TSUMo Snacks is known for uniquely flavored cannabis edibles–and the latest collaboration with world-renowned chef Roy Choi continues that legacy. Spicy Cheesy Ramen curls and Spaghetti & Meatballs puff balls will be available in California MedMen stores starting April 15th. Both flavors will be available at all participating California retailers on May 1.
“As a proudly diverse and AAPI-led company, we partnered with Choi because we share a passion to represent the underrepresented in this industry. It’s about food, culture, community that anyone can be a part of,” co-founder and CEO Caroline Yeh shared with GreenState.
“It was important that the flavors we came up with Roy were a true reflection of his spirit and bringing what he is best known for – creating unexpected and bold flavor fusions– and bringing that to cannabis snacking.”
Seoul, Korea-born and Los Angeles, California-raised Choi revolutionized American street food in 2008 with the Kogi BBQ taco truck. In 2022 Choi opened Best Friend, a Las Vegas restaurant located in the MGM Hotel. Best Friend serves Kogi favorites alongside original Korean American comfort dishes. The chef also hosted both seasons of Broken Bread, a series exploring the intersection of sharing food and social justice.
“I worked side-by-side with the TSUMo team to develop unique flavors from nostalgic dishes from my own life,” Chef Roy Choi told GreenState, “Pulling from my previous experience launching my other food brands and restaurants, I approached this like my other food projects– drawing upon a multitude of culinary influences to craft my creations and not confining myself to one cultural cuisine or style.”
Choi has released a line of Kogi sauces and marinades as well as a plant-based Cheezio Pepe mix with HiNote. The collaboration with TSUMo marks his first step into the cannabis space.
“I’ve always wanted to get into cannabis but the timing was never quite right. I wanted it to be genuine and truly representative of my culinary career,” said Choi, “As luck would have it, I got connected with TSUMo Snacks and saw how its bold flavors pushed the envelope with what’s possible regarding edibles’ flavor profiles.”
Yeh and Choi worked together to develop the original flavors that stand out next to the typical sweet candies, drinks, and baked goods on dispensary shelves. The Spaghetti & Meatballs puff balls are gluten-free and bursting with tomato-based umami. The Spicy Cheesy Ramen curls are gluten and corn-free with a full spectrum cheesiness.
“They’re out-of-this-world delicious…”
While choosing a cannabis partner, Choi was attracted to the snackable nature and nostalgic flavors of TSUMo edibles–their chips, rings, and curls are among the few shareable edibles available at dispensaries. Yeh revealed more about the experience of working with a world-renowned chef, saying:
“It was a thrill working with Roy and delivering a full-flavor profile that tastes like the real thing. Here at TSUMo Snacks, we’re looking to change the way people think about cannabis edibles and we’re hoping people get to enjoy these crunchers in a communal setting, gathered among friends and family through a mutual love of food and cannabis.”
TSUMo has collaborated with celebrities before. Last year, the infused snack brand released SnazzleOs with Snoop Dogg–an infused take on FUNYUNS available in onion and spicy onion flavors.
Fans of TSUMo, Chef Roy Choi, or cannabis in general can meet the chef and sample new flavors on May 12 from 12-2 p.m. at MedMen’s Venice location. The first 100 people to purchase from the store that day will get free Kogi tacos.
“I hope cannabis consumers love these chips as much as I do… they’re out-of-this-world delicious,” Choi concluded.