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Assi Plaza
Categories: Food Grocery Food Specialty Food Ethnic Food Grocery, Ethnic Food [Edit]
8901 N Milwaukee AveNiles, IL 60714
(847) 470-9450
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 8:30 am - 10 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
60 reviews for Assi Plaza
Review Highlights
"I was in a produce-induced euphoria."
(in 21 reviews)
"The food in the food court was delicious."
(in 22 reviews)
"And my sister got her favorite Korean Onion Ring chips."
(in 20 reviews)
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60 reviews in English
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Review from Kevin L.
Well, if I ever need Korean beer (and pallets of it) I know where to go. Hite, Cass, OB - you name it, Assi has it aplenty. Although... having seen a few Korean friends in action, I can fully appreciate that consuming a whole pallet of beer might not be all that daunting to the initiated.
Beyond utterly drinkable yet unexciting alcoholic beverages, Assi seemingly stocks everything else in bulk, too. From persimmons to processed pork, this grocery store-cum-mini-mall offers no shortage of any of its items. Fruits and veggies are primarily stored in the same massive bins you typically see watermelons in. The smallest package of ground meat I saw was a beastly two-pounder. H-mart, meet Sam's Club.
I also witnessed a fellow shelving egg cartons - opening up each foam container and inspecting each egg individually, wiping them down with a damp cloth. It certainly looks like attention to detail is a virtue here. However, the same diligence needs to be applied a bit more liberally to the produce (read: wilty napa cabbage).
Oh. And if you need kimchee... look no further. They must have at least a dozen varieties on hand. If you -any- question this was a Korean grocers, you can lay that question to rest...Listed in: North Shore Chicago
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Review from James K.
12/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Assi has become my Korean/International grocery store of choice. Their produce is always fresh and they have the cuts of meat that you are looking for. The pre-prepped foods are always spot on and their plethora of different asian goods gives you what you need.
What bumps this place from 4 to 5 stars is the food court that serves restaurant quality Korean food at a much more affordable price.
The fried chicken place is delicious, if you've had the chicken at Cozy than you'll realize that this is the same owner.
The chajang myun and champong is delicious plus they do a half chajang myun half champong order! I don't know anybody else that does this in the area.
If you're craving a hearty and milky sulung tang, than they have what you need.
I can't vouch for the pho, but the fact that they have it is a plus. -
Review from Nelson M.
12/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Store Review:
Great asian market that rivals H-mart albiet a smaller store. When you walk in you are greeted by fresh produce section with good prices. There is quite a selection of asian vegetables that you can't find at your local Jewel or Dominicks. The seafood and meat section is about the same. Staff is friendly and usually there are multiple sample stations to try out new foods before you buy. For the dry foods, you can find ever version of ramen/instant noodle here.
Pros- great produce selection, wide selection of asian goods
Cons- fresh meat/seafood expensive if not on sale
Hidden deals- none, check out the sale items and you won't go wrong -
Review from Char Y.
Chicago, IL
1/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place is big enough to have everything your heart desires (asian wise), but the parking lot is TERRIBLE, full of pot holes and uncollected carts.
Comment from Skip Y. of Assi Plaza 1/19/2012
Thank you for your helpful review. I would like to inform… More » -
Review from Janet W.
Chicago, IL
11/24/2011
Assi Plaza will put any grocery store to shame. It's like a grocery outlet mall. For the non-Asian stuff, like milk, you can cheaper elsewhere. Assi is Korean owned, but has aisles for Chinese, Filipino, and Indian food items (Japanese is mixed in). The vegetables and fruits are amazingly fresh and so cheap! They're closest rival, H-Mart, can't compare on freshness or prices. Unlike H-Mart though, Assi sells their own brand along with other brands (H-Mart only sells other brands). Assi has really good deals on rice and seafood too, which is very rare for an Asian place since demand is pretty high there. You can find 20 lb bags of rice for $10 and the live blue crabs that come out on weekend mornings run from $1.49/lb to $2.99/lb (people drive for hours for these crabs and wait in the store for hours for fresh ones to come out).
If you want some take-and-go meals, they make fresh sushi everyday and they are half priced after 6 or 7 in the evening. If you want huge jars of kimchi, hey, they have that too. Hats? Cell phones? Tea? Knives? Trinkets? Art? Wanna haircut? Yep, all there.
And! They also have a really good food court. I used to come here often and the stand owners remember what I order and one guy even remembered my credit card security code... Since I'm not Korean, I remember my dishes by their number. In the Chinese stand in the corner by the cashiers, get #8. It's a noodle dish and the noodle tastes like it's handmade. If you're not Korean, they'll automatically assume you don't want the mustard sauce, so mention it if you want it. The soup stand closest to the exit has good non-spicy soup and good kimbab.
