Joong Boo Market

Love this place, even though I’m way out of my depth here. I come for the Phoenix Bean tofu, but always end up buying other stuff like funny-​looking mushrooms or a huge steamed bean dumpling to eat in the car. If you like to cook, treat yourself to an exploration of the ingredients at Joong Boo Market.

Prolly my favorite place in the city for fast Korean food and cheap groceries.
I love Joong Boo for their snack corner and also for all the marinated beef they have.
You get quality fresh produces at cheap price.
I would literally go here everyday if I could.

Why were there mammal brains/​intestines (see pic) in my cod stew? Gross gross gross

I come here mostly for the small eatery inside the grocery store. Not only is it cheaper, but better than most Korean places I’ve been

This unassuming Korean market right off the I90/​94 highway is definitely a hidden treasure. Tucked away in the back of the market is a little cafeteria-​like spot serving classic craving-​satisfying dishes. You won’t find your over-​popularized Korean bbq back here, but you’ll find more unknown dishes to the general public. But if you know about Korean food, you know how some of these dishes are far more heart-​warming: yuk-​gae-​jang, bi-​bim-​bap, soon-​do-​boo, dduk-​bokki.
I got the bibimbap and it was a nice meal after a week of unhealthy eating. The bibimbap comes with clear soup and some kimchee. This not the best bibimbap I’ve ever had, but at a very reasonable price it made me very happy. There were plenty of good veggies and a nice egg on top. [Pro tip: don’t be shy to ask for more of the gochujang sauce]. The service was quick and it was a relaxed environment. Plus, you can do all your Korean food shopping on your way out!
For a quick, inexpensive, and low key spot with good food, Joong Boo Market is a very good spot.

Joong Boo Market is the best Asian market I have found in the city. The prices are great and they have a huge variety of items. If you don’t know what you are looking for and don’t speak an Asian language it can be a little overwhelming, but the staff has always been very helpful when I ask for help.
On Wednesday they have a huge sashimi platter for $ 25! Make sure you order in advance. Also you have to get a dumpling at the little shop just outside the store. I personally love the kimchi dumpling!

Two words. SASHIMI PLATTER.
Disclaimer: This review is JUST on the above two words, so if you are not interested, please do not read further.
Totally worth it. The rumors are true, they DO have $ 25 sashimi platters on Wednesdays ($ 35 on all other days). The platter is huge, you could comfortably feed 3 – 4 people with just one platter. My husband and I can never finish out the platter by ourselves.
To be honest I was completely clueless and felt a bit iffy calling Joong Boo to place an order for the sashimi platter. No instructions or information anywhere! I tried to sift through the Unilocal reviews but they all just tell you to ‘call ahead’. That wasn’t too helpful. So now… after having called them 3 times in the past month (yes, basically every Wednesday this past month)… I will share with you the process. Pick up your phone on Wednesday before 4PM and call (773) 478‑5566 (it’s the same number listed on their Unilocal business phone number). A Korean lady or man will pick up the phone and WILL speak to you in Korean until you mumble out your English to place an order for a sashimi platter. They will then proceed to answer you back in English (phew…) to ask what time you will pick up, your phone number, and how many platters. If you’re Korean… then great, they will probably hook you up. lol.
It’s okay if you’re a bit late (or early) to pick up your order. When you get to Joong Boo, just walk to the way back of the store where they sell their fresh fish (it’s right next to their small dining area). There’s a sign on the window display (where they keep fresh fish) reminding you to place your order ahead of time. If you do forget to call, they will allow you to place an order by going to the registers up front to place an order. Not sure why you can’t do it at the fish counter… but oh well, it’s $ 25! No one really pays attention to you once you are at the fish counter, so make sure you flag someone down and tell them you are there to pick up the sashimi platter. They will verify your phone number with you, and voila! You have your sashimi platter. Just bring the sashimi platter up to the registers and you will pay for it there.
So simple and cheap… and delicious. We are definitely frequent return customers here.

Even though Joong Boo is kind of a hike from my place in Oak Park, I’ve come here 3 times in the last month. One of my fave Asian grocers in Chicago! It’s always clean, food is fresh and the staff is very polite. Added bonus, 0.50 for Korean sheet masks, $ 1.00 for humongous, juicy Asian pears, and you can’t forget the awesome food stand with the $ 2.00 kimchi mandoo dumplings. YUM!

