[Updated 12 August 2020]
With the massive K-wave hitting Malaysia, it's imminent that all their tasty and delicious treats will start popping up on our Southeast Asian shores, and boy are we glad! Between tongue-burning Samyang noodles and the cooling Melona ice cream, we hope these treats will be staying here for a long time ? Unfortunately, most Korean marts in KL don't offer halal-certified versions of their snacks (or they have limited halal selections) since they cater mostly to the Korean expatriate market.
The most convenient locations to find halal Korean food products are simply at major retail supermarkets such as AEON Supermarket, Jaya Grocer, and Village Grocer ? But before buying, do look for a halal logo (as shown in the photo below, on the bottom right of the cup) since different supermarkets may have different suppliers and distributors. Sometimes, it is possible for products to have the same brand and packaging, but one is halal certified and one isn't.
And now, on to the list! Here are 11 popular Korean treats that you can easily find in KL:
1. Binggrae Milk (Banana, Melon & Strawberry)
One of the classics of Korean treats - Binggrae Banana Milk! The brand has been around for 40 years in South Korea and it's iconic milk that was launched in 1974 is loved by all regardless of age, gender and nationality. Imagine the perfect taste of sweet, ripe banana balanced with milkiness, and that's Binggrae's Banana milk ? After trying this tasty drink, you'll be coming back within a few days for another 6-pack! You can even try their other milk flavours such as Strawberry and Melon, which are just as popular ?
Where to buy: AEON Mid Valley
P.S. Heading to South Korea to get your snacks? Here are 10 Korean convenience store snacks you didn't know are Muslim-friendly.
2. Kimchi
A staple in any South Korean household, and a must-try for Korean delicacy! Kimchi is a traditional fermented Korean side dish made of vegetables, and spices and seasonings such as pepper, chilli powder, garlic, ginger and scallions. Its taste is salty and spicy and adds a unique but complementary touch to many dishes ? There are also over 200 varieties of Kimchi depending on the ingredients used so don't worry if you find that the taste varies depending on where you bought it from.
There are plenty of halal-certified kimchi in KL! Just head to the Korean or cold section in any major supermarket and you'll be able to find a few options ?
Where to buy: AEON Mid Valley
Where to buy: Village Grocer Avenue K
3. Samyang Noodles
We can't call this a list of Korean treats without including Samyang noodles ? Samyang's instant noodles have taken over Asia by storm with its super spicy flavours and isn't that something we all love ? With over nine tasty flavours available such as hot chicken spicy, hot chicken ramen cheese, and carbo hot chicken spicy ramen, it really isn't such a surprise to know why the noodles are a hit!
Luckily many of us, Samyang's instant noodles are so popular that they even have halal versions of it, and they are readily available in many major supermarkets around KL ? Just be sure to check for the halal logo first, some of the newer flavours may not be halal certified yet.
Where to buy: AEON Mid Valley, Jaya Grocer at Jaya 33, Village Grocer Avenue K
P.S. Love Korean instant noodles? Here are 12 more delicious Korean instant noodles you can get in Malaysia and Singapore!
4. Seaweed laver snacks
One of the tastiest snacks around you can munch on without worrying about the calories ? Seaweed laver snacks are not just low in calories but they also said to be high in fibre and great for our metabolism as well. Seaweed snacks used to be only consumed in Korean and Japan, but nowadays you can find them almost anywhere, in a variety of flavours too, with some seasoning! There are plenty of halal seaweed snacks around too since they're mostly vegetarian ?
Where to buy: AEON Mid Valley
Where to buy: AEON Mid Valley
Where to buy: Jaya Grocer at Jaya 33
5. Samyang Coffee
Samyang doesn't stop at instant noodles. They've also launched three coffee drinks for those of us who need a midday caffeine boost ? Head down to Village Grocer supermarket to pick up these adorable chilled coffees, available in three flavours - Caramel Macchiato, Cafe Mocha, and Cafe Latte!
Where to buy: Jaya Grocer at Jaya 33
6. Pepero Stick Biscuits
A Korean treat that's so popular, it even has its own holiday on November 11th! Pepero is a biscuit stick covered in chocolate, and other sweets such as nuts, cheese, and almonds ? Pepero Day is celebrated similarly to Valentine's day, where young couples exchange Pepero sticks, candies, and other gifts. Pepero has been one of the earlier Korean brands to enter Malaysia, so it's pretty easy to find these tasty chocolate sticks around, even in some petrol stations and minimarts! But do check for their halal logos first, there are some without halal certifications in the market.
Where to buy: Jaya Grocer at Jaya 33
7. Shin Ramyun
Another iconic Korean instant noodles that'll leave you wanting more ? Shin Ramyun's delicious flavour of beef broth and chilli has been around since 1986 and is easily available all over Malaysia! You can even get them in cup noodle form, making it super convenient for travels, and quick meals such as sahur!
Where to buy: Jaya Grocer at Jaya 33, Village Grocer Avenue K, and AEON Mid Valley
P.S. Dropping by South Korea soon? Here are 12 Halal food marts you can find there!
8. Gochujang
Think of gochujang as Korea's version of the miso paste - it's versatile and can be added to almost anything to give your meals an extra oomph! Gochujang is a multipurpose red chilli paste that can be used for Korean meat dishes such as bulgogi, mixed into dipping sauces or to give soups extra flavour ? This multipurpose paste usually contains glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, salt, and even sweeteners such as sugar.
Where to buy: Village Grocer at Avenue K
P.S. Craving for a wholesome Korean meal? Here are 19 halal and alcohol-free Korean restaurants in KL you must try!
9. Melona Ice Cream
This treat is definitely perfect to beat a hot, sunny day! Somewhat of a mix between an ice cream and a popsicle, Melona is another famour Binggrae food product and one of the top Korean brand ice creams sold internationally. The ice cream was named Melona due it's original melon flavour, but nowadays you can get Melona is other tasty flavours too such as strawberry and mango ?
Where to buy: Village Grocer at Avenue K
10. Nuts Holic
Korean honey butter almonds have taken the world by storm - and now you can finally find the halal versions of them in KL! Nuts Holic is currently the only Korean brand that has been halal-certified by the Korean Muslim Federation (KMF) and they have flavours including honey butter, hot and spicy, strawberry. The nuts are currently not available in supermarkets but you can order them online at Lazada and Shopee.
And there you have it, 11 Korean treats that you have to try at least once in your lifetime! Here's to hoping more of these halal tasty Korean treats will be available in this region soon ?
Supermarket information:
Village Grocer @Avenue K
Address: Avenue K, C-9 & C-10, Level Concourse, 156, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603-2181 8399
Hours: Open daily; 10AM-10PM
Jaya Grocer @ Jaya 33
Address: 3, Jalan Semangat, Seksyen 13, 46100 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Contact: +603-7956 1633
Hours: Open daily; 10AM-10PM
AEON Big @ Mid Valley Megamall
Address: Lot 3A, Aeon Big Hypermarket, No. 81, Anchor Tenant, 1, Lingkaran Syed Putra, Mid Valley City, 59200, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Hours: Open daily; 10AM-10PM