Assi is one of the reasons I miss the burbs *sniff* -
Review from Caroline A.
Chicago, IL
10/3/2011
Assi plaza is like an H-Mart, Jr.
The food court is mediocre. I really wasn't too impressed. The produce is very inexpensive, but not as bright and bustling as my beloved H-Mart. The meat and seafood department is nice. No complaints Good Korean snack options.
No bakery. Don't they know this is the best part of a Korean market??
Also, they seem to think it's acceptable to allow people from the local Korean church to bombard you with pamphlets and CDs. I was having lunch with my mom, and TWO people approached us and left us with religious CDs. They are also lined up at the entrance ready to attack. I find this to be quite offensive. I pretended I didn't speak Korean and got away.
I will not be back. Ever. -
Review from Amanda S.
Chicago, IL
10/21/2011
This please is great for a good lunch. There's a bunch of different options in price and value-from cheap sushi with white rice to a lovely $20 steak meal that is to die for!
Plus you get to go look at the weird fish for sale after. Always fun. -
Review from Lauren P.
9/5/2011 7 Check-ins Here
They sell belo cosmetic products here a.k.a. the filipino soap that makes you "lighter'. The belo line is located of course in the filipino aisle right next to the banana ketchup!
They're produce is very fresh, they have korean ban chan ready to grab and go, and their shrimp if you're lucky can be as cheap ass $2.99/lb.
Oh and that little bakery shop by the exit has awesome green tea type of bread. Super fresh.Listed in: where i buy my ingredients…
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Review from Andy C.
Lake Villa, IL
Updated - 11/7/2011
They FINALLY resurfaced the parking lot, but still have not addressed the issue of moronic drivers in the lot. I wish there would be a Niles cop parked in the lot to see what B.S. is going on there. Some people would be issued ALOT of tickets ranging from parking in handicap spaces, et cetera.
If you want to save your car from dings and dents, park away from the building. I've yelled at people from there moronic parking.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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4/22/2011
Like some previous reviewers have mentioned... Please fix those nasty potholes in the parking… Read more »
Comment from Skip Y. of Assi Plaza 1/19/2012
Thank you for your feedback on Assi. Because of our… More » -
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Review from Steve L.
Des Plaines, IL
12/2/2011 11 Check-ins Here
Assi is a Korean store, but has aisles for Chinese, Filipino, and Indian items . The vegetables and fruits are fresh and cheap. The noodle shop is outstanding!
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Review from dee a.
Chicago, IL
6/18/2011
Good prices, good selection!!!
Those small shop/cafe near the entrance, they sell these bubble tea/tapioca drinks, it's pretty good. It's comparable to joy yees. I always get taro tapioca or avocado tapioca.... Very tastety!!! -
Review from Jennie T.
4/12/2011
I never realized the greatness of this market until I went to another market, rumored to be its rival. They carry a lot more produce, which is always a plus in my book.
When I manage to get one of my friends to drive me here, I tend to come here for the following items:
- Korean white rice OR brown rice. I want the 20lb. bags. Like the stereotypical Asian person, I eat rice almost every day for lunch AND dinner. I used to alternate between the two, but I think I may get white rice during the warmer season and brown rice during the colder season. Korean white rice is my favorite version of white rice.
- Produce. I love the selection. Fruits and vegetables of all kinds, some of which I don't even know the names of in English (maybe Chinese... but then again, maybe not at all). Sesame leaves can be found here. Also, I hear that they have the freshest ginger root. Also, produce are usually cheaper at Asian markets.
- Kimchi. What's a Korean market without big jars of kimchi? :)
- Tofu. I like Asian branded tofu... I know I'm weird! I'll eventually get around to trying other brands... Maybe.
- Korean side dishes! Mmmm. Kimchi picked cucumbers? Yum! Chili flavored fish cake? Yum!
Ok, instead of trying to name every single item, let's just say that I like almost everything in this market. Ha!
Kimbap in the food court is also good. Mmm. I want some right now.Listed in: Asian Markets in Chicago
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Review from Esther S.
Glenview, IL
5/31/2011
The food there is pretty good. They bring your food to your table and you don't have to worry about tip.
Options you should try:
1. sul-lung-tang
2. jjang-pong (spicy seafood noodle soup) and jja-jang-myun (noodles with brown sauce) combo. Flavor happiness :)
3. mounds of chicken. There are two vendors that sell mounds of chicken. It's $14 but you can definitely split between two people. I prefer the one whose menu is mostly chicken. The vendor's name is... something like dooreedoredee.