Asian markets are particularly fun because there is always something interesting and new I want to try – I can say that about any ethnic market really. But Joong Boo is great because at times, it does feel like I’m shopping in a marketplace in Asia.
The seafood and meat section is great. There is a good selection of fish/​shrimp and the recent day we visited – fresh blue crabs. There are lots of different cuts of meat – especially if you plan to cook up some Korean BBQ. I found some marinated beef that cooked up perfectly for bulgogi. The produce section leans toward the Asian side – but everything is really fresh.
I love the kimchi and pickled veggie bar. You can pick and choose what you’d like to round out your meals at home. Tons of Asian staples – rice, sauces, sauce starters, noodles, frozen meals… lots to browse.
Snacks? Snacks galore like Asian chips, cookies (Yan Yan and the panda cookies) and everyone’s favorite Pocki!
Speaking of snacks – the Snack Corner is a must too. Language barrier? Just smile and point to what you’d like. The BiBimBop is delicious!
More snacks outside via their dumpling window – they are called dumplings, but they’re really huge stuffed steamed dough pockets filled with either pork/​veg/​noodles or sweet red bean. So good but too big for me so always need to share.
I love taking my dad here because he loves making spicy korean stews and likes to get his ingredients here. I just hate the parking lot… it’s crazy cramped.

Awesome market. If you’re a timid, non-​Asian, this could potentially be a harrowing experience for you, but, as things go in life, getting outside of your comfort zone is generally a good thing.
This isn’t the absolute best Asian market, but I’ve shopped at H-​Mart in ATL which is the fantasy land of Asian groceries. That being said, the selection is very good and you’ll definitely find what you need. I thought it was hilarious that they stocked Ditka’s steak sauce. They had probably fifteen different kinds of soybean paste as well as gochugang. I felt as if the kimchee was a tad overpriced ($ 7/​small jar).
There is a ca-​razy kimchee bar here. I’m talking shit you ain’t ever heard of crazy.
Some of the aisles aren’t wide enough for two carts to pass through, so you may end up playing chicken with someone at some point. Also, don’t be surprised if there’s a dude with a dolly full of boxes stacked ten feet tall that threatens to topple onto you.
The dumpling vendor outside is SO GOOD. $ 4 for two huge dumplings that will leave you absolutely stuffed. One might be enough to fill you up if you aren’t a voracious eater, so $ 2 – 4 for a delicious meal in Chicago ain’t half bad!

Wednesday Specials: $ 25 sashimi platter. Its a great deal and a very quick and easy way to feed the family, or just yourself.
Other than that, the rest of the market is pretty good. Conveniently located right off the highway so its easy to get to, although leaving their parking lot can be of a hassle depending on the time of day.

Snack Corner is some of the most affordable and delicious Korean comfort food in this city.
But shhhh don’t tell anyone else because it’s always sooo crowded. Tiny tables you might end up having to share with strangers, which would be fine if you aren’t literally bumping elbows.
As a grocery store, it’s pretty impressive how much Korean/​Asian essentials they manage to pack into that tiny space. Not a lot of produce options esp compared to H Mart. Much better in dried/​nonperishable stuff. If you are in the area you can likely find what you need, esp if it’s ramen, gochujang, or doenjang lol. I’d say they have a pretty comprehensive Korean selection and almost nonexistent pan-​Asian essentials selection.
They also have a side dish bar that’s kind of unique (but also not too sanitary I don’t think).
Parking can be a nightmare — it’s so cramped and there is a lot of traffic in and out — and that goes for inside the store too! Can be very overwhelming with how many people are in such a cramped space.
Joong Boo is really not convenient or comprehensive enough to be my go to Asian market, but man… every time I drive by on I-​94 I really really want to stop by Snack Corner.
Snack Corner — 5 stars
Bao place outside — 4 stars
Market — meh.

Two words– pork buns. They are heavenly.
I always go to this grocery store to stock up whenever I go to Chicago. The selection is much better than I am used to in Indianapolis. I love the banchan buffet area and the fact that you can buy pre-​marinated proteins like kalbi and bulgogi at the deli (?) section to make at home. This place is my version of a candy store.

