Happy Belly After Happy Family

There's something exciting about trips to Asian supermarkets. Maybe it's the shelves stocked full of goods with labels I can't understand. Or perhaps the crazy old women running you off the side of the aisle with their carts. I thoroughly enjoy perusing the fresh meats & produce - there's always something that looks like it was harvested off of Mars. All these exotic eats look awesome, but how in the world do I prepare this package of something that resembles a squid? Honestly, I don't know what to do with it, but for some reason I want it.

Alas, there's my favorite aspect of an Asian supermarket - the food court. Instead of attempting to make something out of these foreign goods, I like to let the experts handle the preparation. For lunch today, I brought my mom to Zion Marketplace, an authentic Korean supermarket on Mercury Road off of the 163 freeway.  After perusing the aisles filled with various Korean imported goods, we settled down in the small food court right outside the market.

Happy Family

Of the two food stations available, I suggest trying the Korean option on the left (come on, you are in a Korean market).  Happy Family offers a nice selection of various traditional Korean dishes, all for under $10/dish.  

The Meal

After walking through the meat section of the market, I decided to satisfy my cravings and order the bulgogi (marinated barbecue beef) plate for $7.99. 

Bulgogi Plate - $7.99 @ Happy Family

The meat was tender and juicy, with the slight crunch of sauteed onions in each bite. Although it's not in the picture, I drizzled on the house hot sauce, which reminded me of sriracha, for a delicious kick - not too hot, but if you go for it, try a small bit on the side before drenching your meat.  The gyoza (fried dumpling) on the side was paired perfectly with the slightly spicy sauce in the center of the box. The soup was a simple, subtle broth that blended well with the rice and meat.

Mom ordered the traditional dolsot bibimbap (mixed rice cooked in stone pot) for $8.99.  I can't say too much about it, since I didn't get a chance to try it, but I thought this photo might get your mouths watering.

Dolsot Bibimbap - $8.99 @ Happy Family

On the bottom left of the photo, you'll notice a sampling of different kimchi.  After looking around the other tables in the food court, I've come to the conclusion that this little plate of goodness comes with just about every order.

Kimchi Sides - included @ Happy Family

The radish, cucumbers (I think?), and cabbage were so fresh! They all still had a nice crunch to them with each bite.  The cucumbers and cabbage were quite spicy; the radish was mild.  This little plate made the meal that more flavorful and authentic.

Try Some, Won't You?

If you're craving Korean food and don't want to break your budget at some of the popular KBBQ places in the area, give Happy Family a try! It's located in the Zion Marketplace (map it). Parking can get a bit crazy, especially during peak shopping hours (e.g. weekends), so take advantage of the "additional parking" lot across the street. But don't just go for the meal, soak in the culture, peruse the aisles of the market, try some Korean soda (or soju if you prefer) and enjoy the imported flavors that surround you.  

Until next bite, savor the flavor my friends!