Today I’m sharing BLACKPINK Jennie’s top 3 favorite Korean snacks!
On The Jennifer Hudson Show, Jennie shared her favorite snacks – and all three were classic Korean chips.
These snacks have been loved by Koreans for over 20 to 30 years, making them truly timeless favorites.
Blackpink Jennie’s Top 3 Korean Snacks
Banana Kick 바나나킥
Jennie’s first choice is the Banana Kick. These puffed snacks are shaped like long, curved banana slices. They have a sweet banana flavor and aroma, with a light crunch that melts in your mouth.
Banana Kick is a classic Korean snack from Nongshim, first released in 1978. Even today, it’s still loved by many Koreans of all ages.
- Banana Kick: https://amzn.to/4czVd2h (US)
Goraebab 고래밥
The name Goraebab literally means “whale food” in Korean — which makes sense, because the chips are shaped like all kinds of ocean creatures! Jennie described it perfectly. Inside each bag, you’ll find tiny, crispy chips shaped like whales, turtles, crabs, sharks, puffers, starfish, squid, octopus, and more.
Kids love spotting the different sea animals, and for many Koreans, Goraebab is a nostalgic snack that brings back childhood memories.
- Goraebab: https://amzn.to/3Y0Vu8r (US)
It was first released in 1984 by Orion, using technology licensed from Japan’s Morinaga Ottotto snack. The chips are about the size of a fingernail, hollow inside, and crunchy.
The original flavor features a savory stir-fried seasoning that tastes a bit like salty corn soup. Other popular versions include Hot Goraebab and Seasoned Chicken flavor.
Saeukkang (Shrimp Chips) 새우깡
Saeukkang is a shrimp flavored snack that contains 4-5 real shrimp (about 5-7cm in size) in each bag. What makes Saeukkang unique is the way it’s prepared: it’s baked with salt instead of fried, which gives it a richer, nuttier flavor.
The taste is savory and nutty, but the strong shrimp aroma may be off-putting to some foreigners. While most Koreans love saeukkang, many of my European and American friends have mixed reactions, making it a snack that some adore and others dislike.
- Saeukkang: https://amzn.to/42IVj4d (US), https://amzn.to/4ltIOB3 (DE), https://amzn.to/4czxMWA (NL, BE)
Saeukkang comes in several varieties, including the original, spicy, rice saeukkang, and even a truffle-flavored black saeukkang.
Recently, Meoktaekkang, a snack version of dried mackerel (often paired with beer), has become incredibly popular among younger Koreans, continuing the legacy of Saeukkang.
How to Enjoy Snacks Even More
- Banana Kick + Banana Milk
Pair Nongshim’s Banana Kick with Binggrae’s Banana Milk, and you’ve got the perfect banana snack combo. It’s a sweet, creamy match made in heaven!
- Saeukkang + Mayonnaise or Ketchup
Dip your Saeukkang in mayonnaise or ketchup, and it’ll taste just like crispy French fries. The new Meoktaekang is also commonly dipped in mayo by Koreans — it’s a fan favorite!
- Saeukkang + Ramen Powder
For an umami boost, sprinkle a little bit of Korean ramen powder on your Saeukkang. It’ll give the chips an intense savory flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Goraebab + Air Fryer
Try Goraebab in the air fryer for a quick crisp-up! It makes it extra crispy and gives it a roasted, almost fried flavor – a delicious twist on this classic snack.
Jennie’s Korean Word: “맛있어”
On the show, she taught host Jennifer the Korean word “맛있어(Mashisseo)“, which means “it tastes good“. It’s a simple but essential Korean phrase to use when enjoying delicious food! It makes the food extra crispy and gives it a roasted, almost fried flavor – a delicious twist on this classic snack.
What is “Korean Snack” in Korean?
In Korean, the word “snack” can be translated in a few different ways depending on the context. Two common words are 간식 (gansik) and 과자 (gwaja).
The word 간식 (gansik) refers to snacks in a general sense—like a light meal or something you eat between meals. It can be anything from fruit to bread to instant noodles.
On the other hand, 과자 (gwaja) specifically refers to packaged snack foods, like chips, cookies, crackers, or puffs. The snacks Jennie showed on The Jennifer Hudson Show—like Banana Kick and Saeukkang—are perfect examples of what Koreans call 과자 (gwaja).
So, if you’re talking about Korean-style chips or crunchy treats, 과자 (gwaja) is the word to use!
Korean Hotteok (Sweet Pancakes)
Want to try making a Korean snack at home? Here’s a recipe for Hotteok, a delicious Korean treat. The chewy dough filled with sweet brown sugar filling is incredibly tasty!
Get Korean Snack
- Banana Kick: https://amzn.to/4czVd2h (US)
- Banana Flavored Milk: https://amzn.to/3RSzxom (US)
- Saeukkang: https://amzn.to/42IVj4d (US), https://amzn.to/4ltIOB3 (DE), https://amzn.to/4czxMWA (NL, BE)
- Goraebab: https://amzn.to/3Y0Vu8r (US)
- Snack Set: https://amzn.to/4jfl8Pj (US), https://amzn.to/3EoDdeu (DE)