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If you have been following Korean food trends, you have almost certainly come across gochujang. It shows up in tteokbokki, bibimbap, Korean fried chicken marinades, and increasingly in Western cooking as a go-to for adding deep, complex heat to almost anything. But what exactly is it?What is Gochujang?Gochujang (고추장) is a Korean fermented red chilli paste made from red chilli powder, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans and salt. It has been a cornerstone of Korean cooking for centuries — a thick, deep-red paste with a complex flavour that combines heat, sweetness, umami and a faint tang from fermentation.Unlike hot sauces or fresh chilli pastes, gochujang is not just hot. The fermentation process gives it a rounded depth that pure chilli never achieves on its own. It is closer in character to miso or gochugaru (Korean chilli flakes) than to something like Sriracha.What Does Gochujang Taste Like?The flavour is smoky, sweet, deeply savoury and warming rather than sharp. The heat level varies by brand — most standard gochujang sits at a medium level, genuinely spicy but not overwhelming. Sempio and CJ are two of the most widely used brands, both available at Oishii Asian Mart.How to Use GochujangGochujang is incredibly versatile. Here are some of the most common uses: Tteokbokki — the classic Korean rice cake dish, cooked in gochujang sauce. This is the definitive use. Bibimbap — mixed rice bowl topped with vegetables, egg and a spoonful of gochujang stirred through. Marinades — mix with soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil and a little sugar to make a Korean BBQ marinade for chicken, pork or tofu. Stews — add a spoon to doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) or sundubu jjigae (soft tofu stew) for extra depth. Dipping sauce — thin with sesame oil and rice vinegar for a versatile dipping sauce for vegetables or dumplings. Pasta and noodles — a tablespoon stirred into any pasta or noodle dish adds a Korean twist that works surprisingly well. How to Store GochujangOnce opened, gochujang should be stored in the refrigerator, where it will keep for several months. The tub format (200g to 2.8kg depending on your needs) is the most common packaging. Seal it tightly after each use.Is Gochujang the Same as Gochugaru?No — they are related but different. Gochugaru is simply dried and ground Korean red chilli flakes. It is used to season dishes directly and to make kimchi. Gochujang is a fermented paste that contains gochugaru as one of its ingredients, along with rice and soybeans. Both are essential in a Korean kitchen but serve different purposes.Where to Buy Gochujang in LatviaOishii Asian Mart carries Sempio Gochujang in multiple sizes, along with CJ and other Korean brands. We also stock gochugaru (Korean chilli flakes) for making kimchi and seasoning dishes. Browse our Korean sauces and condiments collection for the full range.

Looking for authentic Korean ramen, Japanese sauces, or hard-to-find Asian ingredients in Latvia? You are not alone. Demand for Asian groceries has grown enormously across the Baltics over the last few years — and finding a reliable source used to be a genuine challenge.Here is a practical guide to buying Korean and Asian food in Latvia, whether you are in Rīga or ordering from elsewhere in the country.Asian Grocery Stores in RīgaRīga has a small but growing number of brick-and-mortar Asian grocery options, mostly concentrated around the centre and larger shopping areas. Stock varies widely — some shops specialise in Chinese ingredients, others in Southeast Asian products, and a few carry a broader mix.If you are looking for Korean brands specifically — Samyang, Bibigo, Sempio, Nongshim, CJ — availability in physical Rīga stores tends to be limited and inconsistent. Korean products rotate in and out, and popular items like Buldak noodles and gochujang often sell out quickly.Ordering Asian Food Online in LatviaThe most reliable way to access a wide range of Asian products in Latvia is online. Online Asian grocers can carry far larger catalogues than any physical store — including Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese and pan-Asian products.Oishii Asian Mart is an online Asian grocery based in Rīga. We carry over 1,000 active products including instant noodles, sauces and condiments, drinks, snacks, kimchi, frozen foods, fresh tofu and cooking ingredients. Everything ships from Rīga, which means fast delivery across Latvia and competitive shipping times to Lithuania and Estonia.What We StockSome of our most popular categories: Korean instant noodles — Samyang Buldak (all flavours), Nongshim Shin Ramyun, Paldo, Ottogi and more Korean sauces — Gochujang, doenjang, ssamjang, Bibigo sesame oil, Sempio soy sauces Kimchi — Jongga, Bibigo and Surasang brands Japanese cooking essentials — mirin, panko, nori sheets, somen noodles, wasabi Asian drinks — Pocari Sweat, Calpico, Ramune, OKF milk teas, Wang Lao Ji herbal tea Snacks — Lotte Choco Pie, Glico Pocky, Koala's March, Tao Kae Noi seaweed, Pringles Asian flavours Delivery Across Latvia and the BalticsWe deliver to all cities and towns in Latvia using Omniva, DPD and Latvijas Pasts parcel services. We also ship to Lithuania and Estonia. Orders are dispatched from our Rīga warehouse, typically within 1–2 business days.Ready to explore? Visit the Oishii Asian Mart store and browse our full catalogue.

