Little Banchan Shop in Long Island City crafts elevated Korean pantry staples and ready-to-eat delights, offering authentic flavors and quality ingredients.
"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
"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
"Little Banchan Shop is to banchan lovers what Graceland is to Elvis fans. The space in Long Island City is lined with fridges framed by slats of blonde wood, inside of which you’ll see small pouches of dried squid, spicy fish cakes, marinated eggs, and countless other Korean sides. Mostly in the $6-$10 range, the banchan is slightly pricey by grocery store standards, but once you try it, you’ll forget any grievances. Don't leave without at least one container of the creamy, mustard-forward potato salad. You can also grab some prepared meals or a jjajangmyeon kit to take home, and there’s a small counter up front where you can sit down and eat. For a more upscale experience, try the restaurant, Meju, hidden behind the shop. It's open Thursday through Sunday and serves a seven-course tasting menu for $185." - Bryan Kim
