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April 2024 by Samantha P.
I'm so happy to have found a kimchi shop so close by! Seoul Do Soon Yi is a tiny little shop but you don't need much space when you just offer kimchi. I've been twice now and gotten the Napa cabbage kimchi both times. Flavor is perfect, nice spice level, not too fishy. I do wish it was slightly more fermented and I do see a lot of reviews stating to leave the container out a day or two but I'm too scared to try that. I still plan on coming back any time I need a fix
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March 2024 by Andrew K.
This small kimchi store in Garden Grove sells large jars of kimchi in three varieties: napa cabbage, white kimchi, and seasonal cucumber. The napa cabbage can be bought in whole or already cut up, which is sectioned off in the open refrigerator behind the glass window doors. Just ask for help if you cannot tell which is which by looking at the jars. I like that they have kept the price of a large jar of kimchi, with a net weight of 8 lbs., under $20 all these years since the store first opened. The napa cabbage kimchi ripens very well after a couple of months. There are several other kimchi stores throughout Orange County - although mainly in Buena Park, Cerritos, La Palma, Irvine, or Garden Grove - where you can get very good kimchi in more varieties (e.g., oyster kimchi, young turnip leaves, mustard greens, radish, garlic chives). I do like the prices here, however, and the friendly service. NOTE: This is a kimchi-only store and you can only pay with cash.
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March 2024 by James A.
Coming here strictly based on Yelp reviews, Seoul Kimchi is located in the heart of OC KTown, with a small storefront in one of those common strip malls found all over LIttle Saigon. Since transactions here will take very little time at all, both parking spots in front were available. There are two retail refrigerators located inside, where gallon and half gallon plastic containers of different kimchis are available for purchase. There is a small register, and cash seems to be preferred (though I did spy a digital card machine nearby and didn't see any signs stating cash only). I bought a gallon of pre-cut napa cabbage kimchi ($23) and a half gallon of the radish kimchi for $17...which came out to an even $40, which can't be a coincidence. Yeah, I know...whole is better, but have you ever tried to cut a quarter napa head to eat while wearing a white shirt...you better have a pre-treatment stick handy. For me, it needs to ripen a bit more in the fridge, but I did take a bite from each container and confirmed that it's very fresh and CRISP. The radish kimchi is going to turn out really well, and can't wait to try again in a week or two. It also gives me an excuse to turn my last batch of really sour kimchi into a stew tonight. Eating kimchi really is a journey, from what I bought today (very fresh and clean) to something that is so funky and strong after a couple of months...perfect for pancakes and stews. Did a little searching once I got home, and found an article saying this family owned business has been around since 1996. I would love to learn more about where they make this (assuming in the back) and how much supply they make in each batch. Since they have been around for a while, curious how the business has changed...imo, the kimchi sold at HMart (and the like) has gotten a lot better (kimchi making in mass has become a well-defined process, especially in Korean-heavy places like LA and Chicago), to the point where it can almost compete with home-made kimchi (though I've never really had good kimchi at a restaurant)...at least that's what I thought, until I recently had a chance to eat a close family friend's recipe again, and realized how strong recency bias truly is. I guess I'll find out in a couple of weeks.
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March 2024 by Tommy L.
Whenever I get a chance I come here for my kimchee.. a lil pricey but worth it. Not many place i would recommend for kimchee but this place is always good..
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February 2024 by J T.
Its good but not great if you like it a bit more flavor. I bought the kimchi, Cucumbers and daikon it was too sweet for my taste and bland.
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February 2024 by Guy L.
This is the best Kimchi you will ever have. The key is to let it ferment for a couple of days....preferably in your garage. Losen the lid a little and keep it in the plastic bag the guy wraps it in as it'll spill out some liquid. And then it's ready to eat...or make kimchi soup like I do. Mmmm.Goood
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January 2024 by Jennifer H.
Great mom and pop shop selling delicious kimchi at reasonable prices esp for homemade! We got the napa cabbage kimchi, super fresh, if you like your kimchi more on the sour side, you may need to wait a week for it to ferment to your liking. And also the radish kimchi, which was our absolute favorite, also super fresh and just the perfect amount of crunch. We got both medium jars for exactly $30 (cash only!) We will definitely be returning to try the cucumber kimchi, come here to support small businesses!
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January 2024 by Lawrence L.
The kimchi here is pretty good. We typically let it sit outside on the counter for a few days to let it ferment a little more, then we put it back in the fridge. Knocking off 2 stars only due to what I'd consider s***** customer service. We called on a Sunday to confirm they were open around 4:10 PM. The owner said they closed at 5 and we asked if he'd stay any later as we were coming from Pasadena. He said no, not 5:01 or 5:10, but 5. We said okay, no big deal, rushed into the car and actually made it to the place at 4:55. We picked out a few items we wanted and then proceeded to pay. Based on a few yelpers and tips, it says that card was accepted, but that is not the case. He wouldn't take anything but cash, no zelle, no venmo, and only wanted cash. He jokingly said we could go to the hotel and ask for an ATM machine there and I said, well by the time we get back it'll be well over 5, won't you be gone? He said yeah. So what was the point of offering?
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January 2024 by Lisa T.
If I could give this place 10 stars I would! I love, love, love, their kimchi! I love their cucumber kimchi and Regular Napa Kimchi! I always ask for it fresh because I'm not a fan of it when it gets too fermented. Bring cash because this place only accepts cash for purchase. I definitely recommend buying your kimchi here! Worth the drive for Great Kimchi!!!!
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October 2023 by Dana H.
I love his kimchi and it taste so good and homemade. His service is 10/10 he is so nice and it's homemade kimchi he spends hours on! The best part is you walk in and you see how the fridges are stacked with kimchi! This is a very underrated place.
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September 2023 by Angela M.
This is the only place I get kimchi from. I will drive all the way from Arizona for it.
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June 2023 by Emi O.
I love the kimchi here. For sure better than ones you get at the grocery store. They offer cut kimchi and also non-cut ones so you can choose whenever you prefer. Make sure to bring cash since they only accept cash!
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April 2023 by James C.
It's a small shop and they specialize in napa cabbage kimchi. You can have any size you want as long as it's the huge jar and payment is cash only for $20. We tried it for the first time, I don't know what makes kimchi good but we all liked it in our household. The heat level is probably medium and the flavor is balanced with a peculiar freshness to it even though it's a fermented food item. The smell is definitely that fermented cabbage and garlic smell when you open the container but not as bad as the other types I've had before. I suspect what makes the smell bad is when it's packed with seafood products for flavoring but I don't think this brand has it. There's a constant flow of OG Koreans buying jars of this stuff so it definitely has some cultural credibility. Yes, I recommend this place if you can find room in your refrigerator for the large jar and have a $20 bill. 5 stars for flavor, 3 stars on the product limit and inconvenience. Like the hilarious Seinfeld "Soup N**** episode, we have a kimchi Nazi...go in point to the jar, step to the side, pay cash and leave.
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March 2023 by Don S.
Only accept cash pay. No explanation.Kimchi taste and price reasonable.Not salty kimchi.
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January 2023 by Emily T.
Yes the hype is true to word. Best kimchi in the USA. $20 for the big tall jar. What a deal. You won't like most other kimchi once you taste theirs. And you don't have to drive all the way to K-town LA. They only had fresh ones when I went, but fermented perfectly in the fridge. So good.
