Korea, the Original Home of Spicy Flavor

From fermentation-driven depth to the swicy wave, Korea’s layered approach to heat is reshaping menus worldwide — and bibigo brings it home Spicy food has never been hotter — in more ways than one. In the U.S. alone, restaurant chains launched 76 new spicy items on their menus from March to June, reflecting a growing interest in food that makes you sweat. In fact, around 95% of restaurants now offer at least one spicy menu item. The picante flavor profile is particularly hot with Gen Z and Gen Alpha, up to 50% of whom eat at least one spicy meal every week and who frequently partake in viral “spicy food challenges.” Recently, the “swicy” — think sweet + spicy — trend has been gaining major traction since 2024 and has now solidified into a full-fledged international megatrend. Cuisine that packs a punch is nothing new to Korea, the original home of spicy flavors, and the new home of the swicy craze. And the love of Korean spice has traveled abroad, enticing eaters and restaurants around the globe. Take Shake Shack, which recently introduced the Gochujang Chicken Burger, combining the classic American burger with traditional Korean heat. Read on to learn more about the best in Korean spicy and swicy foods, and how bibigo packages them up for your enjoyment and convenience. Traditional Korean ingredients used to make spicy flavors The Spicy Heart of K-Food Countries like Mexico (with its earthy, smoky chili peppers), Thailand (with its sharp chili-fish sauce combinations) and more have also long been known for their spicy traditions, but Korea’s approach to heat is somewhat distinct. Korean cuisine is built on a foundation of ingredients designed to deliver bold and aromatic flavors: red chili peppers, soy sauce, soybean paste, garlic, scallions and ginger. Yet what truly makes Korean spiciness distinct is its traditional reliance on fermentation. Through this process of aging over time, Korean spice develops layers of flavor, creating a deep complexity that lingers on the palate.  Now, the layered depth of Korean spice can be found not just in traditional K-cuisine but around the world in burgers, burritos, pasta, salads, sandwiches and even desserts. Check out these popular sauces and dishes that highlight Korea’s love of fire, especially when combined with sweetness, sourness and umami, making them accessible and addictive globally: Gochujang: A red chili paste fermented with soybeans, rice and salt, delivering a heat that’s simultaneously fiery, savory and sweet, that has become a beloved sauce internationally Kimchi: Fermented cabbage with red pepper flakes, garlic and ginger, with a tangy profile that deepens over time Tteokbokki: Chewy rice cakes simmered in a gochujang-based sauce, delivering a bold yet comforting sweet-spicy kick Yukgaejang: A hearty beef soup made with shredded meat, bean sprouts and red chili flakes, offering a deep, warming spiciness Yangnyeom chicken: Korean fried chicken coated in a sticky, sweet-and-spicy sauce that epitomizes the “swicy” profile bibigo spicy and swicy-flavored product bibigo Brings the Spice — and Swice As Korean cuisine rises in global popularity, bibigo, the leading brand of K-food worldwide, has positioned itself as a pioneer in introducing authentic spicy and swicy flavors to international markets. By offering convenient, ready-to-enjoy versions of Korea’s iconic dishes, bibigo makes it easier for consumers to explore the depth of Korean heat without leaving home. CJ Foods’ and bibigo’s wide range of spicy and swicy goods has you covered, from sauces and side dishes to entrees and snacks: Sauces: All-Purpose Kimchi Cooking Sauce: Recently launched this September, the new sauce is built on patent-pending fermentation technology, and helps to deliver consistent kimchi flavor without managing fermentation, flavor drift and cold-chain constraints bibigo Gochujang Sauce: This Korean traditional gochujang sauce elevates the sweet-spicy taste of everyday dishes to new levels bibigo Spicy KBBQ Sauce: Made with a special blend of ingredients for an authentic Korean-style experience, this sauce delivers the sweet-spicy kick from serrano peppers Entrees: bibigo Spicy Pork Mandu: High-quality pork and veggies combine in a crispy wrapper for a juicy bite that finishes with a spicy kick bibigo Tteokbokki: These soft, chewy rice cakes covered in a rich gochujang-based sauce bring the flavors of Korean street food into your home bibigo Korean Style Crunchy Chicken: The bite-sized fried chicken coated in a sweet-and-spicy glaze captures the swicy phenomenon in a snackable form bibigo Beef Bibimbap: This signature Korean dish features marinated beef and veggies atop a fluffy bed of rice, topped with a spicy-sweet gochujang sauce bibigo Spicy Mushroom Soup: Also known as Yukgaejang, this ready-to-eat product is another traditional spicy stew that can be enjoyed with cooked sticky rice Sides & Snacks: bibigo Kimchi: With a tangy flavor and refreshing crunch, this traditional kimchi can be enjoyed as a side dish or incorporated into entrées like kimchi fried rice bibigo Hot Chili Seaweed Crisps: These airy, hot and flavorful crisps can be enjoyed as a light snack or as a side dish with rice Variety of globally available bibigo products Bringing the Heat as a Global Leader The surge of spicy and swicy flavors reflects a larger cultural shift: lovers of food, especially younger generations, crave boldness and authenticity in their cuisine. With its rich tradition of layered, fermented spice, Korea stands as the original home of spicy flavor, and bibigo is poised to bring that heritage to the world. By offering a wide variety of spicy and swicy products tailored for international consumers, bibigo ensures that the heat of Korean cuisine can be enjoyed conveniently at home or on the go. Beyond the spice trend, bibigo is helping to globalize K-food, positioning itself as a leader in shaping the future of flavor.