Seoul food: New York-based Kimchi Kooks put a modern twist on classic Korean fare

When Kate Kook and her son WooJae Chung set up their Brooklyn-based kimchi business earlier this year, the initial idea was to address the lack of authentic Korean dishes available in their local area. The family's association with fermented foods dates all the way back to Kate's grandparents, so they're a pretty good authority on the classic Korean side dish, which unlike other pickled foods uses no vinegar at all.
Kook's grandfather ran a rice wine brewery in Korea back in the 1920s, and the company's Classic Kimchi recipe, made from gloriously spicy napa cabbage that comes marinated in garlic, ginger, fish sauce and red chilli pepper, has been adapted from her grandmother's original recipe.
More recently, the mother and son duo have been experimenting with slightly more unusual ingredients, resulting in spin-off 'Kimchi'd' varieties. It's a clever play on Korean tradition, where cabbage is often swapped out for other more easily accessible and seasonal ingredients - in this instance kale and beetroot.
The packaging is clean and modern, unlike a lot of other Asian foods that are available in their local supermarkets, but comes complete with traditional brown hanji (a type of Korean paper), in honour of the dish's deep historic roots.
The company's Classic Kimchi recipe, made from spicy red cabbage marinated in garlic, ginger, fish sauce and red chilli pepper, has been adapted from Kate's grandmother's original recipe
More recently, the pair have been experimenting with slightly more unusual ingredients, resulting in spin-off 'Kimchi'd' varieties, where cabbage is swapped out for kale and beetroots
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
-
This nostalgic exhibition dives into a century of British surfing
Cornwall's National Maritime Museum charts the history of waveriding on England's south coast
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Waiheke Island is a must-visit for oenophiles and aesthetes alike
Discover what to do during this New Zealand destination's annual Walking Festival and beyond
By Jessica-Belle Greer Published
-
Bold colours and tactile textures: inside Bottega Veneta's second fine jewellery drop
The collection is composed of two parts: Enlaced and Alchemy
By Hannah Silver Published
-
American food classics perfect for Super Bowl snacking
Tuck into these American food classics, from a hot fudge sundae to crab & corn chowder this Super Bowl season
By Melina Keays Last updated
-
Chef Daniel Humm gets honest about turning Eleven Madison Park vegan
Eleven Madison Park chef Daniel Humm on his new book ‘Eat More Plants’, revealing why he turned one of the world's most famous restaurants plant-based
By Mary Cleary Published
-
Laila Gohar debuts bar accessories inspired by her travels
Chef and designer Laila Gohar unveils a new range of bar accessories and cocktails with her signature surrealist flair
By Mary Cleary Published
-
The Commerce Inn is a West Village Tavern inspired by the Shakers
We explore the simple pleasures of The Commerce Inn, Rita Sodi and Jody Williams’ perfectly crafted, Shaker-inspired West Village tavern
By Pei-Ru Keh Published
-
Happy Independence Day, USA! Wallpaper* launches a month-long celebration of creative America
This 4 July we toast the cream of creative USA with our very own cherry soda float. See more in August 2023 Wallpaper*, on sale 6 July, and all month on Wallpaper.com
By Mary Cleary Published
-
St John takes nose-to-tail Stateside for limited run at Ace Hotel Brooklyn
St John, the London restaurant that pioneered nose-to-tail eating, makes its American debut in Brooklyn for a limited period
By Pei-Ru Keh Published
-
Lavender and Truffles: plant-based ice cream with Asian-inspired flavours
Fashion industry veteran Alicia Liu launches an ice cream brand like no other, with passion and grit as the main ingredients
By Scott Mitchem Last updated
-
In Washington, DC, Yayoi Kusama and Veuve Clicquot are in full bloom
Yayoi Kusama and Veuve Clicquot continue their long and fruitful collaboration with a series of art events in Washington, DC, headlined by the artist’s major show, ‘One With Eternity’ at the Hirshhorn
By Martha Elliott Last updated