Where To Buy Authentic Korean Ingredients In India?

I just love the fiery kick of tteokbokki or the comforting depth of kimchi jjigae after a long, busy day.  

If you can relate to what I am saying, you know how uniquely satisfying Korean cuisine can be.  

Over the past few years, India’s fascination with Korean food has grown dramatically.  

The credit goes to the global rise of K-pop and K-dramas. Additionally, the cultural “Hallyu” wave has also contributed to it.  

You see, I have been writing about Asian food trends for years. So, I’ve noticed how this trend has evolved from niche curiosity to mainstream demand.  

Today, Indian food lovers can easily find authentic Korean ingredients. You will get everything right at your fingertips.  

Whether you live in Delhi, Mumbai, or Chennai, several online and offline stores now offer everything you need to bring the flavors of Seoul into your kitchen.  

Let’s take a complete, well-researched look at where to buy Korean ingredients in India and how to ensure what you’re buying is genuinely authentic. 

Is There A Growing Popularity of Korean Cuisine in India?

The growing love for Korean culture in India isn’t just about entertainment anymore. It’s also about food.  

According to India Today, more Korean restaurants and specialty stores have opened across major metros like Delhi NCR and Bangalore in the past three years than ever before.  

From sizzling bulgogi to warm bowls of bibimbap, Indian diners have developed a strong appreciation for Korea’s comforting yet complex flavors.  

Social media has amplified this trend. YouTube channels and Instagram reels featuring Korean street food.  

Every time I open my social media, I see images of Korean food in India, especially these items:

• Hotteok Pancakes 

• Gimbap Rolls 

• Spicy Ramen 

These have inspired young Indians to recreate these dishes at home. Naturally, this has sparked a surge in demand for authentic Korean groceries. 

Also, this will push both Indian supermarkets and Korean entrepreneurs to fill the gap.   

Why Do We Need Authentic Korean Ingredients?

If you’ve ever tried cooking Korean dishes using regular soy sauce or Indian chili paste, you’ll know it just doesn’t taste right.  

Korean cuisine is built around deeply fermented, umami-rich bases. So, we will need ingredients like:

• Gochujang (chili paste) 

• Doenjang (soybean paste) 

• Guk-ganjang (soup soy sauce) 

These ingredients lend both depth and balance to every dish.  

Brands such as Ottogi, CJ Bibigo, and Chung Jung One produce staples that define Korean cooking worldwide.  

These products are now available in India through legitimate importers and online platforms.  

Using authentic versions of these items doesn’t just make your food taste better. It gives you the full sensory experience that defines true Korean cuisine.  

What Are The Major Online Platforms Selling Korean Ingredients?

If you are planning to buy authentic Korean ingredients online, these are the sites you must definitely check out:

1. Amazon India  

Amazon India remains the most accessible and widespread source for Korean ingredients nationwide.  

You can find everything from Nongshim’s Shin Ramyun to Ottogi gochujang here.  

Additionally, you will also get Bibigo sauces with verified import listings.  

Amazon’s vast delivery network ensures availability even in smaller cities. Also, it has frequent discounts on imported groceries. 

This makes it an affordable choice for home cooks experimenting with Korean food.  

Pro tip: Always check the “sold by” section. You can confirm the seller’s credibility and ensure the product is officially imported.  

2. Korean-Only Online Stores in India

Korikart

If you prefer authenticity over everything else, Korikart is India’s go-to online marketplace for exclusively Korean products.  

Korean entrepreneurs run this platform. It curates verified items directly imported from South Korea. 

So, you will find everything ranging from snacks to noodles. Also, you will find a wide variety of condiments and ready-to-cook meal kits.  

The site also offers subscription boxes and combo packs. These help first-time buyers try multiple products without confusion.  

Additionally, Korikart has three very useful features, which are:

• User-friendly interface 

• Original product photos 

• Korean-to-English labeling  

All these make it stand out from generic e-commerce sites.  

Seoul Store India

Another rising star in the Indian Korean grocery space is Seoul Store India, featured in Vanik Supermarket’s directory for premium Asian retailers.  

The store carries well-known brands such as Samyang, CJ, and Ottogi, all with verified import certification.  

Their focus on food safety, authenticity, and quick shipping across metros has made them a trusted destination for authentic Korean snacks and condiments.  

3. Gourmet and International E-Commerce Platforms

If you’re already shopping for international groceries, platforms like BigBasket and Nature’s Basket now have curated Korean sections.  

These premium online supermarkets sell items such as:

• Kimchi jars  

• Seaweed sheets 

• Korean ramen varieties 

Flipkart has also been expanding its imported food lineup. It offers affordable Korean beverages. 

Also, it has sauces for beginners exploring global cuisines.  

These platforms are ideal for those who prefer familiar interfaces and local customer service while still accessing authentic imports.  

What Are The Physical Stores & Supermarkets in Major Cities?

Want to buy authentic Korean ingredients from physical stores in the Metropolitan cities? Say no more!  

1. Delhi NCR  

Delhi NCR leads India’s Korean grocery market. India Today highlights the INA Market as a hub for imported condiments.  

Additionally, it also includes snacks from East Asia, including Korea.  

For more specialized options, Maangchi’s international store guide recommends Kim’s Mart and BG Food Mart in Gurugram. 

