5 Food Items Banned In North Korea

By: Amisha Shirgave | February 24, 2025

North Korea has strict regulations on food availability, often restricting or banning items for ideological, economic, or cultural reasons

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Here are five food items banned or heavily restricted in North Korea

Western fast food chains like McDonald's, KFC, or Pizza Hut are banned, as they are seen as symbols of Western capitalism

Coffee is not widely available to the general public, as it is considered a luxury item. While government officials and foreign diplomats can access it, ordinary citizens rarely get to drink coffee

Imported whiskey, wine, and foreign beers are heavily restricted. The government promotes North Korean-made alcoholic drinks, and imported alcohol is mainly reserved for high-ranking officials

Any South Korean-branded food products, including instant noodles, sauces, and snacks, are completely banned

Foreign chocolates, candies, and snacks like Kit-Kats, Oreos, and Pringles are banned or difficult to find. Similar products are locally made

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