is unique. Highly seasoned. Purchased from HMart. 3.0/5.0
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Bang Bar Kkwabaegi: This Korean dessert doughnut is available at the new Bang Bar from @momolongplay at Columbus Circle in NYC. Costing under $4, the doughnut is quite sizable for the price and has a really delicious sweet flavor, even from the half without the cream cheese glaze and butterscotch drizzle. The doughnut has a satisfying texture that's less rich than a brioche but still moist and soft, which I actually prefer because you can eat the whole dessert without feeling heavy. The glaze, while sweet, has ... (read more) 4.0/5.0
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Nong Shim Banana Kick Snack: Who would have thought that banana flavored puffs, airy and porous with a slight glaze and crispy texture, would be such a delicious snack? I'll admit that I purchased this bag from the narrow, never-ending aisles of Manhattan's HMart solely based on its cute packaging. Yet there was also a driving curiosity for what a sweet fruity version of a cheese puff might be. Texturally, they are far more interesting than Cheetos largely due to its crispy yet light consistency. Its flavor taste of ... (read more) 4.0/5.0
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