Bhubaneswar, Ap 24: Korean cuisine is rapidly gaining popularity among the youth in Bhubaneswar, reshaping the city’s food culture. Dishes such as Korean noodles, kimchi, and fried rice are now widely available at food parks and street food stalls across the city.

The surge in demand is largely driven by the influence of K-pop and Korean dramas, which has inspired young people to explore and enjoy these new flavors. Several food stall owners report that interest in Korean food has grown sharply over the past few months.

Online food platforms show that orders for Korean dishes have increased by 50%, with Gen Z playing a key role, accounting for 27% of all Korean food orders. Among the most popular items are Korean buns, ramen, chicken dishes, corn-based snacks, tikkis, jalapeno garlic bread, and tangy chicken rolls. Korean-inspired beverages like Yuzu-Pop and Sprite variants are also becoming trendy.

Desserts such as Cat Pudding and Cape Bar are in high demand. Cat Pudding, a jelly-like sweet shaped like a cat, is priced between ₹120–140. Other favorites include Gang-jeong, Dakkochi, Japchae, Chicken Wontons, and Gochujang Pizza.

Food stall owners in areas like Jagamara, Ghatikia, and Patia note that Korean cuisine is no longer limited to a single location but is spreading widely. The appeal of Korean music, dramas, and lifestyle, along with social media promotion by food bloggers, has made Korean food a viral trend among the youth. The combination of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors is introducing a fresh culinary experience in Bhubaneswar.