Strings of Japanese lanterns lit up Kochi’s evening as Kimchi Kulture Fest 2026 kicked off on April 10, reflecting the city's growing interest in East Asian culture. The three-day festival explores food and culture from Malaysia, China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The atmosphere is bustling at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium with stalls, fashion pop-ups and traditional performances such as the Chinese dragon dance.
Kimchi Kulture is one of the many festivals and restaurants exploring East Asian cuisine across hotspots in Kochi. The youth in Kochi seem to have moved beyond the typical Chilli Chicken and Fried Rice, often labelled “Chinese” food. Newer restaurants such as Little Soi and Sakura Komichi, which serve authentic Japanese cuisine, are the new popular spots for outings. Restaurants like Let’s Kimchi have started building loyal followings by recreating dishes popularised through Korean dramas. The trend is no longer niche and has even drawn famous chains like Youmee to Kochi.
Fifteen-year old student Amy who was attending the festival confirms this, “I’m here just for the food. I really enjoy trying authentic East Asian cuisine.”
The K-Arnival 2026, Kerala’s first-ever K-pop festival, held at the St. Theresa's ground also drew in a huge Gen Z crowd interested in blending Kerala and Korean culture. Lifestyle brands have also capitalised on this sentiment, with brands like K-beauty gaining popularity and finding space in omnichannel retailers in Kerala.
At the heart of this trend lies the influence of K-drama, Anime and C-drama on Gen Z. The vivid food and fashion, shown through these media, are particularly enticing. Late-night binge sessions, Mukbangs, and social media have transformed Kimchi, Ramen, and Boba into everyday cravings. This digital exposure seems to have translated into actual demand in Kochi.
Festivals like Kimchi Kulture are not creating the trend but simply turning what Gen Z consumes into a social, physical experience.