Both are known for their wide selection of:

• Noodles 

• Frozen tteok 

• Authentic sauces 

Additionally, Crowne Plaza Greater Noida has opened a dedicated Korean grocery outlet inside its premises. 

It caters to the growing Korean expat population in the area.  

This mix of local access and cultural exchange has made Delhi NCR the epicenter of Korean food retail in India.  

2. Mumbai

In Mumbai, premium outlets and select gourmet supermarkets offer essential Korean staples, like:

• Nature’s Basket 

• Foodhall 

You’ll often find CJ Bibigo dumplings here. Additionally, you will also find Samyang ramen and doenjang jars in their imported sections.  

Some Korean restaurants in Bandra and Powai also retail their homemade kimchi and marinated bulgogi sauces. This gives food lovers a chance to take authentic flavors home after dining in.   

3. Bangalore

Bangalore, with its international crowd and tech-driven cosmopolitan vibe, has quickly adapted to Korean food trends.  

Also, you will find stores like HyperCITY and Lulu Hypermarket. They stock a limited but growing selection of Korean:

• Sauces 

• Noodles 

• Snacks 

Meanwhile, informal community marts in Whitefield and Koramangala, run by expats, sell fresh kimchi, Korean radish, and rice cakes.  

These local setups may not always advertise online, but are well-known within the Korean community for quality products.   

4. Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, and Others  

South India has also embraced Korean flavors. Seoul Store Nungambakkam in Chennai is listed on Vanik Supermarket.  

It is one of the region’s most authentic Korean grocery stores. It sells imported gochujang, ramen, and snacks.  

Additionally, Pune and Hyderabad are witnessing growing demand. They are filled with supermarkets selling Korean products. 

Also, they are gradually adding Korean aisles for sauces and ramen.  

Even Kolkata has joined the trend. You can find boutique stores and cultural centers introducing small Korean grocery sections. 

These are to serve the city’s student and expat communities.   

Korean Restaurants & Cafés Selling Ingredients

Some Korean restaurants in India double as small grocery outlets.  

According to Maangchi’s verified listings, stores like A-Mart and Lucky General Store in Delhi not only serve Korean meals. 

But it also sells gochujang, kimchi, and instant noodles directly to customers.  

Many restaurant owners are passionate about helping diners cook authentic dishes at home. So, it’s worth asking where they source their products. 

You might discover hidden importers or local distributors you wouldn’t find online.  

What Are Some Must Visit Korean Communities and Cultural Centres?

Take notes…  

1. Korean Cultural Centre India (Delhi)

The Korean Cultural Centre India, based in Lajpat Nagar, frequently organizes culinary workshops. 

Additionally, it also hosts K-food festivals and pop-up markets. These features are imported Korean products.  

VICE’s feature “Seoul Stirring” highlighted how such cultural hubs play an important role in connecting local fans with authentic Korean food and lifestyle items.  

You can surely visit these events. It can give you direct access to native instructors and expats who share practical shopping tips and authentic cooking methods.  

2. Korean Student and Business Communities

Korean student associations and expat business groups are another excellent resource.  

Many maintain active WhatsApp and Facebook groups. These share real-time updates about: 

• New shipments 

• Private sellers 

• Special sales 

These communities are often more reliable than random online searches. Why? Because members personally verify authenticity and price fairness.  

What Are Some Popular Korean Ingredients To Look For?

This will help you if you are just starting to build A Korean pantry:

1. Essential Sauces and Condiments

• Gochujang (Korean chili paste) – This is the heart of Korean spice and depth. 

• Doenjang (soybean paste) – You can use it in soups and barbecue marinades 

• Ganjang (soy sauce) – This is lighter and saltier than Japanese versions.  

2. Instant & Packaged Foods

• Ramen (Shin Ramyun, Samyang Hot Chicken, Jin Ramen)  

• Tteokbokki kits for homemade spicy rice cakes. 

• K-pop idols popularize snacks and drinks like banana milk and honey-butter chips.  

3. Fresh & Fermented Items

• Kimchi in both cabbage and radish varieties  

• Rice cakes (tteok) — available frozen in select city marts  

• Korean radish, sesame leaves, and dried seaweed — stocked seasonally in premium supermarkets 

What Are Some Tips for Buying Korean Ingredients in India?

These are some important tips for you:

• Firstly, you must use translation apps like Papago or Google Lens to understand Korean packaging.  

• Secondly, you must always check expiry dates. Imported fermented items often have shorter shelf lives.  

• Thirdly, you have to buy in bulk for sauces, ramen, and snacks. This will save on import and delivery costs.  

• Also, you need to store smartly. So, you need to learn how to refrigerate kimchi and gochujang after opening. This will retain freshness.  

• These small practices can help you maintain authenticity while getting the most value out of your purchases. 

From the convenience of Korikart’s online catalog to the vibrant shelves of Kim’s Mart in Gurugram and Seoul Store Nungambakkam in Chennai, India’s Korean grocery scene is thriving.  

Whether you’re a beginner learning to make bibimbap or a seasoned cook experimenting with jjajangmyeon, access to genuine Korean ingredients is no longer a challenge.  

The best part? Exploring these stores connects you with a community of people who share the same curiosity for culture and cuisine.  

So stock up, stay curious, and let every meal you cook bring you one step closer to the heart of Seoul.  

Frequently Asked Questions