Gifts for Your Favorite Foodie
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Cooking gets easier when you have a few good tools and pantry staples. These are the things I reach for over and over again. Simple, useful, and perfect for anyone who loves to cook Korean, Japanese, or just… a lot.
Everything here is something I’ve used, currently use, or would happily give as a gift.
Under $25
Small things that make a big difference in the kitchen.
1. Korean Gochujang (OFood)
Essential for Korean cooking. Smooth, balanced, and not too sweet.
👉 Buy on Amazon
2. Gochugaru (Taekyung)
Clean flavor and bright color. Works for kimchi, soups, or marinades.
👉 Buy on Amazon
3. Kadoya Sesame Oil (5 oz)
The one everyone uses. Strong aroma, you only need a little.
👉Buy on Amazon
4. Korean Soup Soy Sauce (Wangshin)
What gives jjigae and Korean soups their depth. Not the same as regular soy.
👉 Buy on Amazon - Also available Wangshin Doenjang & Soy sauce for Soup Set
5. Japanese Soy Sauce (Yuasa)
Mild, balanced, and easy to find.
👉 Buy on Amazon
6. Japanese Udon Noodles (Ka-Me)
Solid, quick, and better than takeout on a weeknight.
👉 Buy on Amazon
7. Japanese Short Grain Rice (Shirakiku)
A staple. Works with everything.
👉 Buy on Amazon
8. Sushi Rice Vinegar
For dressings, pickles, and rice.
👉 Buy on Amazon
9. Korean Stainless Steel Chopsticks and Long Handled Spoon Set
Durable and easy to clean.
👉 Buy on Amazon
10. Pantry-Friendly Ramen Bowls
Lightweight and the right size for everything from ramen to salads.
👉 Buy on Amazon
Under $50
Good tools that make cooking easier.
12.Japanese Mandoline (Benriner)
The easiest way to prep vegetables fast.
👉 Buy on Amazon
12. Korean Stone Bowl (Dolsot)
For bibimbap, jjigae, and anything that needs heat retention.
👉 Buy on Amazon
13. Korean Cast Iron Grill Pan
Great for bulgogi, vegetables, and indoor grilling.
👉 Buy on Amazon
14. Japanese Rice Spoon
Sounds simple, but it’s one of the most-used tools in my kitchen.
👉 Buy on Amazon
15. Sushi Rolling Mat + Rice Paddle Set
For simple maki nights.
👉 Buy on Amazon
$75–$150
Bigger items for people who cook a lot.
16. Japanese Donabe (Earthenware Pot)
For soups, rice, stews, and table meals.
👉 Buy on Amazon
17. Carbon Steel Wok
Lightweight, heats fast, lasts forever.
👉 Buy on Amazon
18. Indoor Smokeless Grill
Great for samgyeopsal or quick weeknight grilling.
👉 Buy on Amazon or Portable Gas Stove Burner
19. Korean Multi-Use Hot Pot
Perfect for budae jjigae, ramyeon, and tabletop cooking.
👉 Buy on Amazon
Korean + Japanese Pantry Picks
A focused list for anyone just beginning their Asian pantry.
20. Sempio Gochujang
Smooth and spicy.
👉Buy on Amazon
21. Wangshin Doenjang & Soy sauce for Soup Set
A must for Korean soups.
👉 Buy on Amazon
22. Taekyung Gochugaru (Fine or Medium Grind)
Consistent quality.
👉Buy on Amazon
23. Kadoya Sesame Oil (Large)
The best version of the classic.
👉 Buy on Amazon
24. Japanese Mirin
Adds sweetness and depth to sauces.
👉Buy on Amazon
25. Japanese Dashi Packets
Instant flavor for broths.
👉 Buy on Amazon
Want to actually read the labels? Half the fun of building an Asian pantry is browsing the aisles. Half the frustration is not knowing what anything says. Rocket Korean and Rocket Japanese are the courses I'd point anyone to — they focus on real spoken and written language, and both come with lifetime access. Worth it if you cook from Korean or Japanese recipes even semi-regularly. 👉 Try Rocket Korean · Try Rocket Japanese
For the Person Who Loves to Cook (but is always short on time)
26. Pre-Cut Korean Glass Noodles
Great for japchae without the struggle.
👉Buy on Amazon
27. Instant Dashi Powder
Works in everything.
👉 Buy on Amazon
28. Korean BBQ Marinade (Bulgogi or Galbi)
For quick dinners.
👉 Buy on Amazon
29. Japanese Curry Mix
A simple, comforting weeknight dish.
👉 Buy on Amazon
30. Stainless Steel Prep Bowls
Makes mise en place easier.
👉 Buy on Amazon
Bonus: Cookbooks for the Asian Kitchen
If you're gifting pantry staples, pair them with a cookbook. These three are the ones I'd actually give.
Korean Home Cooking by Sohui Kim 100 recipes from a Brooklyn chef who grew up cooking Korean at home. Approachable, no filler, and the photography is beautiful. 👉 Buy on Bookshop.org · Buy on Amazon
My Korea by Hooni Kim From the first Michelin-starred Korean chef. Covers doenjang, ganjang, gochujang — the holy trinity of Korean flavor. 90 recipes ranging from banchan to stews. 👉 Buy on Bookshop.org· Buy on Amazon
Japanese Soul Cooking by Tadashi Ono and Harris Salat Ramen, tonkatsu, tempura, gyoza — comfort food that goes way beyond sushi. Over 100 recipes. 👉 Buy on Bookshop.org · Buy on Amazon
