Little Banchan Shop
Korean restaurant · Long Island City ·
Korean banchan, kimchi, gimbap, bulgogi, and bibimbap
Korean banchan, kimchi, gimbap, bulgogi, and bibimbap
"Little Banchan Shop is to banchan lovers what Graceland is to Elvis fans. It’s a magical place in Long Island City, lined with fridges stocked with pouches of various Korean sides. From dried squid and baby anchovies to spicy fish cakes and world-class potato salad, the selection is overwhelming. Grab a few items, then come back a week later and grab a few more. In addition to banchan, this place sells prepared meals and Korean pantry items, and they also serve a few made-to-order items like bulgogi and fried chicken. If you want to sit down and eat, grab a seat at the tiny counter by the entrance." - bryan kim, kenny yang, willa moore, will hartman
"Hooni Kim, owner of the currently closed defining Korean restaurant Danji, opened a new spot across the bridge, in Long Island City, in 2022. At the front is Little Banchan Shop, a provisions shop where Kim stocks fridges with his own sauces and ferments, with a cafe that serves up fresh bibimbap. At the back is Meju, a Michelin-starred hidden tasting menu counter." - Eater Staff
"This past year, he opened Little Banchan Shop and Meju, a fine dining counter tucked in the back." - Caroline Shin
"Meju is situated in the back of Kim’s Little Banchan Shop, a pocket-size storefront that sells an array of Korean side dishes and other prepared foods." - Helen Rosner
"While reporting in Queens I stopped by Little Banchan Shop, Hooni Kim’s provisions shop, and found some of the best to-go bibimbap I’ve had at $13.50: the bowl comes topped with a runny egg, plenty of mushrooms, and the shop’s signature gochujang, which makes the bowl memorably good; there are a few counter seats inside but it’s perfect to eat in the community garden next door on a lovely day." - Eater Staff