Abu Bakr Supermarket Brings Viral South Korean Buldak Noodles to Leeds Students for Korean National Liberation Day

Image credit: Abu Bakr Supermarket

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Abu Bakr Supermarket in Leeds has started selling the popular South Korean Buldak noodles from Samyang Foods, coinciding with Korea's National Liberation Day. This move aims to cater to the city's international student population, particularly those from South Korea, by offering them a taste of home. The introduction also reflects the growing interest in Korean culture and cuisine in the UK.

EDITORIAL INSIGHT: Context, industry insight and market perspectives of this news story

The introduction of Samyang’s Buldak noodles at Abu Bakr Supermarket highlights the growing demand for authentic international foods in regional UK markets, particularly among student populations. The move comes as Leeds continues to attract a diverse cohort of international students, many of whom seek familiar products during cultural events such as Korea’s National Liberation Day.

For local retailers, stocking high-profile global brands that have gained traction through social media represents a practical way to meet shifting consumer preferences and tap into broader food trends. The focus on Korean products also aligns with the wider popularity of Korean culture in the UK, especially among younger consumers and students, reinforcing the role of independent supermarkets in catering to evolving community needs.

Press Release

Tuesday 4th August

A leading Yorkshire supermarket has expanded its international food offering by introducing one of the world’s most sought-after instant noodle brands to its shelves.

Leeds-headquartered Abu Bakr Supermarket is now stocking the hugely popular Buldak range from Samyang Foods, giving customers access to the fiery South Korean stir-fried noodles that have become a global social media sensation.

Among the flavours now available are Cheese Hot Chicken, Hot Chicken Flavour Ramen, Carbonara, and the infamous 2x Spicy edition – renowned for its intense heat and viral online food challenges.

Originally launched in 2012, Samyang’s Buldak noodles have become one of South Korea’s biggest food exports, helping drive the worldwide popularity of Korean cuisine and culture.

The noodles have been introduced as part of Abu Bakr Supermarket’s commitment to providing authentic international products for communities across Yorkshire and to support Leeds’ growing population of international students.

The retailer says the launch is particularly aimed at students of South Korean origin studying in Leeds, allowing them to enjoy a familiar taste of home as they prepare to celebrate the Bosingak Bell-Ringing Ceremony on National Liberation Day of Korea, one of the country’s most significant national celebrations.

Hamza Hussain, Managing Director of Abu Bakr Supermarket, said: “Leeds is one of the UK’s most diverse student cities and we’re always looking at ways to better serve the different communities that call Yorkshire home. The Buldak range has become incredibly popular around the world and we’re delighted to bring these iconic South Korean noodles to our stores.

“With National Liberation Day approaching, we wanted to ensure students from South Korea have access to products that remind them of home while also giving our wider customer base the opportunity to experience one of Korea’s most famous food brands. We pride ourselves on celebrating cultures from across the globe through food, and this is another exciting addition to our international range.”

The arrival of the noodles reflects the continued rise of Korean culture in the UK, with K-pop, Korean dramas and Korean cuisine enjoying unprecedented popularity among younger consumers.

Abu Bakr Supermarket says demand for authentic international foods continues to grow as customers seek new flavours and products that have gained popularity through social media.

The retailer believes the addition of the Buldak range further strengthens its reputation as one of Yorkshire’s leading destinations for international groceries, offering customers products from across Asia, the Middle East, Europe and beyond.

Notes to editors

The story began in 1987, when Abid Hussain, then just 17, took over the family business. With long hours, determination and a hands-on approach, he laid the groundwork for a brand that would go on to become a well-known name across West Yorkshire. A major turning point arrived in 2002. Abid Food Store rebranded as Abu Bakr Supermarkets, signalling both a new identity and an ambition to scale. That same year, the company opened its Queen’s Road store — its first step beyond the original premises and the start of a steady expansion strategy. Further growth followed in 2004 with the Roundhay Road branch, strengthening the brand’s presence in Leeds and giving more families access to its value-driven offering. A decade later, in 2015, Abu Bakr expanded again with its Beeston store, a move that bolstered its community footprint in another busy part of the city. In 2017, the business invested heavily in expanding its product range. Fresh produce, halal meat counters, and an extensive selection of world foods were introduced — a strategic shift that aligned the brand more closely with the needs of the region’s diverse communities and cemented its reputation for global choice at local prices. The company’s momentum continued into the 2020s. In 2022, Abu Bakr Supermarkets opened its Kirkstall branch, bringing its services to a new and vibrant customer base and widening its reach across Leeds. A further store was opened in 2025, in Batley.

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