Joong Boo Market

From an incredible variety of fresh noodles to a produce section stocked with items like gobo root and sesame leaves to shelves crowded with savory sauces and fermented bean pastes, this Avondale grocer is a curious cook’s delight. Hit up the meat department for thin slices of marbled shabu shabu beef, ribeye and pork belly at supremely reasonable prices; for a DIY Korean feast, stop by the self-serve banchan bar for side dishes like kimchi and spicy garlic stems. On your way out, pay a visit to the mandu stand, which has lately earned a cult following for its colossal and tasty steamed dumplings (packed with kimchi, pork or sweet red bean paste); at $2 a pop, they’re one of the city’s best bargains.