It’s spicy yet smooth, with a delicate crunch. It’s wickedly sour, like sucking juice from a lemon, and way over-salted. Available in four delicious flavors, Nasoya Vegan Kimchi is free of artificial flavors and preservatives. National Brand: Chongga Imported from South Korea, Chongga is a vegetarian brand that doesn't use salted shrimp, anchovies, anchovy sauce, fish sauce or oyster sauce—all common ingredients in traditional kimchi. Founded in the Lower East Side in Manhattan, Mother-in-Law's Kimchi had a very noticeable spicy kick with a hidden meaty taste thanks to the added beef stock. The mother-and-son duo behind Brooklyn-based Kimchi Kooks uses traditional family recipes that date back to founder Kate Kook's grandfather's Korean rice wine brewery. Don’t worry—you don’t have to eat it straight (although we love it right from the jar). If you're curious about cabbage and on the hunt for a fun DIY project, check out Mama O's Kimchi Making Kit. Kum Gang San, a Korean restaurant with locations in Manhattan and Flushing, sells various kinds of kimchi. We reserve the right to delete off-topic or inflammatory comments. We recommend this Spicy Red Napa Cabbage Kimchi if you're looking for something with some heat. Amazon reviewers specifically love the moderate spice level and satisfyingly toothsome texture of this variety. Here are eight of our favorites. All the delicious flavor, and health benefits, of cabbage kimchi but Radish Kimchi presents a crunchier texture and is naturally sweeter. With kimchi now enjoying its rightful place in the condiment canon, there are more kimchi brands than ever to choose from. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. $3.99 for 12 ounces at Lion Supermarket. While the basic ingredients of kimchi, like cabbage, radish, and scallions, are vegetarian-friendly, often fish sauce or shrimp paste are added to the mixture to up the umami and saltiness of the final product. (2 stars), Kimchi newbies may appreciate this decidedly dumbed-down version made with cabbage, radish, onion and fish sauce. (2 stars), Vegetarians may appreciate the traditional carbonated hit, the result of authentic fermentation. I've been vegan for years and try to make life easier for others by sharing what I've learned. Recipes you want to make. This spicy, fermented side dish is having a major moment in the Western culinary world and is popping up in everything from hearty traditional soups to funky bloody Mary recipes. But the flabby texture and lack of hot pepper flavor are problematic. Fresh blend of cabbage radish, garlic, ginger and red pepper for a delicious Kimchi with a kick! … Yet, kimchi may still be safe to eat for up to 3 more months, as long as there’s no mold, which indicates spoilage. © 2020 Condé Nast. $7.19 for 16 ounces at Raley’s. Note: Both of these brands now make vegan … Other tasters didn't appreciate how soft and mushy kimchi it was. Kimchi can be made with many different kinds of vegetables and can also include fish or meat. Kimchi – especially the store-bought kind – typically contains many animal-based ingredients, including seafood and beef broth. Judging by their perfectly piquant Classic Kimchi, let's just say this duo has some serious Seoul. It’s a decent amount of work still, but if you’re really craving kimchi, it’s worth the effort. Cooking advice that works. Made in Queens, Bing Gre was the saltiest we tried with a fishy undertone. Spicy Kimchi. I like it." Gold Mine Organic Kimchi. This one’s vegan kimchi from Madge’s Food Company perfect for the taste buds that desire spicy flavors. Sweet and Savory Dry Rubs to Spice Up Your Next Barbecue, Cooking Tools & Ingredients for the Perfect Meal, Condiments, Sauces, and Dressings That Complement Any Meal, The 8 Best Harissa Brands to Spice Up Mealtime, 10 Cognac Brands You've Never Heard of Until Now. Either ask for more information on the ingredients, or give it a pass. Read more Taste-off columns at www.mercurynews.com/tag/taste-off. We saw a very simple ingredient list just above, so it seems like it shouldn’t be too hard to make a good vegan version at home. $5.49 for 14 ounces at Lion Supermarket. $5.29 for 14 ounces at Lion Supermarket; large jars without msg can be found at Costco for $8.79 for 58 ounces. If you’ve got rice, make sure there’s some Tobagi close by. Here are eight of our favorites, from the small-batch vegan option to our everyday Korean market staple. Bon Appétit may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Fresh and fermented kimchi are both low in calories and may boost weight loss ( 49 ). 2. It was also the only one containing cilantro. More: Sweet and Savory Dry Rubs to Spice Up Your Next Barbecue. But it wasn't an unappealing sour. Danielle is the food & drink editor for BestProducts.com, where she's been voraciously eating and drinking her way through the best oyster bars and pinot noir wines, and putting her knowledge as a cocktail consultant and connoisseur to use; her work can also be spotted on Thrillist and Delish. That said, those jars hold tangy, salty, spicy fermented cabbage that’s packed with flavor and umami funk. The best kimchis are made with a tasty, pepper-forward paste that permeates the cabbage, transforming it into a complex bite that’s not overpowered in the fermentation process. … It’s also naturally low in fat, cholesterol and calories. Imported from South Korea, Chongga is a vegetarian brand that doesn't use salted shrimp, anchovies, anchovy sauce, fish sauce or oyster sauce—all common ingredients in traditional kimchi. If you love kimchi, this kit makes a perfect weekend activity or foodie gift set. As to the temprature it is served cold, but in the Korean BBQ they also grill it up to add a smokey warm flavor to it. One taster wrote, "Sour BOMB," and thought the kimchi didn't taste balanced enough. Mild Kimchi. With kimchi now enjoying its rightful place in the condiment canon, there are more brands than ever to choose from. But it’s lacking in garlic, ginger and pepper flavors — and it has an unwelcome sweet note.