Corn Chips 콘칲 (Crown)

Corn Chips 콘칲 from Crown. Considering the sunflower in the package, sunflower oil must have been used to make it...lol. 군옥수수맛 (according to my Oppa walking and talking dictionary) translates to "Barbecue Corn Flavor" but Google translate says that it's "Military Corn"...^o^ I trust the former.

They're thin, crisp, and light chips that isn't heavily seasoned with flavored powder, which is good!

A look inside the bag... which is almost, always... 50 percent air. ^o^

Product Name: Corn Chips 콘칲 .. that's it.. flat out. These are Corn Chips! 

Hole in the Pocket: Got it for free, but it wouldn't be more than Php 40, I guess..^^;;

First Impression: Made me say, "This will probably taste bland, but I don't like strong flavors at the moment...so it might be good."

Taste Buds Say: I was right... it was good! It's nice to munch on and there's no chemical-like after taste that you get after eating BBQ snacks or something like that. The light flavor and thinness of the chips didn't make me feel too guilty but it seemed like I only ate a little. So, if you're hungry, you'll probably need three bags of this chips..^^

Reminds me of: Original / Natural flavored Kornets.

K-rating: 4/5... slightly sweet, not salty, light and crispy.

Kimchi Sabalmyeon 김치 사발면

김치 사발면... Kimchi Sabalmyeon. Tried to copy the photo on its cover..but FAIL. haha. Note: 김치 사발면 Kimchi Sabalmyeon DOESN'T come with the actual kimchi. You gotta buy it in a grocery or resto. ^^;;

김치 사발면 Kimchi Sabalmyeon tastes better with actual Kimchi  김치 ...~

Still can't copy the bowl noodle's appearance on the cover - no matter what the angle.

Product Name: Kimchi Sabalmyeon 김치 사발면...  I think it translates to Kimchi Bowl Noodle (사발면).

Hole in the Pocket: Costs around PhP 40-45 in groceries.

First Impression: Given the orange-themed cover, I was expecting it to be very spicy.

Taste Buds Say: Delish! Wasn't spicy enough for me to not be able to sip some soup. It's spiciness level was just right and it's great to keep one warm in a rainy day. I recommend putting in some slices of kimchi 김치 for added flavor, texture, and crunch. It really has that kimchi taste and the noodles stay firm even after being soaked in soup for a while. If there's no kimchi 김치, you can pair it with seaweed laver or gim (김). ^^b

K-rating: 5/5... tasty and just the right "hot".

Cheese Bokki 치즈 볶이

Large Cups of Cheese Bokki 치즈 볶이. 

A smaller version (cup) of Cheese Bokki 치즈 볶이 for a quick chow.

Oodles of Cheesy Noodles. Cooks in 4 minutes after adding hot water. REMEMBER! Put the cheese powder after draining the water.

So cheeezy... made me think of Mac & Cheese. *Nomnomnom*

Product Name: Cheese Bokki 치즈 볶이...Cheese (치즈 ) and Bokki (볶이). I don't know what "bokki" means and neither does Google translate (and my Korean dictionary is out of battery). I bet it's related to the Korean dish tteokbokki (떡볶이).

Hole in the Pocket: Special thanks to ♥.

First Impression: Can't think wrong about its flavor since cheese slices are on the cup. When I read the "콬콬! 콬", I read it like it's a "choking" sound...*kok kok kok*. But then I read somewhere that it's the sound made when you punch a hole in the lid. In fact, you can see the 콬!콬!콬!콬!  on the four designated areas where you need to punch a hole.

Taste Buds Say: Cheese and noodles...? I didn't think it would be that bad. But it turned out to be quite good. I recommend that you don't strain all the water, maybe leave a teaspoon, so that it'll be a little saucy and not too dry when you mix in the cheese powder. It has specks of green onion and lots and lots of cheese. If you have low tolerance for saltiness and concentrated cheezy goodness, cheese bokki 치즈 볶이 is probably not for you. 

K-rating: 4/5... I like cheese, I love noodles!