If you have ever seen someone crying at a bowl of noodles on TikTok, there is a good chance they were eating Samyang Buldak. The South Korean fire noodle has become a global phenomenon — and for good reason. They are genuinely delicious once you know how to cook them properly.Here is everything you need to know.What Are Buldak Noodles?Buldak (불닭) literally translates to "fire chicken" in Korean. Samyang's Buldak range is a dry-style instant noodle — meaning you drain the water before adding the sauce, rather than leaving it in a broth. The result is an intensely saucy, chewy noodle with a flavour that builds from savoury to powerfully spicy.The original 2x Spicy version is one of the hottest mainstream instant noodles in the world. But don't let that put you off — the range includes milder options like Carbonara, Rose, and Cheese that are approachable for anyone.What You Need 1 packet of Samyang Buldak noodles (any flavour) Water for boiling Optional toppings: spring onion, sesame seeds, a fried egg, gim (dried seaweed), cheese, or mayonnaise Step-by-Step InstructionsStep 1 — Boil the noodlesBring a pot of water to the boil. Add the noodles and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The noodles are done when they are chewy but not hard in the centre.Step 2 — Drain almost all the waterThis is the most important step that most people get wrong. Drain the water but leave about 8 tablespoons (roughly 120ml) of cooking water in the pot. This water helps the sauce coat the noodles evenly. If you drain completely, the sauce will clump.Step 3 — Add the saucePour the liquid sauce sachet directly onto the noodles over medium heat. If included, add the flake sachet too. Stir vigorously for about 30 seconds until the sauce is fully absorbed and the noodles look glossy and evenly coated.Step 4 — Add toppings and serveTransfer to a bowl and add your toppings. A fried egg on top is the classic move — the runny yolk softens the heat beautifully. Sliced spring onion, sesame seeds and a sheet of gim are all excellent. For the very spicy versions, a spoon of mayonnaise or a slice of cheese melted on top will cut the heat significantly.Heat Level GuideNot all Buldak noodles are the same. Here is a rough guide: Carbonara — creamy and mild, barely spicy. Perfect for beginners. Rose — creamy tomato-style, gentle heat. Cheese — saucy with cheese powder, moderate heat. Original — proper spicy. 2x Spicy — extremely hot. For experienced spice lovers only. Where to Buy Samyang Buldak in LatviaOishii Asian Mart carries the full Samyang Buldak range and ships across Latvia and the Baltics from Rīga. Browse our Instant Noodles collection to find your flavour.

Discover Oishii Asian Mart, Riga’s newest destination for authentic Asian groceries! Located on Marijas iela 20, we bring you the best of Japanese, Korean, Thai, Chinese, and Vietnamese products, from fresh kimchi and Samyang noodles to delicious mochi and soju. Shop with us in-store or online and experience a true taste of Asia!