The grocery store is okay for the products it sells because it’s the only Korean grocery store in Korean. Prime place to get your Korean cuts of meat, kimchee, and all kinds of sauces.
I’m going to be reviewing the little restaurant tucked into the corner. It’s really busy, and tiny so you have to watch like a hawk to get a table. I enjoy getting the food here and usually pick up some Korean fried chicken (do it, worth it). However the quality of the food has gone down. The last time I got food it wasn’t the same as what I usually get. However it’s good for a quick fix of Korean food, so I won’t stop going.

DUMP ME NOW
When I drive by this place on the Kennedy expressway I always want to just jump out of my car and run in here. Why? Because there is a little shack in front of the store that is steaming up greatness.
For only $ 2 you get a freshly steamed pork or kimchi stuffed wang mandoo. This steamed bun is heftier and tastier than any fast food you could ever buy. Skip the dollar burger menus and come here for a real meal.
This is one of Chicago’s true culinary gems. The ladies working here really don’t like photos of them working, so save your photos for the steamed works of art. You’ll find yourself diving into them while sitting in your car. I also recommend getting a few extra buns because they reheat up well and taste fantastic the next day.
The kimchi is very good with its spiciness and the pork is full of tasty meatiness. It is hard to decide which one to get, so make life easy and get four of each. Trust me you’ll thank me later.
Now don’t miss the inside of the store because it is a chefs dream if you dream in Asian food. The store is just packed with amazing items to take your dishes up to the next level. There is also a place to buy dishes, woks, utensils & clothes. The fresh fish & meat look fantastic. I wanna start cooking now. If you don’t know how to cook then there is a restaurant inside. I’ve never eaten inside here but the food looks yummy and it’s always packed. That is typically a great sign for good authentic food.
If you do come here just be warned that on the weekend the parking lot is a mad house. Luckily they have someone directing traffic but I advise you to park on the street or drive in here with patience on your mind. So next time you want the best steamed buns in Chicago then this is the place. I also advise you make your way inside the store for a cultural culinary experience. I love Chicago because of amazing places like this.

The market was an A+! Lots of products I previously thought you could only get in Asia. We got 5 different types of Kimchi from the kimchi bar. That was a first for me! Kimchi from leeks? Yes! I think I will. This little market also has a restaurant in the back manned by elderly Korean women. I was not as satisfied as I hoped to be with my meal but my wife was ecstatic. I felt like we didn’t order the right foods due to the volume of options. We will go again and explore. Until then we will reminisce and study up on the best items to get and read some more reviews to help narrow down our choice based on what we like.

I am solely basing off my impression of Joong Boo on one thing and one thing only:
Wednesday. Sashimi. $ 25. HELLA. OMG. SOGOOD.
You need to come here on a Wednesday just to snag a platter of their incredible deal. Where else could you spend $ 25 on an assortment of sashimi that includes salmon, tuna, and that one sliver of fish that we often find in jigae.
While it may not be the freshest cuts of fish ever, keep in mind that you are buying it from a supermarket. The quantity and consistency of quality is in itself SO worth it. We picked it up, grabbed some extra banchan and ingredients for yogurt soju, and took ourselves home and enjoyed.
Seriously, can’t wait for Wednesday Sashimi at JB again!

Joong Boo Snack Corner is everything you would expect and hope for in a mini Korean food court run by ahjumas who will smile and greet you sweetly when they can and politely ignore you while expediting the five orders ahead of you. Quarters are very cramped, with the few tables in the area packed up against each other. You might find yourself having to slide into your seat because there’s no room to pull it back.
I must give a preliminary shout out to the steamed «dumpling» stand out front serving enormous $ 2 buns of kimchi, pork, and sweet red bean paste with black rice dough. These are an excellent appetizer while you await a small bowl of bouncy fish cakes in flavorful but light-​bodied broth or a big bowl of spicy ramen with perfectly chewy rice cakes and two boiled eggs. All the flavors were big and wonderful, as were the portions, and the prices were very affordable. Possibly the best value for Korean food in the city.

The best Korean food for that price! I recommended to every Asian Food Lover :)
Cheep and tasty.

Oh how I love hole in the wall places like this. This little «snack corner» is inside the Joong Boo grocery store directly off the Kimball exit, and it’s where you want to go for authentic, no frills Korean food. Everything from some warm ramen, bibambap, and some other comfort foods you should try off their big picture menu on the wall.
They also have kimbap and chicken wings to go for cheap.
There’s not much seating here, but you won’t find Korean comfort food at this value and quality without going further on the North side.
Check it out and there’s bound to be some things you’ll pick up in the grocery store too!