Doyoung Kimchi: DIY Festival Craft Food

It’s that time of the year again! The Utah State Fairpark opens its gates to the 18th Annual Craft Lake City DIY Festival Presented By Harmons. Being Utah’s largest local-centric arts, music, science and technology festival, DIY Fest is a three-day event. Experience the best of our state’s creative culture with over 500 local artists and makers, three stages for music and dance performances, a youth entrepreneur area, a STEM building with hands-on exhibitions, dozens of food vendors and more. Kids of all ages and dogs are welcome — find more info and get tickets at craftlakecity.com!

When Doyoung Ro moved to the United States, he was quickly faced with the unfortunate reality that authentic Korean food was hard to come by. Ro was left unsatisfied after eating kimchi here — it was often brown or lacking the bold, nostalgic flavors he grew up with in Korea. It wasn’t until a visit from his parents, when his mother made a fresh batch, that he was inspired to start a business to bring the familiar comfort of kimchi to Utah.

Ro began making kimchi in his own kitchen, but after preparing more than he could eat, he started selling it online. Doyoung Kimchi’s company motto is “boldly delicious Kimchi,” and once officially launched in June 2024, it has since landed on the shelves of local markets like Ocean Mart and Central 9th Market.

Doyoung Kimchi offers nine varieties that include traditional cabbage kimchi and options like cucumber, radish and green onion-based recipes, with spice levels ranging from mild to extra spicy habanero. He also experiments with seasonal flavors and cold-pressed sparkling refreshers inspired by recipes his mother made in Korea. “I aim to offer kimchi that feels approachable for beginners and brings a taste of home for others,” Ro says.

Visitors can sample Doyoung Kimchi and learn more about their history at this year’s DIY Fest, where Ro hopes to share the joy that inspired him to start making kimchi in the first place. Follow them on Instagram @doyoungkimchi to stay updated on company news! —Grace Simpson

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