4. kim-bap. (rice in seaweed roll). Average in taste but not bad for $2.50 a roll.Listed in: Chicagoland, Asian delights
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Review from Gladies H.
Gilberts, IL
9/20/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Talk about Asian grocery galore.. I usually get my fish and veggies here.. Anything Asian, they have.. But the best there is: Food court!! Korean Soup .....I never miss eating there everytime i do my groceries.. Or even just go there for some authentic Jigae!!
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Review from Gina K.
Oh where to start!
Assi - please invest in painting lines and repaving your parking lot. Your lot has been in shambles since opening day. No one parks properly. (perfect for asian joke here but nah...) And the problem just compounds itself on snowy days when chaos rules your lots and people fight over make believe spots. In bad weather days, I would rather go to H-Mart even if you're closer.
H-mart and Assi are like Walmart and Target of the Korean Supermarket world. Assi being the Walmart. It's cheaper but the experience of shopping at Assi leaves me questioning the quality and origin of all my purchases and feeling empty over the cheap thrill of my 30 cent red bean bar.
Stepping into Assi is like stepping into a seedy bar complete with stale funky odor .... my gut told me to leave. I cannot shop with you no more. -
Review from Pam D.
1/24/2011
This place offers a really nice variety of fresh produce and other items. As others have stated it is similar to H-Mart, but smaller. When you walk in there is a unique odor that did not bother me, but I am glad Christopher waited in the car because he would have walked out I think.
I will come back on my own when I can really explore the place more thoroughly, but I did pick up some good purchases. It is a bit of a drive for me, but I do feel the urge to return one day soon. -
Review from Melannie M.
Chicago, IL
11/15/2010
After being stuffed with delicious food, me and my sister decided to stop here. Good thing we did :)
When we entered the market, it was pretty cold but thats alright for now! There were so many strange veggies/or fruits? Hm...
Nothing was in English, except some labels that were on the back of the product. They had everything... and I mean everything! Things even in bulk size!
The many types of Asian ice cream made me go crazy, but I went straight for the green tea mochi!
The candy aisle made me jump for joy, literally! They had my favorite Japanese candy that I haven't been able to find anywhere! And my sister got her favorite Korean Onion Ring chips.
For tons of Asian products, this is the place to go! -
Review from Mike O.
3/28/2008
This place just opened on March 25th at the site of what used to be Sports Authority and another failed business before that. As I was driving past the place and saw all the commotion at "Assi Plaza International Food," I thought of stopping in to see it. From the look of the packed parking lot, I had a feeling I was onto something big. It was the grand opening of the store, actually.
As I walked in, for a moment I thought I entered a funeral home. Tripods with funeral-style floral arrangements lined the entrance wall. Once I re-oriented myself, I saw that it's just a florist right by the entrance. Inside, this place is something that will most likely rival Super H, just a couple miles away: an Asian supermarket with extensive produce, seafood, meat, deli and frozen section!
While Super H is bigger overall, this place is no slouch either. Prices are comparable too. I got bananas for 39 cents, snow peas for 99, and more! Beech mushrooms, $1.79. Big navel oranges, 3/$1. I was in a produce-induced euphoria. I won't give it a 5th star yet, as it has to stand the test of time against a local favorite like Super H, but they are off to a great start in my opinion. I also think they are far enough away to be able to prosper too.A ssi Plaza is part of a larger chain of Asian supermarkets across the US.
The checkouts are fast. I bought just a few things so I used the express lane. Even in the regular checkouts, the lines were short and lots of registers were open. Besides the grocery store at its center, there's a surrounding Asian mall with a restaurant, eyeglass place, clothing, healthy juices, and other services. In the back of the store, there's also a section with small kitchen appliances, cookware, and really nice plates, bowls and cups. I'll come here if I ever want to upgrade my everyday dinnerware.
I always make a point of trying a new thing when I go to a place like this. I tried a few new items on my visit:
Galia melon - On sale for 99 cents each, this is a cantaloupe-sized melon with a light orange, veiny exterior. Inside, it's light green like a honeydew and almost as sweet as a casaba melon.
Roasted peanuts - OK, nothing too adventurous here, but I just love their unsalted roasted nuts. Their thin, brittle shells are so easy to crack open and the nuts taste more flavorful than other peanuts I've bought. They seemingly melt away in your mouth with just a single bite. I know I'll get more next time!Listed in: Crossing the Niles
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Review from Liz M.