Saewookkang 새우깡

Saewookkang 새우깡 in a 4-piece pack.

Here's the front and back. Though I can't understand most of what's written on the back, I enjoy the illustrations like a child reading a picture book. In my mind, it goes like: "We get fresh shrimps from the sea. And then we cook it as soon as possible to maintain the freshness and flavor (we add salt to taste and some special herbs & spices). You can then eat it for a picnic near the sea. THE END."

I was inspired by some Korean photo I saw at Komusin (years ago). But I can't seem to get it right. ^^;;

Here's another try. Ah... it just looks like Jenga. 

I give up on stacking them. Take a closer look at those shrimp crackers/snacks.

Product Name: Saewookkang 새우깡... 새우 (Saewoo) is the Korean word for "shrimp". But when I check google translate, it says "lobster"...? I think Lobster is just 로브스터. And then 깡...? I dunno, but maybe it has something to do with how the shrimps were cooked or prepared. *shrugs*

Hole in the Pocket: Freebie from ♥.

First Impression: We have a similar snack here in the Philippines and it's made by Oishi, a food corporation. The color of the package and presentation are almost the same, but Saewookkang 새우깡 is more comprehensive and artsy. The giant shrimp is enough to tell you, without even knowing what 새우 means, that it is shrimp flavored.

Taste Buds say: It's crunchy and not too salty compared to our country's version. It's not loaded with powder flavoring. I like the simple combination of shrimp taste and cracker like texture (huh..?^^;). Its grooves and indentations are there for a better grip (...just made that up for lack of nothing better to say).

Reminds me of: Oishi prawn crackers!

K-rating: 4/5...a light and crunchy shrimp snack. ^^~

French Fried Almonds 후렌치 후라이드 아몬드

후렌치 후라이드 아몬드 French Fried Almonds in handy and covered cans.

Happy Time! Here are the ordinary-looking almonds ( 아몬드).

The roasted almonds are generously covered with "french fries" (fried...?) flavored seasoning.

Product Name: French Fried Almonds 후렌치 후라이드 아몬드 by Murgerbon (머거본). This name is a good lesson in Konglish...후렌치 후라이드 아몬드 literally translates to French Fried Almond. However, if you read it the Korean way..it'll sound something like "hurenchi huraidu amondu". I don't know why but the letter "F" when used in Konglish is usually replaced by "ㅎ". Thus, when you want to write "Fruit Ninja" in Hangul, it becomes 후르츠 닌자 (hureuchu ninja). 


Hole in the Pocket: This is something that bf brings almost every time when he arrives from Korea. If sold here, maybe it's around Php 120-150 per can.


First Impression: The can and packaging are simple and convenient. It has a metal lid with a pull-out pin, so the almonds are tightly sealed and fresh within the can. Once you pop it, the almonds are crunchy and flavorful. Of course, it comes with a plastic lid to keep your remaining almonds in good condition (for future consumption).


Taste Buds say: It's salty and crunchy like french fries! Unlike french fries, the almonds aren't oily and are probably roasted (didn't bother to scan the product label..^^;;). No, it doesn't come close to barbecue or garlic flavor. It really is "french fried" in its own special way. Although it can be quite salty, it's great with beer. The cold slightly bitter alcohol acts as a buffer to the almonds' otherwise sharp saltiness. 


Reminds me of: Eh... Roasted almonds.


K-rating: 4/5...salty, but goes well with beer! Cheers! *hic*

Acacia Chewing Gum 아카시아 츄잉껌

Acacia Chewing Gum 아카시아 츄잉껌 (Haitai 해태  ) 

Acacia Floral Chewing Gum... How girly is that? ^^*

This pack of gum has 7 sticks, each with a unique illustration, design and message (too lazy to try and translate! Besides, I'm not that good ^^;;)

I love the effort that goes with this gum. I mean, it's my first time to hold a pack of gum that has unique individual wrappers, which matches the product's theme...floral...~

Here's a stick... I'm not sure, but wouldn't a guy feel kinda shy to be holding or eating this oh-so-dainty gum?

