Joong Boo Market

Not every visit to a market is just about the groceries you take home. At Joong Boo Market, the trip itself is the reward, culminating in a counter-service meal that channels the energy of Korean street food. Before you even step inside the main building in Chicago, a small, separate stand steams with handmade *wang mandu*, enormous dumplings filled with pork or kimchi and pork. Many regulars consider these softball-sized buns a mandatory purchase, either to snack on while shopping or as a takeaway treat. Inside the market, the Snack Corner serves a broad variety of authentic Korean dishes. This is a place built on the convenience of a quick-service counter, but its reputation rests on delivering traditional flavors. The kitchen has become known for an array of soups and stews, from a spicy soft tofu and seafood stew (*sundubu-jjigae*) to a hearty beef short rib soup (*galbi-tang*). The offerings capture a wide spectrum of Korean food. You might find marinated ribeye (*bulgogi*), a comforting bowl of udon, or sweet and spicy rice cakes with ramen noodles (*ra-bok-kee*). Other staples that have made appearances include Korean vegetable rolls (*kimbap*), spicy cod stew, and stir-fried octopus (*nakji-bokkeum*). It’s a culinary destination embedded within the aisles of a bustling market that has been a source for pan-Asian products since 1992. The combination of grocery shopping and a satisfying, unpretentious meal has made Joong Boo Market a fixture for those seeking authentic Korean food.