"The Most Expensive Bread"… Wealthy Americans Enthralled by Homemade 'Kimchi Bread'

Popular at Hampton Bakery Favored by Wealthy Americans

In the Hamptons of Long Island, New York, a popular vacation spot among the wealthy in the United States, croissants made primarily with kimchi and cheese are gaining popularity.

According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and others on the 7th (local time), a bakery in the Hamptons is selling 'Kimchi Cheese Croissants.' The Hamptons is known as a luxury resort frequently visited by the wealthy, where high-end vehicles such as Porsche and Mercedes-Benz are commonly seen.

Kimchi Cheese Croissant sold in the United States. [Image source=Toast]

WSJ explained that the bakery sells the kimchi cheese croissant for $8.50 (about 11,700 KRW). The bakery is also known to sell the croissants in elegant packaging.

The bakery told WSJ, "The kimchi cheese croissant is one of the most expensive breads in the store because it requires a lot of effort." They added, "It is by no means an ordinary croissant, as we take great care in making it, including fermenting the kimchi ourselves."

Recently, food prices in the Hamptons have risen sharply, with two tomatoes costing $20 (about 28,000 KRW), causing consumer dissatisfaction. Prices at Round Swamp Farm, a nearby grocery market, have increased by 30-50% compared to 2020. Additionally, tuna salad is sold at $25 (about 35,000 KRW) per pound (approximately 450g), and a large bag of cookies is priced at $12 (about 16,000 KRW).

Meanwhile, riding the wave of K-food popularity, South Korea's kimchi exports turned to an upward trend last year, reaching an all-time high. According to customs export-import statistics, South Korea's kimchi exports in 2023 amounted to 44,041 tons, a 7.1% increase from 41,118 tons the previous year. This surpassed the previous record of 42,544 tons set in 2021.

This is believed to be due to the perception formed during the COVID-19 pandemic that kimchi is a health food that boosts immunity abroad, as well as increased interest in K-food amid the recent Korean Wave. In particular, Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow, who struggled with post-COVID symptoms and focused on diet management, introduced sugar-free kimchi as part of her regimen.