Product Name: Acacia Chewing Gum 아카시아 츄잉껌... 'coz it's made of 아카시아 꿀 (Acacia kul). 꿀 means "honey" in Korean but I think it can also mean "sap" or some kind of gum arabic since several species of Acacia produce gum.

Hole in the Pocket:  Php 25.00 per pack at Prince Mart

First Impression: With it's black and purple package, I first thought it was nicotine gum or the kind of gum sold in night clubs or bars... I dunno, but I just thought that. But upon opening the package, it seemed like a sophisticated woman's gum. 

Taste Buds say: I've always had mint or fruit flavored gum... but Acacia floral gum? This first time is a winner. Some people may not appreciate the taste of flowers in their candy, but this gum made me feel like I'm eating sweet-smelling flowers (minus the bitter taste that one can easily associate with..well..uh...eating flowers). And if I were to take inspiration from the illustrations and use a little bit of imagination - I'm a nature goddess chewing on flowers. It's not to sweet nor overwhelming in flavor. It's enough to freshen your mouth after a meal and leave it flowery fresh. ;)

Reminds me of: The scent of Jasmine or the local Sampaguita.

K-rating: 5/5... as flowery as floral can be...~

Bungeo Samanco Gold Label 붕어 싸만코 골드 라벨

Bungeo Samanco Gold Label 붕어 싸만코 골드 라벨's mainly red package.
Notice the label stamped on the upper right "자일로스 설탕" (Xylose Sugar).

Back of the Pack... Gold Label (Premium Style).

The wafer design and size still looks the same.

Every food judgment starts with a bite.

After taking a bite and savoring it, the difference between Bungeo Samanco Gold Label  붕어 싸만코 골드 라벨 and regular Bungeo Samanco 싸만코  became apparent. See the pic below for the visual difference.

As you can see, the bean paste 팥 in Samanco Gold Label (left) is more refined and pasty. However, plain Samanco's bean paste 팥 is syrupy and contains soft whole beans. 

Before anything else, for the sake of comparison, I already made a review of the plain Bungeo Samanco 붕어 싸만코 here.


Product Name: Bungeo Samanco Gold Label 붕어 싸만코 골드 라벨... just with an additional 골드 라벨 (Gold Label) Premium Style making it sound more superior.


Hole in the Pocket: PhP 50.00 in Mashitta (Korean Restaurant)


First Impression: Because I adore the regular Bungeo Samanco, I think another version in "gold label" would still be good. The only difference in the package is the color. Gold Label is red/red orange whereas regular Samanco is cream-colored/off-white.


Taste buds say:  It's still a delicious overload, but the new consistency of the bean paste somehow improves the eating experience because there'd be less bean skins/pulp getting caught in your teeth and less roughness, thereby making the whole eating experience smooth and richer in flavor. Bungeo Samanco Gold Label (붕어 싸만코 골드 라벨) also uses Xylose Sugar 자일로스 설탕 which is a healthier alternative to ordinary sugar because it's not readily absorbed by the body which means less carbohydrates stored as fat.


Reminds me of: Bungeo Samanco 붕어 싸만 before it became Gold Label 골드 라벨...;)


K-rating: 5/5 ... perfect made better.

Goraebap 고래밥

Here's the front and back of Goraebap 고래밥's box.

Of course, I wouldn't pass on the opportunity to show my English prowess. The matching activity doesn't only help in teaching English names of animals, but also introduces you to 4 of the sea creatures that you'll meet inside. It also has a website: www.goraebab.com, but I can't open it. I wonder why... must be my settings or something.

