MyTastr

Best gochujang, according to chefs

Three picks, each tied to a named taster and a public source — from Karen Akunowicz, Douglas Kim and Sara Park. Recommendations come from bostonmagazine.com, nypost.com and foodandwine.com.

International Pantry · The ranking

  1. 1
    Top pick

    Rhei-Maid Gochujang

    Chosen by
    “I’ve been using Mary’s product for years… The flavor is incomparable” (Akunowicz). Naturally fermented 6+ months.
  2. 2

    Chung Jung One Cho Gochujang

    Chosen by
    Vinegar-based and thinner: “You can use it like [any] hot sauce” (2018).
  3. 3

    Mother-in-Law’s Original Gochujang

    Chosen by
    “This rich, well-balanced paste adds that signature sweet-spicy depth to marinades, soups, and sauces.”

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Questions, answered

What is the best gochujang, according to chefs?
MyTastr’s top pick is Rhei-Maid Gochujang, chosen by Karen Akunowicz (Myers + Chang, Fox & the Knife). “I’ve been using Mary’s product for years… The flavor is incomparable” (Akunowicz). Naturally fermented 6+ months. Source: bostonmagazine.com ↗
What are the other top picks for gochujang?
No. 2 is Chung Jung One Cho Gochujang, chosen by Douglas Kim (Jeju Noodle Bar; ex-Per Se). No. 3 is Mother-in-Law’s Original Gochujang, chosen by Sara Park (Korean-American recipe developer). Each card above links to the original source.
How does MyTastr choose these picks?
Every pick is tied to a named chef, cookbook author or food expert and links to the public interview, panel or article it came from. We survey dozens, often hundreds, of top chefs, food writers and critics, and order reflects how often and how strongly a brand is recommended. Only organic recommendations count — paid endorsements don’t — and brands can’t buy a spot. Read how we pick.

The tasters behind this ranking

More international pantry