January 13, 2025
SEOUL – As the new year begins, fast-food chains in Korea are introducing fresh flavors and menu items to delight customers’ palates.
Fast-food chain Lotteria is teaming up with Kwon Sung-joon — better known as “Napoli Matfia,” the winner of Netflix’s “Culinary Class Wars,” to unveil a new burger on Thursday. Known for his Neapolitan-inspired creations, Kwon is expected to bring an Italian twist to the collaboration project.
While details of the burger remain under wraps, the chain released a 90-second teaser video on its official YouTube channel titled “Oh Lotteria, the perfect harmony of flavors performed by Napolia Matfia (unofficial translation),” hinting at tastes of Naples.
For those with a sweet tooth, McDonald’s Korea introduced bite-sized chocolate churros on Thursday. Filled with chocolate and coated in cinnamon sugar, these churros cater to fans of classic yet trendy desserts.
Beverage giant Coca-Cola joined in the new year festivities with limited-edition packaging to celebrate the Eulsa Year, also known as the Year of the Blue Snake in the Korean zodiac. The design features the Chinese character “bok,” meaning fortune or blessing, symbolizing positivity and happiness.
SPC Group, the Korean operator of Baskin Robbins, also added a seasonal twist to its menu with new products featuring “hongsi,” ripe hachiya persimmons.
Embracing the “grand millennial trend,” where younger generations are rediscovering foods enjoyed by older demographics, Baskin Robbins introduced persimmon-flavored ice cream. The new offering combines sorbet flavored like ripe persimmons with dried persimmon pieces for added texture and a nostagic touch.