I like how most Korean snacks have this kind of packaging / box where it opens in the middle (like a box of Kleenex). Look! Cute drawings inside too! Must be an activity, but I'm too lazy to try and translate. ^^;;

~ Funky Sea Creatures ~

I tried to "catch them all", but I missed three: turtle, octopus, and shrimp.  I'll update this as soon as I open my second box. *pinky promise*

Product Name: Goraebap 고래밥...  고래 is Korean for "whale" and 밥 can mean "rice", "meal", or "food" depending on how you use it in a sentence. Most blogs and info in the net translates Goraebap 고래밥 as "whale food", of course it doesn't literally mean that you're a "whale" if you eat it. I think its name goes with the whole theme of marine animals. By the way, typing 고래 밥 in google translate gave me "Bob whale" and was a quick laugh. Kkk...good thing I don't have a fat friend whose name is Bob cause I'd be tempted to you know..secretly call him 고래밥 behind his back. >_<;


Hole in the Pocket: This was from ♥. Surely it's not more than Php 70 in your friendly neighborhood Korean store.


First Impression: How cute is that 3D whale with a bump on its head? Although whale food in reality is mainly krill and plankton, they might actually snack on fish or squid every now and then. I doubt they eat turtles, dolphins or octopus though. The package gives me an impression that the whale is thinking about its food and is quite happy about it.  


Taste buds say: The box says 볶음양념 맛 ("stir-fried in sauce flavor")... and it tastes like a generic "vegetable" flavored snack with a little more zing. Still delicious though and much closer to "chicken barbecue" in flavor if you ask me. It's crunchy and you'll actually feel like a whale devouring small sea creatures for pleasure. I find it more satisfying to throw 5-6 pieces (sometimes even more) into my mouth and chomping away.


Reminds me of: Vegetable snacks (e.g. Regent's Snacku Rice Crackers).


K-rating: 4/5 ... 'coz I'm tired of categorizing animal crackers.

Maxwell House Coffee 맥스웰 하우스 커피

Maxwell House Coffee 맥스웰 하우스 커피... 오리지날 (Original)

Here's the English side of it.

Product Name: Maxwell House 맥스웰 하우스... I'm concluding that "original" in Korean can either be spelled as "오리지널"  or "오리지날" probably depends on how you pronounce it. Could it also be that "original" in Korean may also mean "natural" in flavor? Such as in the case of this coffee drink, original might mean pure black coffee without milk and other artificial flavors (hazelnut, caramel, etc.).

Hole in the Pocket: PhP 30 - 35.00 / can (Mini Stop).


First Impression: "Good to the last drop" eh? Let's see...


Taste buds say: It's plain iced / cold black coffee. It tastes a little better than instant coffee + water + sugar, but only by a few points... kinda "blah".


Reminds me of: Plain iced coffee


K-rating: 2/5 ... I'd only buy it if I were too lazy to make my own coffee.

Any Time 애니 타임 Candies

Any Time 애니 타임 Sugar-free (무설탕) Hard Candies at 10 calories a piece.

Xylitol in between minty flavors.

It tastes as cool as it looks.

Product Name: Any Time 애니 타임... Yep, you can pop them into your mouth "any time" for a blast of flavor and minty goodness.

Hole in the Pocket: I got it for PhP 4.00/piece at Prince Mart. They didn't have a pack.

First Impression: Looks like regular candy. Although the flavor isn't written on these individual wrappers, I'm guessing it's written on the package, which they didn't have at the time. I'm just gonna describe them according to my taste buds.

Taste buds say: Cool and refreshing! They're not like ordinary mints that uhm...well... tastes like toothpaste or something. The xylitol (white strip in the middle) gives that cooling sensation that complements the two layers of flavor. The blue one tastes like bubblegum + barley mint, whereas the red one tastes like peach + strawberry. I prefer the blue Any Time 애니 타임 candy! Plus, xylitol is better than sugar because it lessens the risk of getting cavities.

Reminds me of: Fox's crystal clear candies in mint or fruit flavors and Fres mouth perfume candies.

K-rating: 4/5 ... as good as hard candy gets!

Custard (Lotte) 카스타드 (롯데)

Lotte's Custard (Original) 롯데 카스타드 오리지널

~ 행복 찾기... Finding Happiness ~

Individually wrapped custard cupcakes for your happiness.

The custard wasn't overflowing, but it was soft and delectable.

Product Name: Custard 카스타드... plain creamy custard.

Hole in the Pocket: I dunno, this was a direct import from ♥. Just check your friendly neighborhood Korean grocery store. 

