The GS25 Fusion Feast: A Culinary Adventure or a Disaster?

Modern cuisine embraces creativity and unconventional combinations. “Fusion” dishes that blend different cultural influences are no longer strange to diners. However, not all fusions are equally embraced, especially when the mix seems to venture a bit too far.

Recently, social media has been abuzz with the appearance of such an intriguing dish sold at GS25, a Korean convenience store chain now present in Vietnam. A customer discovered an item with a very long and curious name: “Pizza Kimchi Beef BBQ Rice Ball.”

Just reading the name of the dish is enough to confuse many, as it is unclear why these three distinct culinary traditions are combined.

Rice balls are a familiar part of Japanese culture, usually made simply with salt, seaweed, or with additional fillings of meat or fish, often shaped like a triangle. Pizza, of course, is the pride of Italy, with its crispy base, stretchy cheese, and flavorful toppings. And kimchi, considered the soul of Korean cuisine, stands out with its distinctive fermented spicy and sour flavors.

According to the shared images, the dish consists of rice mixed with kimchi, resulting in a deep orange color, topped with BBQ beef and cheese. While it may sound unusual, it is officially on sale, sparking curiosity and prompting many to give it a try.

Soon enough, the dish became a subject of debate on social media. Under a post sharing images of the rice ball, netizens left mixed comments. While some found the combination unrelated, others speculated that the flavors might work well together and were willing to give it a chance:

– “Selling a fast food: Born in Italy, seasoned in Korea, shaped in Japan, and sold in Vietnam. I don’t see the logic in any of this.”

– “Why mess with a rice ball and turn it into a pizza?”

– “It’s not good.”

– “But it sounds delicious.”

– “It looks tasty; I’ll give it a chance.”

– “It’s good, but sometimes there’s a bit too much sour kimchi.”

Despite the mixed reactions, this unusual dish is still being sold at GS25. With an affordable price and curiosity about the unprecedented combination, many are willing to give it a try. In today’s creative culinary world, there seem to be no limits to imagination. As for whether it tastes good or not, well, that’s a matter of personal taste!