Korea’s dessert scene is embracing ube (a purple yam popular in Southeast Asia). Ube, rich in anthocyanins and fiber, offers a sweet, creamy texture similar to sweet potato and is being used in coffees, ice creams, cookies and other treats. Global retailers like Starbucks and Trader Joe’s introduced ube items abroad, and Korean brands quickly followed: Twosome Place launched three ube drinks and an ube version of its signature ’tteok dessert‘ (a spoonable rice cake dessert), with seasonal sales starting mid-month. Cafes and dessert shops nationwide are rolling out ube menus, and its eye-catching purple hue even echoes the color associated with BTS (a popular K-pop group). Given its flavor and health benefits, ube could become a lasting addition to Korea’s food scene rather than a short-lived fad.
