Behind the Flavour: The Story of Gochugaru and Its Korean Roots

What exactly is Gochugaru?

Gochugaru is a type of Korean red pepper flake made from sun-dried chillies that are carefully deseeded, ground, and sieved to the perfect texture. Unlike Western chilli powders that focus only on heat, gochugaru is all about depth. It’s smoky, slightly fruity, and just spicy enough to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming them.

This complexity is what makes gochugaru so special; it's a flavour that lingers softly, not one that shouts.

The Soul of Korean Cuisine

In Korea, gochugaru is everywhere. It’s the backbone of kimchi, the comforting base for stews like kimchi jjigae, and the secret behind the irresistible marinades of bulgogi or spicy chicken. It turns simple ingredients into meals that feel warm, satisfying, and alive.

Every family, every region, has its own version. Some flakes are finer for smoother sauces, others coarse for texture. But the spirit of gochugaru, that gentle, sun-dried warmth is always the same.

How Umei Brings Gochugaru to the Table

When we created Umei Gochugaru Mayo, we wanted to honour that same spirit not just by adding spice, but by capturing the comforting warmth that gochugaru brings to Korean food.

Our mayo starts with the smooth, creamy base of Japanese-style mayo rich and silky, then we blend in the bold, smoky sweetness of real Korean gochugaru. The result is a sauce that’s vibrant yet balanced. It’s heat with depth, spice with heart.

How to Enjoy It

The beauty of gochugaru is that it plays well with almost everything. Here are a few ways to bring it into your kitchen:

• Toss it over fries for a spicy, tangy kick.
  
  

• Add a dollop to your burger for smoky warmth.
  
  

• Drizzle it on grilled vegetables or rice bowls for instant depth.
  
  

• Or try it with tofu, ramen, or sandwiches anywhere you’d like a touch of heat without losing balance.

It’s comfort food with personality and a sauce that makes even the simplest meal feel special.

A Little Heat, A Lot of Flavour

At Umei, we believe flavour tells a story and gochugaru’s story is one of community, creativity, and warmth. Every spoonful of Umei Gochugaru Mayo is our way of sharing that with you.

👉 Try Umei Gochugaru Mayo — a little heat, a lot of flavour.