It was predicted to become one of the food trends of 2012. And if an appearance on the menus of family-style international eateries and celebrity-backed restaurant openings are anything to go by, all indications are that Korean cuisine is poised to become as ubiquitous around the world as Thai and Vietnamese fare.
After gazing into their crystal ball last year, food consultants Baum + Whiteman predicted that the punchy, robust flavors of Korean cuisine would emerge as an influential global food trend, even going so far as calling kimchi the food ingredient of 2012.
In an effort to push Korean cuisine into the international spotlight, the South Korean tourism office likewise invited thousands of chefs from around the world to the city of Daejeon, where they’re gathered for the 35th annual World Association of Chefs Societies this week.
The promotional move is riding high on the momentum of popular Korean-American chefs who have gained cult-like followings among foodie fans, an impact that has also succeeded in penetrating the mainstream food scene.
