International Hot & Spicy Food Day: Embark On A Spicy Adventure With These Korean Snacks

Each year, January 16th is celebrated as International Hot an d Spicy Food Day, a day where you get to celebrate and devour some of the spiciest dishes in the world. What better way to celebrate International Hot & Spicy Food Day than by indulging in the bold and fiery flavours of Korean snacks? Renowned for their distinct blend of spice and savoury excellence, Korean snacks have earned global recognition for their irresistible taste. And if you happen to be a K-Drama enthusiast, these snacks will undoubtedly hold a special place in your heart! Here are the top 5 must-try Korean Snacks for every spicy food enthusiast

1. Instant RamenOne cannot mention Korean snacks without listing the crowd favourite – Instant Ramen. Due to the increasing love for Korean pop-culture, you will find almost all the well-known ramen brands in the Indian market today. This indulgent snack is the best cure for all your mid-night cravings with the mouth-numbing spiciness and flavour-packed seasonings. The combination of thick, chewy noodles and the spicy broth creates a harmonious symphony of taste that never fails to impress.
2. Corn ChipsAnother iconic Korean snack is corn chips, with their addictive crunch and delectable flavours. Orion’s Turtle Chips, in particular their Spicy Devil and the Masala flavour, are a sensation among snack enthusiasts in India. This spicy delight has a 4X crunch owing to its special 4-layer design resembling a turtle’s shell, which adds an extra layer of fun to your snacking experience. Each bite is a rollercoaster of textures, from the initial crunch to the lingering heat that keeps you reaching for another chip. Orion has truly captured the essence of Korean spice with this unique snack.
3. Tteok-bokkiAny list of Korean snacks wouldn’t be complete without indulging in the iconic Tteok-bokki. A mouth-watering combination of chewy rice cakes and spicy gochujang sauce, this savoury delight has found its way into the hearts of snack enthusiasts worldwide. The best part about this snack is that you can add any condiments or elements of your choice like Kimchi or boiled eggs to customise it to your taste. Another very popular way to have this snack in South Korea is to add ramen to the tteok-bokki. The ramen noodles soak up the spicy sauce creating an extra layer of flavour and texture!
4. Korean Fried ChickenThe Holy-grail of all Korean snacks is none other than the spicy Korean Fried Chicken. This crispy-fried chicken is coated in a sweet and spicy sauce and often sprinkled with roasted sesame seeds to add that extra kick of flavour. This is the perfect snack to have in order to unwind after a long day, preferably with a chilled beverage. The sweetness balances the fiery flavour of the chicken while the spice makes you crave this savoury delight even more.
5. JapchaeA little different from the instant ramen, these delectable glass noodles are made from sweet potato starch and stir-fried with thinly sliced vegetables and tossed in a spicy sauce. The dish is often elevated with the addition of thinly sliced meat but the true magic lies in the sauce which is a luscious blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a hint of sugar, creating a savoury symphony that dances on the palate. Japchae is not only an umami-packed dish but also a visual feast with its colourful array of vegetables, providing a range of textures which elevate the entire eating experience.