As part of our summer series on Central Massachusetts food trucks, we're taking a closer look at the stories behind the wheel and at the window, highlighting the passion and dedication of those who bring diverse flavors to our community.
Meet the Chef and Owner: Sun Kim
The vibrant orange truck known as Sun Kim Bop is more than just a food truck; it’s the culinary dream of Sun Kim, a resident of Petersham. At the heart of her menu is "Kim Bop," South Korea's beloved version of sushi rolls, which Sun has masterfully adapted to cater to a variety of tastes. From chicken and tuna to strictly vegetarian options, Sun Kim Bop offers a unique twist on traditional Korean cuisine, making it a standout in the Central Massachusetts food scene.
A Name with Meaning
The name "Sun Kim Bop" is a clever play on words. "Bop" is the anglicized spelling of the Korean word for rice, a staple ingredient in many Korean dishes. This simple yet meaningful name reflects the essence of Sun Kim's menu, where rice takes center stage in her flavorful Kim Bop rolls.
A Journey of Unexpected Turns
Sun Kim's journey into the food industry was anything but conventional. When she started her food truck in 2013, it was a bold move, one driven by her confidence in her culinary abilities. However, this wasn’t always her career aspiration.
Sun’s story begins in 2003 when she moved from South Korea to the United States with the intention of studying English. Her ultimate goal was to return to Seoul, where she was born and raised, and teach English. However, life had other plans. After meeting her future husband, a local from Petersham, she found it challenging to pursue her teaching ambitions in an area with few newcomers.
With limited opportunities in education, Sun made a significant pivot. She turned to something more familiar, though not yet a passion—South Korean cuisine. Despite not having formal culinary training, Sun discovered that she had a natural talent for cooking. “I’ve always had good taste buds for cooking,” she said with a smile. “I have a great tongue for it.”
Her culinary skills were honed over years of enjoying her mother’s home-cooked meals. Sun fondly remembers her mother, Young-Ryun Kim, who passed away this summer at the age of 86, as a great cook who inspired her love for food.
Early Challenges and Growing Success
Starting a food truck, however, wasn’t without its challenges. In 2013, as Sun drove her food truck out of her Petersham home for the first time, she had second thoughts. “I was asking myself, ‘Why did I start this? This is too much work,’” she recalled. The physical demands of the job were taxing, and the workload often felt overwhelming. Yet, as time went on, the increasing demand for her food truck at festivals and catering events revealed that there was a strong desire for her unique offerings in Central Massachusetts. Sun realized that her cuisine stood out, offering something distinct from other Eastern Asian foods in the region.
A Menu Rooted in Tradition
Sun Kim Bop’s menu is simple yet rich in flavor. The star of the show is Kim Bop, the Korean equivalent of sushi, where rice, vegetables, and proteins are rolled in seaweed. Another popular item is Toppoki, a dish of sweet and spicy rice cakes, which offers a vegetarian option packed with bold flavors. Dumplings also make the cut, adding another layer of Korean tradition to the mix.
Expanding Horizons
As her food truck business flourished, Sun seized the opportunity to expand. In 2017, she opened a brick-and-mortar location of Sun Kim Bop on Main Street in Springfield. The restaurant quickly gained popularity, drawing in customers eager to experience her food in a more permanent setting. However, the success was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced Sun to close the restaurant permanently.
A Return to Her Roots
This summer, Sun returned to South Korea to be with her mother during her final days. While there, she acquired a new addition to her food truck—a Kim Bop rolling machine capable of producing up to 200 rolls an hour. “I’m still getting used to it, but it’s really amazing,” Sun said, reflecting on how this innovation will help meet the growing demand for her food.
Where to Find Sun Kim Bop
For those eager to experience Sun’s culinary creations, you can find Sun Kim Bop at various food truck festivals across Central and Western Massachusetts. Look out for the distinctive orange truck adorned with a smiley face logo, complete with a content lick of the lips—a sign that deliciousness is just around the corner.