Nongshim Onion Flavored Rings: I mostly know Nongshim for their portfolio of ramen noodles, but I heard good things about their snacks, and these onion rings did not disappoint. The snack has a savory yet sweet onion flavor that tastes much more true to a vidalia onion than Funyuns. Texturally, they’re crunchy yet light and yielding. It’s definitely not healthy, but it’s a junk food that’s worth the calories. I purchased them at Berkeley Bowl, which doesn’t stock unhealthy snack brands, so I didn’t feel too bad about eati... (read more) 3.5/5.0
recommended korean berkeleybowl nongshim onion rings 3.5
Calbee Takoyaki Corn Puffs: Similar in size and texture to Utz cheese balls but tasting nothing like them, these octopus-flavored puffed corn snacks from Japanese snack brand Calbee actually hail from South Korea. They’re coated in a light brown powder tasting strongly of Worcestershire sauce, giving each bite an initial vinegary and savory hit but ending on an unexpectedly (and slightly overpowering) sweet note. They don’t have as strong of a seafood flavor as I would like, probably because the Worcestershire seasoni... (read more) 3.5/5.0
recommended octopus korean calbee takoyaki corn puffs 3.5 nijiya
Korean Plaza Market Lotus paste pastries : These baked goods from Koreans Plaza Market have a buttery, soft exterior similar to moon cakes and a generous amount of white lotus paste inside. The filling has a starchy consistency, almost like biting into a softened Japanese sweet potato. Miniature size makes them good for snacking. 3.0/5.0
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Milwon Black Rice Steamed Bread: Frozen steamed buns are some of my favorite quick breakfast items. Back when I lived next to HMart, I would purchase them frequently. After not having had them for several months, I was happy to find some at my local Korean grocery store. These Milwon buns are made with black rice, which gives them a speckled purple color. Each fits comfortably in the palm of your hand and has a red bean filling. The only positive thing I can say about this product is that it's not too sweet. Otherwise... (read more) 1.5/5.0
korean redbean asian milwon black rice steamed bread 1.5 avoid
Oorifood Premium Garlic Snack: Since moving to the Bay Area, I've been impressed with how well American grocery stores stock Asian snacks in their ethnic food aisles. Berkeley Bowl in particular has an array of both Japanese and Chinese staples, including dried seafood, shrimp crackers, and multiple varieties of rice crackers (even carrying their own in the bulk section). But one thing that I have missed is Korean snacks, which I had easy access to back in Cambridge, MA since I lived close to an HMart. Luckily, I recent... (read more) 4.0/5.0
recommended korean puffs longreads oorifood premium garlic snack 4.0
Kettle Brand Korean Barbecue Korean Chips: These chips really do taste like Korean barbecue (galbi to be specific), with a sweet, garlicky smoked flavor (and, of course, soy). Kettle is keeping their recipe well guarded, as the ingredients lists all the spices you would expect in regular bbq chips (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and tomato powder), but classifies everything else under "natural flavors." Nonetheless, the smell and flavor is recognizable enough that I think you could guess it blindfolded – if Korean bbq is som... (read more) 4.0/5.0
recommended chips bbq kettlebrand korean barbecue 4.0