Joong Boo Market

Reviews 7

WE

Wesley Kim

***This is a review of the cafeteria. The market as a whole has been a lifeline for me and those seeking Korean groceries. May it live forever. **** Apparently this place was visited on "bizarre foods America" and frankly, I find that a bit insulting having the comfort food I eat labeled as "bizarre". Then again, living as a minority in "Murica" has its quirks so oh well. Anyhow, I made an hour long pilgrimage to this spot as it is the biggest Korean Market that Chicago has to offer, providing the essentials of Korean ingredients: Kimchi, soju, etc. In the back of the market, there is a tiny cramped little cafeteria, which did remind me of my time in Korea. The menu is on the wall, the cashier/cook yells out to her workers on what someone wants, and the seating is scarce. I got the soon doo boo (Tofu hot soup with clams and other seafood) and a kimbap (sort of like a maki roll but is NOT a maki roll, filled with different side dishes or preserved veggies). The kimbap was actually pretty decent but the soon doo boo was terribly bland, clams seemed to be rotten, not spicy (despite ordering EXTRA spicy), lacked that "cutting hot but refreshing" feeling and was actually pretty lukewarm instead of boiling like how it should be. Yes you read that correctly, boiling. Also, why was there zucchinis in my soondooboo? That may belong in other things like dwaeng jang jjigae but not soondooboo. Maybe I am just bitter. Actually no, I am bitter. Honestly, I feel a bit ashamed, If this is the food they are advertising as authentic Korean food here in Chicago to those who have never eaten Korean food...this is not the standard. This isa poorly made imitation of Korean food at best. I will say however, the price wasnt too bad and their wings they make looked pretty good so if youre looking around, try out their wings, it may be a pleasant surprise. Overall, if you need some good Korean ingredients to make your delicious home made stews or get delicious shin ramen and soju stop by the market. Otherwise steer clear of the cafeteria. Or at least the soondooboo. The good: the kimbap, the snacks, the selling of soju, kimchi, and ingredients. The not so good: the soondooboo. Potential: their hot snacks and

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CI

Cicely McClennon

I wanted to introduce my daughter to Be-Bim-Bop and we were refused service at the food counter. The restaurant was 80% filled and we waited behind 5 people in line when the server/cashier stated the kitchen was closed. I told the server we drove a long way and we wanted Bi-Bim-Bop and she promptly said we could only take it to-go. I felt very unwelcomed and as an African visiting the restaurant and making an attempt to expose my daughter to something I experienced with college friends--this treatment was horrible! My daughter was upset and we refused to take our food to-go and left without purchasing any food. I did make a verbal complaint but I had to make a written complaint. We drove 25 miles to be insulted. I cannot imagine seeing any Korean person in an African restaurant--but if they should so venture into African cuisine, I doubt if they would ever be treated poorly. A very bad experience and nasty reflection on the Joong Boo Market.

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JD

jDub You

This is the nearest Asian grocery market for a lot of people in Chicago. I am lucky enough to live less than a mile away. Jung Boo, unfortunately, isnt my Asian market of choice. It is, however, my go-to for when I run out of something or need just one or two items that I wont find at any American grocer. They do have a great mini-restaurant in the back of the store. Ive dined here a few times and gotten take out orders made while I shop. The grocery store itself is on the small side but its packed full of a wide variety of Asian groceries. Youll find an entire aisle dedicated to snacks if thats your thing. I come for the bulgogi, the mini-bar of Korean salads, and the kimchee fridge. They are reasonably priced for everything. In a separate area, there is a tightly packed section of Asian knick knacks and appliances. Lost you hot pot utensils and having a hot pot party later? No worries, youll find everything you need.

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LI

Lisa Sromek

Located just off the Belmont/Kimball expressway ramp, this market of Asian staples is also surprisingly accessible by public transit (walking distance from the CTA Belmont Blue Line station, and front-door serviced by the Kimball bus). The challenge is that people usually find themselves walking out with heavy or bulky items (whether its large bags of rice, fresh coconuts and melons, or economy-sized packs of ramen noodles). Its a great place to pick up beautiful pomegranates and pumpkins in the fall, and I love the selection of tofu and fresh sprouts, as well as the self-serve kimchi bar (which is almost like the Korean answer to an olive bar). Never fear if this place is a trek for you--there is a long standing cafe inside where you can dine on your choice of several authentic Korean meals and soups (very good). If you just need a snack, theres now a stand in the parking lot where you can grab hot, steamed asian buns.

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JE

Jeff Song

The Snack Corner with Joong Boo Market, once a hidden gem, is secret no more. This is a fantastic, albeit tiny, cafe that serves a limited variety of traditional Korean foods. They have a selection of prepared foods such as kim bap and ggampongi (sweet and spicy Korean fried wings), as well as hot dishes that are served up as you order like soon doobu (spicy tofu stew), bibimbap (mixed rice bowl), bulgogi (marinated beef), and hwedupbap (sashimi and rice bowl). All are fantastic. However, if you get there too late in the day, you likely wont find anymore kim bap or ggampongi left over as theyll have sold out. The rest of the market is great, too. Mostly everything you need to make traditional Korean dishes is available, and the quality of the house made kimchi and meats/seafood is good. But beware the parking lot during peak hours - it can be a frenzy.

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PH

Phong Nguyen

The groceries are good in general but when it comes to the food corner. The service is terrible, I know that I should not expect proper service like in a regular restaurant, because it is self-service. At least treat me like a human paying for food not like a dog begging for food. It almost got me into the fight with the young cashier with attitude. I tried to order Bulgogi dish, she said it is sold out as she not even bothered looking at me. Then I said I like to order for to go... not even finished my sentence, then she jumped in my mouth, raised her tone : "I SAID IT IS SOLD OUT!!!" I got really mad but tried to calm my self down. I told her not to jumped in my mouth when I was not finished saying what I want!!!. Then after charging my card she threw the card at my face and mumbling! The attitude is unacceptable!!!! I will never return again!!!

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ID

Idyl E.

I LOVE the Snack Corner here. Its a very simple dining area where you gaze at the large menu with pictures and help yourself to hot tea or water. The prices for what you get are ridiculously cheap. I ordered the bulgogi dish, which came with rice, 3 sides, and a bowl of broth....all for 7 bucks! At Assi Plaza and H-Mart, its over 10 bucks. My friend ordered the Yuk Gae Jang, a spicy beef stew which also came with the rice and sides; that was 6 bucks. My bulgogi was delicious and well-marinated. I loved it.....I had enough leftover for another meal, but when I asked for a container, they said it was 50 cents, which I was not happy with. So I asked my friend to eat the rest of it. After eating, we strolled around the market and I bought a couple boxes of Pocky and left happy!

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