Elevate your watch party fare with these tasty ethnic treats
Temperatures may be cooling down, but for basketball fans, this year’s 2023-24 NBA season is just starting to heat up. Basketball season is the perfect time to gather with friends and family to enjoy a good game, great company, and of course, some delicious Korean food.
This year, bibigo, the first official global marketing partner of the Los Angeles Lakers since 2021, is celebrating this thrilling season by showcasing its new K-Street Food (“bunsik”) lineup and official game day snacks that are sure to be a slam dunk.
Street Food Favorites Turned Courtside Cuisine
In Korean, the word “bunsik” is literally translated to “food made from flour.” In modern days, this term is more widely accepted as a range of snacks that encompasses a variety of Korea’s favorite street foods including Tteokbokki, Seaweed Rolls, and Mandu. Because of their convenience, affordability, and flavor profiles, bunsik can be enjoyed at all times of the day and also is popular as “yasik,” or a midnight snack.
- Tteokbokki
Loved for its signature spice and chewy texture, tteokbokki, or Korean rice cakes, is widely regarded as a favorite street food of many. bibigo’s recently released lineup of tteokbokki products is expounding upon this classic with three signature flavors: Sweet & Spicy, Hot & Spicy and Cheese. The extra kick of heat goes well with nail-biting fourth quarters and game-winning buzzer shots.
- Gimmari (Seaweed Rolls)
Another popular snack that can be easily found at Korean food trucks is gimmari, or seaweed rolls. These lightly fried snacks feature a savory flavor, satisfying crunch and a chewy texture from its glass noodle filling. Try dipping them in tteokbokki sauce for added spice and a little bit of sweetness to add an exhilarating edge to your game-watching experience.
Easy-to-cook Game Day Snacks
No one wants to spend hours in the kitchen on game day. That’s why bibigo’s official NBA partner, the LA Lakers, is sharing their favorite easy-to-cook watch party snacks with you. These convenient, bite-sized treats can be found at your local grocery store and are designed to save on preparation so that you can spend your time cheering your team on to victory.
- Air-fried Popcorn Mandu
Korean dumplings, or mandu, are a beloved dish frequently found on dining tables across the country. bibigo has made this hit food even more accessible with its Mini Wontons, which pack the big flavors of mandu into small, bite-sized pieces. Mini wontons can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, including boiled, steamed or fried. Above all, air-frying them will create a popcorn wonton that is both convenient to prepare and perfect for snacking on during basketball games.
- Sweet & Spicy Fried Chicken
Korea’s dakgangjeong takes fried chicken to another level by coating bite-sized chicken pieces in a sticky, sweet, tangy and slightly spicy sauce. With bibigo’s Korean Style Crunchy Chicken, fans can transform this popular Korean street food into a game day mainstay. The brand’s signature recipe produces an extra crispy texture on the outside while the antibiotic-free chicken stays perfectly succulent on the inside. Throw in some mixed nuts for an extra crunch or top with mozzarella cheese for added decadence. The best part? It’s straightforward directions and quick prep time make it the perfect dish to whip up before tuning in to the basketball game.
Something a Little Heartier
- Fried Rice
If you’re craving something a little heartier on game day, look no further than bibigo’s fried rice offerings, which have captivated global consumers with their fusion of authentic Korean flavors and popular fried rice bases. Cooked in under five minutes and with several flavors to choose from – including Chicken with Korean BBQ, Vegetables with Kimchi, Shrimp with Soy Garlic and more – bibigo fried rice can win over even the pickiest basketball fans all within the span of a short preparation time.
Are you ready to level up your game day grub? Head to bibigo’s official U.S. webpage to find products close to you and discover even more bibigo recipes for your next NBA watch party.