First Impression: Packaging is simple and kind to the eyes (with all the green). The custard cake looks packed with creamy filling. Also looks like mamon (Filipino sponge cake).

Taste buds say: Yummy, a little on the sweet side, but still tastes good. I like eating it with tea or other unsweetened drinks (water? yes, that too). Although it's not good to eat when you're trying to fight hunger, because you might need 3 - 4 pieces to even feel a wee bit full. It's just great as a light snack in between meals.

Reminds me of: Mamon and other custard cupcakes...^^;;

K-rating: 3/5 ... simply custard.

Yangpa Ring 양파링

Yangpa Ring 양파링's front... O.R.O... Onion Ring Original!

I love Korean illustrations and drawings. From what I can see and read (a little bit), Yangpa Rings 양파링 are best eaten with  drinks, such as cola 콜라, fruit juice 과일주스, and yogurt drinks 요구르트. It is also best dipped in island dressing 아일렌드 드레싱 or tomato ketchup 토마토 케첩.

This is one of the few honest picture of products that I know. No exaggeration in colors or appearance. 

~ Onion Rings ~ *munch munch*

Product Name: Yangpa Ring 양파링... Yangpa 양파 is "onion" and Ring 링 is well... "ring".

Hole in the Pocket: I'm not sure probably ranging from PhP 50-70 'coz it's quite big.

First Impression: Simple enough and no photoshop in the product's appearance. Nice illustrations and tips at the back of the pack too.

Taste buds say: It's kinda bland, but rightfully so. It's not overloaded with flavoring powder and there's the subtle taste of onion. That might be why they recommend dipping it in Island dressing or tomato ketchup. In my case, I dipped it in tomato ketchup and the flavors were complementary. Goes well with cold beverages too (I like it with fruit juice!).

Reminds me of: Typical onion ring snacks, but Yangpa Ring 양파링 is less "powdered" or "seasoned".

K-rating: 4/5... great munch!

Magic Pop 매직팝

A Bundle of Magic Pop. 15 pieces of 100% natural and healthy circular discs to munch on.

매직팝 (Magic Pop) Korean Snack 

One rice pop is as big as a single-serve salad plate.

Somewhat bigger than a CD, so it's probably right to say that it's wider than 한예슬 Han Ye Seul's face.

Product Name: Magic Pop 매직팝... It's probably because it magically pops out from a machine like a flying saucer or a frisbee. As a matter of fact, it was the popping sound that attracted me to check out the Magic Pop stall in the first place... okay, okay.... also the "free taste" area and because it claimed to be a Korean snack. ^^;; By the way, don't confuse 팝 ("pop" in hangul) and 밥 (meaning "rice" in Korean), they  also sound different.

Hole in the Pocket: Php 39.00 

First Impression: It looked like those Japanese rice cookies. Upon reading Magic Pop 매직팝... I found myself singing inside my head in the tune of f(x) / Big Bang feat. 2NE1's "Lollipop". Instead of saying "lollipop", of course I changed it to "magic pop". Oh gosh, there's also Hyuna's "Bubble Pop". The Magic Pop stall also plays on loop a video of Jan Di from Boys Over Flowers selling Magic Pop on the street (Yeah! That proves that it's a Korean snack...^o^). Here's a facebook page dedicated to it.

Taste buds Say: It's crunchy and light. By light I mean, not too salty or sweet, it's just the right sweetness and saltiness combined. You can actually be heard munching on it even from 5 feet away, so avoid eating it in a quiet place where you'll most likely make an echo or be clearly heard (e.g. church, classroom, cave, theater, etc). Magic Pop is something to keep one's mouth busy on nibbling and because it's not deep fried or loaded with flavoring, it's a healthier choice (low calorie and zero oil) compared to sodium-rich junk foods. However, if you're looking forward to feeling full... this is not the snack for you.

Reminds me of: Kettle Corn's Sweet and Salty Twister popcorn to a lesser extent. 

K-Rating: 4/5... not bad, not bad at all.