Place to grab kimbap (Korean "sushi") in downtown SF?

[Pammeh]

Wow, a search on "kimbap" actually yielded NO results on this board! I'm shocked...

Anyways, I'm looking for a place to hit up to soothe this kimbap craving I have. I know of a few sit-down Korean restaurants that serve the stuff in a pinch, but ideally, I'd like to find a supermarket/convenience store type of place where I can grab and go for cheap. :) Any suggestions?

[boomer13]

this may be too late but... At least this suggestion is in SF (not in downtown).
The closest to downtown where I have found just mom & pop grocery stores where they sell made items is on Filmore St. a couple of grocery stores (can't recall any names) but they are near the Filmore music hall.

The 2nd closest idea for finding items from a Korean Grocery (more in keeping w/ the stores you see in S. Calif.) is all on Geary in the Richmond district. I believe there is a store right next door to the (infamous) Korean restaurant called "My Tofu House" which is favorite of my hubby's.

Hope this helps... because I think I connected with what you were looking for.

SA

[junesix]

The first one is Woo Ri Market at Fillmore x Geary.

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Woo Ri Food Market
1528 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA

[StephP]

Any leads on kimbap north of the Bay, in Sonoma side, Vallejo, or closer to Napa?

[Robert Lauriston]

People who know that area might not be reading a topic with "downtown SF" in the title. You might start a new topic titled something like "Korean in North Bay?" There are a few places in Cotati and Santa Rosa.

Some relevant topics:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/430178
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/425530
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/45074

[StephP]

thanks!

[PolarBear]

This thread reminded me of a link to an article posted on the Western Canada board:

http://foodosophy.wordpress.com/2008/...

Having read some recent posts by Bay area hounds on their NW experiences this summer, I'm adding this to my must try list for next summer.

I don't suppose any of the local kimbap offerings approach this level?

[Robert Lauriston]

See this topic:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/490903

[PolarBear]

Thanks, Shindokdo looks like it might have possibilities. Only one other thread on CH however and the comments are 3-4 years old. There was one person on the kelp site that was Korean and gave it thumbs up. Will have to take a look at Ban Su next trip to the southland.

Shindokdo
2690 El Camino Real
Santa Clara
[phone]

[Xiao Yang]

It almost looks like you are setting me up to mention John's Snack and Deli....

http://www.snackanddeli.com/

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John's Snack and Deli
40 Battery St, San Francisco, CA 94111

[wolfe]

So that's what the stuff I buy at the front counter on the left at Koreana market is called. 2 large rolls with up to 20 pieces for around $4.

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Koreana Plaza
2328 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA

[kresge86]

My thoughts as well. Not only does John's Snack & Deli carry kimbap, but they are homemade by the owner's (Min's) mother. Yummy and cheap. Min also offers other homemade Korean dishes. Get to know Min and he'll give you a heads up, or even fill special requests.

[Windy]

I walked by today, and there was a sign that they are from a Japanese sounding business in San Jose.

[Xiao Yang]

According to Yelpers, the kimbap is made to order right in front of you. (I've never ordered the kimbap, just the mandoo).

[Xiao Yang]

I took a closer look today. The sign is for Japanese Sushi from Suruki, a separate offering from the house-made kimbap.

[kresge86]

The owner, Min, is definitely Korean, and his mom makes the kimbap in the store (along with some of the other Korean specialties). Min is super friendly, so just walk in and introduce yourself. Let him know what you're looking for, and he'll help you out.

[vnchile]

Thank you so much for this information! I've been searching for Korean in the fidi.