A Korean American mother and daughter who sparked a Trader Joe’s frozen kimbap sensation have now made their mark in the publishing world.
Trader Joe’s Kimbap Review Goes Viral Nationwide
Sara Ahn (29, Korean name: Sujin) and her mother Ahn Nam-Soon (66) shot to fame in 2023 when their Trader Joe’s frozen kimbap review went viral. The video, posted on TikTok and Instagram, garnered more than 14 million views on TikTok and over 9 million views on Instagram, leading to a nationwide Trader Joe’s kimbap sellout. The duo quickly earned the nickname “Queens of Kimbap.”
Korean Cookbook Climbs to No. 2 on NYT Bestseller List
Building on their viral success, the pair released a cookbook titled “Umma: A Korean Mom’s Kitchen Wisdom and 100 Family Recipes,” which soared to No. 2 on The New York Times bestseller list within just one month of its release.
In an interview at their home in Placentia on May 1, Sara Ahn described the cookbook as “a bridge that connects the flavors of my mom’s cooking with the identity of Korean Americans raised in the U.S.”
Trader Joe’s Fans Flock to Book Festival
The pair showcased their cooking skills at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books last month, demonstrating bibim guksu (spicy noodles) and cilantro kimchi on the main stage at USC. The event drew about 200 attendees, with long lines forming at their autograph session.
Measuring Korean Recipes for All
For Ahn Nam-Soon, writing the cookbook was her first experience using precise measurements. “Korean moms usually cook by feel, not by weight or volume,” she explained. “But readers from other cultures needed accuracy, and my daughter guided me through every step.” She added that the book focuses on affordable, easy-to-find ingredients, making it beginner-friendly.
From Childhood Teasing to Viral Fame
Sara shared a childhood memory of bringing kimbap to school, where classmates teased her, calling it “disgusting.” Embarrassed, she later asked her mom to pack sandwiches instead. “It’s incredible that food I was once ashamed of is now something people nationwide are excited to try,” she said.
From Ahnest Kitchen to Global K-Food Push
Sara Ahn began blogging in 2018 with Ahnest Kitchen, combining “Ahn” and “Honest” to reflect her commitment to documenting authentic Korean cuisine. In 2022, she and her mother started sharing cooking content together on social media, which quickly gained widespread popularity.
“Korean food is no longer exotic—it’s now part of mainstream American food culture, like pizza or burgers,” Sara said. “I’m excited to keep contributing to the global rise of K-food alongside K-dramas and K-pop.”
BY HANKIL KANG [kang.hankil@koreadaily.com]
