Bottom line: The jjamppongtang from the drama Itaewon Class captivated the world in 2020, and in 2025, it’s still setting global culinary trends. Experience the true appeal of K-food with these tried-and-true recipes from Japanese YouTubers and international fans.
📚 K-drama recipe series (5 episodes in total)
Recreate the dishes that have captivated the world at home!
Part 1 Itaewon Class ‘Jjampongtang’ – The first step to a global hit drama recipe ← Current post
Part 2 Kimchi Jjim – A North Korean Korean Recipe Reimagined
Part 3 Hotel Del Luna ‘Hansangchaeem’ – a blend of tradition and fusion
Part 4 Squid Game ‘Dalgona’ – the dessert that took the world by storm
Part 5 The youngest son of a chaebol’s ‘beef and wakame seaweed soup’ – an emotionally charged recipe
1. The birth and global popularity of Jjamppongtang in the TV series
The JTBC drama “Itaewon Class,” which aired in 2020, gained immense popularity in Korea and abroad with a peak viewership of 16.51 TP3T.[1]. The drama’s “sweet chestnut” pocha jjamppongtang was a staple soul food shared by Park Sae-roi and his coworkers. The drama was broadcast in 190 countries around the world on Netflix and remains the top-rated show on Netflix in Japan in 2025.
Characteristics of global reactions:
1. In Japan, the show has been particularly popular among male viewers, with some describing it as the Korean version of Naoki Hanzawa[1].
2. In the U.S. and Europe, interest in K-food has skyrocketed, with searches for Korean cuisine up 3001 TP3T[2].
3. The 2024 Japanese remake of Roppongi Class reignited interest in the original.[3].
2. K-drama dishes that international YouTubers have been raving about
From 2024 to 2025, K-drama cooking challenges became a big trend among international YouTubers, especially when famous Japanese comedians and celebrities tried their hand at making Itaewon Klass Champongtang.
Notable international response:
1. Hikaru, a Japanese YouTuber with 4.7 million subscribers, is obsessed with Itaewon Class and says he hired a genius manager for his company.[1].
2. Korean Food YouTuber Maangchi (6.5 million subscribers) in the US averages 2 million views per month with her drama recipe series[4].
3. Food bloggers from all over Europe are spreading the word about Korean cuisine through the Itaewon Class Challenge.
3. recipe for the perfect jjamppongtang
Here’s an authentic, drama-inspired recipe for jjamppongtang. It’s made with ingredients you can easily find abroad, so you can recreate the flavor of the show at home.
Main ingredients (4 servings):
1. 4 medium noodles (or ramen sari)
2. Seafood: 200 g shrimp, 1 squid, 200 g mussels, 300 g clams
3. Veggies: 1 onion, 3 leeks, 1/4 head cabbage, 1/2 carrot
4. Seasoning: 3 Tablespoons red pepper flakes, 2 Tablespoons minced garlic, 2 Tablespoons oyster sauce, 2 Tablespoons soy sauce
5. Broth: 1.5 L anchovy dashi or seafood stock
Cooking process:
Step 1: Clean and trim the seafood and cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Boil the stock ahead of time and keep it warm.
Step two: Heat the oil in a pan and sauté the scallions and garlic to release their flavor, then add the chili powder to make chili oil.
Step three: Add the seafood and stir-fry, then add the vegetables and stir-fry all over. Season with oyster sauce and soy sauce.
Step four: Pour in the hot stock and simmer for 5 minutes, then add the cooked noodles and simmer for another 1-2 minutes to finish.
4. K-food trends and the influence of dramas
It’s 2025, and K-food is driving global food trends. According to the “Global Hallyu Trend Analysis” report by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Korea, Korean food has become a central focus in the U.S. and U.K.[2]. The impact of dramas like Itaewon Class on this phenomenon is significant.
2024-2025 K-food trend analysis:
1. Buldak fried noodles and cheese spaghetti tteokbokki gained worldwide popularity through viral videos[2].
2. The U.S. state of New Jersey has officially declared November 22 as “Kimchi Day,” recognizing the growing popularity of K-food.[2].
3. Netflix’s ‘The Black and White Chef’ tops charts around the world, fueling interest in Korean cuisine[5].
5. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q1. What do you need to know about making Itaewon Klass Jjamppongtang overseas?
A1. Use Korean chili powder, and if seafood is hard to find, use a frozen seafood mix. You can find most ingredients at Asian markets.
Q2. Is there a difference between a drama and an actual recipe?
A2. The show exaggerated the ingredients for visual impact, but in reality, simpler ingredients are just as delicious. The key is the freshness of the seafood.
Q3. Can people who don’t like spicy food try it?
A3. Reducing the amount of chili powder and adding ground paprika can reduce the heat while maintaining the color. You can also try adding milk or cheese.
Q4. Can I post a dish made from this recipe on social media?
A4. Of course! Using the hashtags ##ItaewonKlatsjjampong and ##Kfood is a great way to connect with fans around the world. Many international fans share their own versions of the dish.
6. related reading
1. Nori exports set another record: $9.97 billion in 2024, driven by K-food superfood craze
2. Buldak fried noodle craze: Why Korea’s ramen exports surpassed $100 million per month?
3. Why do Koreans eat everything at once? 7 Philosophies Behind the Banchan Culture
4. Why Korean Convenience Store Ice Cup Combinations Are Addicting Foreigners
References
[1] NamuWiki – Itaewon Class (drama) https://namu.wiki/w/이태원 Klass (drama)
[2] The Korea Herald – K-pop still reigns, K-food gains momentum https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10428329
[3] RFA’s Korean Service – From Itaewon Class To A Hotly Contested Japanese Remake https://www.rfa.org/korean/weekly_program/…/drama-08182023094348.html
[4] FeedSpot – 30 Korean Food YouTubers You Must Follow in 2025 https://videos.feedspot.com/korean_food_youtube_channels/
[5] Go Wonderfully – What’s Next for Korean Cuisine in 2025? https://www.gowonderfully.com/post/what-s-next-for-korean-cuisine-in-2025…