HANKKi Returns to Calgary Stampede 2026 with Seoul Stampede Fries
For many Albertans, Calgary Stampede is more than just a summer event.
It is a tradition, a celebration of community, and one of the largest gatherings in Canada. Every year, millions of visitors come together to experience the energy, culture, and excitement that make Stampede such a special part of Alberta.
This year, HANKKi is proud to announce that we will be returning to Calgary Stampede for the second year in a row.
As one of the few Korean food brands participating in the event, we carry a strong sense of pride and responsibility. Representing Korean street food on one of Canada's biggest stages is an opportunity we never take for granted.
Looking Back on Our First Calgary Stampede
Last year marked HANKKi's first-ever participation in Calgary Stampede.
Over the course of the event, we had the opportunity to introduce Korean street food to thousands of visitors from Calgary and beyond.
Thanks to the incredible support from our customers, our team successfully completed the event with:
More than 10,000 menu items sold throughout the event
Thousands of customers served during Stampede
The experience exceeded our expectations and showed us just how much curiosity and excitement there is for Korean street food in Calgary.
Most importantly, it gave us the confidence to dream even bigger for 2026.
Introducing HANKKi Seoul Stampede Fries
Returning to Stampede for a second year wasn't simply about bringing back the same menu.
We wanted to create something new.
Something that could celebrate both the bold flavours of Korean street food and the spirit of Calgary Stampede.
Over the past several months, our team spent countless hours brainstorming, testing recipes, refining ingredients, and searching for the perfect combination of flavours. We wanted to create a dish that felt familiar to Stampede visitors while staying true to HANKKi's Korean roots.
The result is HANKKi Seoul Stampede Fries — a brand-new Calgary Stampede food menu item created exclusively for Calgary Stampede 2026.
Inspired by the success of our Signature Poutine from the HANKKi Food Truck, this new creation is our interpretation of one of Canada's most iconic comfort foods.
It combines crispy fries with bold Korean-inspired flavours, bringing together the comfort of a classic Stampede favourite and the vibrant taste of Korean street food.
But creating HANKKi Seoul Stampede Fries wasn't as simple as adding kimchi to fries.
Every ingredient, texture, and flavour combination was carefully considered to create something that feels both uniquely Korean and unmistakably Stampede.
It’s our way of sharing Korean street food in Calgary through a dish that feels right at home at the Calgary Stampede.
Meet Jayden: The Menu Developer Behind HANKKi Seoul Stampede Fries
One of the key people behind HANKKi Seoul Stampede Fries is Jayden.
As the lead developer of this menu item, Jayden played an important role in transforming an idea into a finished product that will be served at Calgary Stampede.
For Jayden, this project was about more than creating a new menu item.
It was an opportunity to showcase Korean flavours in a way that feels approachable, memorable, and exciting for both returning customers and first-time visitors.
We sat down with Jayden to learn more about the inspiration, challenges, and vision behind HANKKi Seoul Stampede Fries.
Q&A: How HANKKi Seoul Stampede Fries Was Created
Q.
What inspired you to create Hankki Seoul Stampede Fries, and what was the development process like?
Jayden: As we prepared to participate in the Calgary Stampede, one of Calgary’s most iconic festivals, we began thinking about how we could create a special menu item that would fit the Stampede atmosphere while showcasing Hankki’s unique identity.
The idea started with combining poutine, one of Canada’s most iconic foods, with kimchi, one of Korea’s most representative dishes.
During the development process, we focused not on simply adding kimchi on top of fries, but on creating a balanced flavor profile that Canadian customers could enjoy comfortably. We repeatedly tested different ingredients and portion sizes to ensure that the acidity of the kimchi, the savory richness of the gravy, cheese curds, Hankki’s signature Korean Fried Chicken, sausage, green onions, and our house-made cheese sauce would come together naturally.
As a result, Hankki Seoul Stampede Fries was created, preserving the rich flavor of poutine while adding the freshness and umami that make kimchi unique.
Q.
What was your main focus while developing Hankki Seoul Stampede Fries, and what was the biggest challenge?
Jayden: Our main focus was, without a doubt, the flavor. We wanted to maintain the identity of poutine as a Canadian classic while naturally incorporating Hankki’s unique character. In particular, achieving the right balance of sweetness, spiciness, acidity, and saltiness was our top priority.
The biggest challenge was adjusting the ratio of kimchi to the other ingredients. If the kimchi was too strong, it could overpower the original flavor of the poutine. On the other hand, if it was too subtle, the dish would lose its unique identity.
Ultimately, I believe Hankki Seoul Stampede Fries became a menu item that brings together Canadian and Korean food cultures, while remaining approachable even for customers who may be trying Korean-inspired flavors for the first time.
Q.
Does Hankki Seoul Stampede Fries hold any special meaning for you personally?
Jayden: The Calgary Stampede is one of the largest events representing the local community. We participated last year as well, but at that time, we did not develop a menu item specifically for the Stampede.
Hankki Seoul Stampede Fries is especially meaningful because it is the first menu item Hankki has developed specifically for the Stampede. It is also special to me because it serves as a symbolic connection between the local culture of the Stampede and the flavors of Korea.
Q.
If you could describe Hankki Seoul Stampede Fries in one sentence, what would it be? Why?
Jayden: “A menu item that combines a generous portion with Hankki’s unique charm, and one that will receive the most love during the Stampede.”
The reason is that customers can enjoy a portion large enough for four people to share for just $21.95. In addition to its flavor, the dish features eye-catching visuals and cute packaging, making it something families and friends can enjoy together while taking photos and sharing the experience.
With its reasonable price, generous portion, and Hankki’s unique character, we hope it will be a menu item that many customers enjoy and love.
Q.
As the developer of Hankki Seoul Stampede Fries, what are your thoughts going into this year’s Stampede?
Jayden: I believe this year’s Stampede is more than just an opportunity to sell food. It is a valuable opportunity to introduce the Hankki brand and the flavors of Korea to more people.
Through this year’s Stampede, I hope more people will discover Hankki and experience the appeal of Korean food. I also hope to hear customer feedback directly and use it as an opportunity to develop even better menu items in the future.
Q.
How do you hope customers will experience Hankki Seoul Stampede Fries during this year’s Stampede?
Jayden: To be honest, food prices at the Stampede are generally quite high, and many customers feel that burden. Keeping that in mind, we focused on creating a menu item that delivers strong value for its price. We carefully considered the portion size, flavor, and visual presentation so that customers would feel, “This is definitely worth the price.”
I hope customers can create enjoyable memories with good food while experiencing the excitement of the Stampede.
See You at Calgary Stampede 2026
Returning to Calgary Stampede for a second year is a milestone that means a great deal to our team.
It represents the trust our customers have placed in us, the support we've received from the community, and the continued growth of Korean street food in Calgary.
We are incredibly proud to stand alongside so many amazing local businesses and to be one of the few Korean food brands participating in this year's event.
Whether you visited us last year or will be discovering HANKKi for the first time, we look forward to welcoming you at Calgary Stampede 2026.
We can't wait to share HANKKi Seoul Stampede Fries with you.
For HANKKi’s Calgary Stampede schedule, booth details, and hours, please check the link below.
