Indy gets a taste of the Korean food explosion
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Korean food — ranging from the fine cuisine that wins James Beard awards to the gooey corn dog cheese pulls trending on TikTok — is surging in popularity across the U.S.
Why it matters: Although most Asian restaurants in America serve Chinese, Japanese or Thai food, there's clearly an appetite for more Korean restaurants.
Catch up quick: First came Korean fried chicken. Then, kimchi turned into a go-to condiment, and ready-to-use Korean barbecue sauces hit shelves, says Tim Fires, president of global food service at market research firm Circana. "The spicy and sweet flavor profile really resonates."
- Now you can buy Korean corn dogs at Costco. "That's when you know it's hit mainstream."
By the numbers: In 2024, there was a 10% increase in the number of Korean restaurants in the U.S., per Circana data.
- And the number of fast food chains that offer Korean fried chicken and corn dogs has increased by about 15% each from last year.
- Meanwhile, Korean fine dining establishments are also taking off.
Zoom in: The Indy-area has gotten a taste of all the aforementioned food trends and more Korean eateries continue to find a home in Central Indiana.
🍗 The Korean fried chicken craze arrived in Castleton in December with the grand opening of bb.q Chicken, which also has a Carmel location.
🌭 Korean corn dog lovers who missed out during last year's Indiana State Fair can get their fill year-round at Korn's inside Saraga International Grocery.
🍰 Saraga is also home to K-Kitchen, which specializes in side dishes, and Tous Les Jours, a South Korean bakery franchise with a Carmel location and a must-try matcha lavender lemonade.
🍲 Diners who enjoy a bit of DIY have spent the last two years enjoying K-TOWN Korean BBQ and Hot Pot, which made its debut on Michigan Road in March 2023.