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From BTS to BBQ: Why Every UoB Student Should Be Riding the Korean Food Wave at Kimchi

You’ve streamed the songs. You’ve attempted the TikTok choreo. Now it’s time to taste the culture.

Welcome to Kimchi—where the spirit of K-pop meets sizzling BBQ and spicy street food, just 5 mins from campus. If you're part of the massive Korean culture wave crashing over Birmingham (hello, ARMY 💜), this is your official invite to eat like your idols.

K-pop Isn’t Just a Vibe—It’s a Food Movement

Real talk: Korean food is blowing up, and it’s not just because it looks 🔥 on your Insta feed. K-pop legends like BTS, BLACKPINK, and EXO are basically food influencers at this point—shouting out their fave dishes and sparking global cravings in the process.

If you’ve ever seen Jungkook smashing tteokbokki or Lisa sipping on ramyeon in a drama scene and thought, “I need that now”—Kimchi is the answer.

We’re talking real-deal Korean BBQ, spicy noodles, crispy pancakes, and comforting bowls of bibimbap that make instant ramen look like child’s play.

🥢 Selly Oak = Mini Seoul? Kinda.
Selly Oak might not have Hongdae’s dance battles (yet), but the vibe is alive. Korean students here are turning up the flavour, bringing authentic food, language, and late-night hangouts to the Brum uni scene—and Kimchi is at the centre of it.

Think of us as your unofficial student hangout for all things Korean:

Korean meal on a wooden table with bibimbap, banchan, rice, and glazed fish. A person picks up food with chopsticks
9th March 2025

Banchan, Grilling, and Good Times

Korean BBQ 101: The Student’s Guide to Banchan, Grilling, and Good Times

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Crispy fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet and savory sauce, sprinkled with sesame seeds, and served on a bed of fresh greens
3rd March 2025

Springtime In Korea

March in Korea is a time of transformation.

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A close-up of a person holding a takoyaki ball, a popular Korean street food.
23rd Feburary 2025

Korean Street Food Culture

Korean street food cravings satisfied!

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Pork belly on a wooden cutting board, accompanied by a bowl of fresh cucumber salad, dipping sauce with sesame seeds, and a side of white rice.
Saturday 15th February 2026

Celebrate Samgyeopsal Day

A day dedicated to the sizzling, juicy goodness of pork belly

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A close-up of a bowl of udon noodles topped with crispy tempura flakes, chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of seasoning
2nd January 2025

Ready to Slurp?

Korean cuisine is all about bold flavors, rich broths, and satisfying textures

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Colorful Korean lucky bag with butterfly embroidery and decorative knots, symbolizing good fortune and tradition.
26th January 2025

Korean New Year at Kimchi with a Special Menu

Celebrate Korean New Year at Kimchi with special dishes, BBQ platters, and unforgettable shared moments!

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A plate of Korean-style takoyaki (octopus balls) served on a bed of fresh greens, drizzled with savory sauce and mayonnaise, garnished with herbs,
February 2nd 2025

Korean Takoyaki (타코야키): A Local Twist on a Global Favorite

Korean-style Takoyaki: A crispy, spicy twist on Japan’s octopus snack, perfect for adventurous foodies!

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Korean mandoo (dumplings) served with a small dish of dipping sauce, set on a stylish blue plate with a dark marble background.
January 26th 2025

Dumplings are proof that good things come in small packages.

Mandoo (만두): Korean dumplings, perfect comfort food for students—quick, affordable, and endlessly satisfying!

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A golden-brown Korean scallion pancake (Pa Jeon) on a white plate, accompanied by a small bowl of soy dipping sauce and wooden chopsticks. Fresh green scallions are placed beside the plate on a light wooden table background.
January 18th 2025

Rainy days have never tasted so good! Discover the comfort of Pa Jeon

Crispy, savory Pa Jeon (파전): a Korean scallion pancake rooted in tradition and perfect for sharing!

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cheese-topped Topoki (떡볶이), a Korean dish made with rice cakes simmered in a rich, spicy-sweet sauce.
January 2025

A Journey Through Topoki’s History

Topoki originated in Korea’s royal courts during the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897)

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This image shows a full moon shining brightly against a dark, black night sky. Its surface is detailed, with visible craters and textures, making it a captivating celestial view.
12th February 2025

Celebrate Daeboreum with Us

Celebrate Korea’s First Full Moon Festival with Flavor and Tradition!

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A beautifully presented bowl of Dduk Kuk (Korean Rice Cake Soup) in a rustic blue ceramic bowl. The dish features slices of rice cake in a clear broth, garnished with colorful strips of egg, seaweed, green onion, and chili. The bowl sits on a woven bamboo tray alongside wooden chopsticks and a spoon, with a small bowl of sesame seeds and seaweed in the background for an authentic Korean touch.
31st December 2024

Celebrating Korean Tradition with 떡국 (Dduk Kuk) at Kimchi

This Friday, January 3rd, join us for a special serving of Dduk Kuk (떡국), Korea’s traditional Rice Cake Soup that Symbolising prosperity and fresh starts.

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Two traditional Korean ceramic tea cups filled with cinnamon punch (sujeonggwa) garnished with dried jujube slices, placed on a woven mat. A golden teapot sits beside the cups, with cinnamon sticks and a wooden bowl of dried jujubes in the background, evoking a warm and traditional Korean tea setting.
15/12/2024

A Korean Christmas and Seollal

Festive Feasts, Family, and Traditions

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8/12/2024

Korean Lager Meets BBQ

Korean Lager – A Tradition Steeped in Flavor and History

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1/12/2025

The Story of Nongmyeong-jeol (Farmers' Day)

December is here, bringing chilly days and warm gatherings to Selly Oak

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A plate of marinated Korean pork ribs (돼지갈비) fresh from the grill, glistening with a caramelized glaze, surrounded by colourful Korean side dishes.
24/11/2024

Tradition of Korean Pork Ribs (돼지갈비)

Korean Pork Ribs, or 돼지갈비 (Dwaeji Galbi), aren’t just a delicious dish—they’re a story of community

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17/11/2024

Make the Most of the First Flakes This Winter

Experience one of Korea's coolest traditions: 첫눈 (cheotnun), or the first snow of the year.

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10/11/2024

What is Kimjang?

If you've ever tasted kimchi, you know there's something special about its spicy, tangy, and complex flavour.

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Vibrant Dolsot Bibimbap dish featuring colorful vegetables, tender grilled meat, a raw egg yolk, and a dollop of gochujang sauce.
3/11/2024

The Story Behind Dolsot Bibimbap

Bibimbap: More Than Just a Mixed Rice Dish

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Bowl of Korean ramen topped with tender marinated beef and garnished with fresh green onions, served alongside crispy tempura on a plate."

Our Commitment to Quality Ingredients

We take immense pride in our commitment to using only the highest-quality ingredients

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Family enjoying a meal at Kimchi
19th Oct 2024

Bring the Whole Family to Kimchi

Great taste, and a welcoming atmosphere come together

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Korean BBQ cooking at the table
9th November 2023

A Fusion Feast from Japan to Korea

Katsu Curry: A Fusion Feast from Japan to Korea

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Tabletop Grilling in Korean BBQ
9th November 2023

Tabletop Grilling in Korean BBQ

The Tradition of Tabletop Grilling in Korean BBQ

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Understanding Korean BBQ Etiquette
August 2024

Understanding Korean BBQ Etiquette

Community, culture and delicious food.

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