If we have to talk about fast food and frozen delights, Trader Joe’s has become a go-to destination for lovers of unique flavors and exotic treats. This time, the supermarket surprises us with a culinary sensation that’s sweeping the Bay Area of San Francisco and taking social media by storm: Kimbap!
This Korean roll, traditionally served with pickled vegetables and cooked meat, has made its way to the frozen aisle at the famous shopping mall, and what followed has been nothing short of spectacular.
The Trader Joe’s Kimbap viral phenomenon
Trader Joe’s Kimbap has become the latest culinary sensation that’s dominating the Bay Area and social media. The reason behind this phenomenon isn’t just its delicious taste but also what happens inside its frozen package.
Dozens of people have taken to recording their experiences with Kimbap in the microwave, following the instructions on the package that recommend heating it for 2 minutes. The result: a perfectly sliced, delicious Kimbap, and this kind of magical moment have been widely shared on platforms like TikTok and other social media.
Trader Joe’s stores in many cities in the Bay Area have sold out of Kimbap
The popularity of Kimbap has been so overwhelming that, according to multiple reports, it has become hard to find in Trader Joe’s stores in the Bay Area and across the nation. SFGATE, San Francisco’s media outlet, has confirmed that several Trader Joe’s stores in cities like San Francisco, Berkeley, Walnut Creek, Sunnyvale, and Fremont have sold out of Kimbap.
Some stores have even announced that they won’t have more Kimbap until at least October. This frozen dish has ignited a true frenzy among fast food enthusiasts.
What makes Trader Joe’s Kimbap so special?
First and foremost, it’s important to highlight that this version is entirely vegetarian. It’s made with sesame-infused rice, sautéed greens, pickled vegetables, and braised tofu, all wrapped in nori seaweed.
The combination of flavors and textures is simply delightful, making it an ideal choice for fans of Asian and vegetarian cuisine alike.
Where to find Kimbap if your local Trader Joe’s has run out of it
Is Trader Joe’s the only option for Kimbap lovers in the Bay Area? It’s not! If your local Trader Joe’s stores has run of it, the Korean supermarket chain H Mart, with multiple locations in the region, also offers its own ready-to-eat version of Kimbap. This means that lovers of this traditional Korean dish have several options to satisfy their cravings.
Is Trader Joe’s a specialist in social media viral products?
This isn’t the first time Trader Joe’s has caused a sensation with its frozen foods. Over the past year, we’ve seen several of the chain’s products go viral on social media. Earlier this year, they introduced “Perfectly Pickled Pups”, a delicious miniature version of Disneyland’s famous fried pickle corn dog but with a pickled twist.
Then, in July, Trader Joe’s seemed to pay homage to White Castle with its frozen sliders, adding to its growing list of ready-to-eat foods.
Trader Joe’s Kimbap has become the latest culinary sensation in the Bay Area and on social media. Its delicious vegetarian flavor and the excitement of witnessing its preparation in the microwave have led to its success in stores. The shopping mall chain continues to lead in creating frozen foods that captivate the audience, and with Kimbap, they’ve once again demonstrated their ability to innovate and surprise us.