Chicago, IL
4/4/2008 1 Check-in Here
This place was being built and under construction FOREVER.
I think my anticipation made my expectations go way up.
So now it's open...I check it out...and I was a little disappointed.
This is no Super H Mart!!
For a brand new "International Market", I was expecting it to be sparkling fresh and clean with loads of great and unusual items.
It wasn't. Okay I'll give it a break, I was there on a Friday night at 8 PM.
Things were a little messy and not so tidy.
Good points...
bananas .29 a pound
the "fish guy" was attentive and funny
(bought an excellent piece of fresh tuna and some Tilapia fillets)
large selection of all sorts of Asian noodles
No "sample ladies' like Mike mentioned, which I do need when I am entering the unfamiliar cuisine zone (then again it was late)
The food court was small and uninteresting.
Oh well, for selection, quality, and atmosphere..I'll keep to Super H.Listed in: One Fish...Two Fish...Red…
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Review from Cindy K.
Chicago, IL
8/11/2009
For you non-Korean folk, it's not pronounced ASS-EE, it's AH-SHEE. Although every time I pass by the sign, I let out a little snort. Yeah, I'm 12.
Anyhoo, I go here over H-Mart because I like that it's smaller and less crowded. Prices for produce are reasonable, better than Dominick's for sure and similar quality. I bought Golden Delicious apples for $.89/lb. I believe I bought the same apples at Dominick's for about $1.59/lb.
They have a good selection, a dduk place and some fresh banchan. I just got a big chunk of sliced pork butt and I'm off to try to recreate the spicy pork bulgogi tacos from the famous LA Kogi Truck. I LOVE Korean markets. I usually spend the rest of the day making banchan and I'm set for food for the next month.
Oh and for lunch I ate the cchamppong/cchajangmyun combo. Not bad for the price. Not fantastic either, but this is Chicago we're talking about. -
Review from Frankie J.
Chicago, IL
3/15/2009
A couple of things come to mind when I first saw this place:
"What's that delicious smell? Why, that's Assi"
"If its tasty, it probably came from Assi. My Assi"
"How much is TOO much Assi? I say, not enough."
Okay, now that I got that off my chest, or the other part, this is also one of the best Korean grocers in the northern suburbs.
BEST VEGGIE ASSORTMENT
The stuff they have is always top knotch, you can't go wrong with the veggie selection here.
They have the BIGGEST killer assortment of green leafy veggies. Kale, mustard greens, mallow (I have no idea), different kinds of Asian greens (baby bok choy, on-choy, chinese broccoli - I counted at least 15-20 different kinds.
Peppers - they have some of the largest assortment of fresh hot peppers I have seen - thai, jalapeno, chili, I think its a bonnet, but I don't want to get near the nuclear version of a hot pepper.
This goes the same for any cruciferous veggies (rutabaga, turnips. kohlrahbi, cabbage, etc).
Fruits are good, but definitely seasonal. Asians like asian pears (go figure), pears, oranges, pommelos, plums, grapes, mangoes and persimmons. At times you can also get killer cherries, lychee (fresh) and other things. You have to look, though.
FISH & MEAT
Both are excellent. You can pick and choose what you want without having to break your budget. Chicken is especially fresh and inexpensive.
CAVEATS
Driving out there is a pain, and people park poorly in the lot. -
Review from Mikey J.
6/26/2010
Though not as flashy as its competitor H-Mart, this place does deliver. Prices are often cheaper here for the same high-quality and nutritious Asian food. Produce and meats/fish are very fresh here and the food court serves up quality Korean food. Assi is usually less crowded than H-mart.
Overall, a consistently well-run Asian grocery. Hard to beat! -
Review from christine p.
Deerfield, IL
8/9/2008
I was so happy when Assi opened up cuz then I wouldn't have to drive all the way to Hmart. Plus the food court at Assi has better food. (Although I think Hmart sells better ban chan.)
Their fish is super fresh and they have different options of how you want it cleaned and prepared. They also have this area with self-serve marinated meats that I found to taste pretty good. Their selection of fruits and vegetables is pretty extensive and always reasonably priced.
The only complaint I have is entering and exiting the parking lot. If you're trying to take a left out onto Milwaukee, good luck and be careful!!! -
Review from LuLu R.
12/7/2008
For the record, I like Assi more than Super H-Mart. They have a huge selection of Filipino foods (I like variety). The staff is friendly. The store is clean. The prices are cheap and comparable to H Mart. I go here for the produce which is cheapest here. They also have a wide variety of exotic produce. If you live closer to Assi than H-Mart, I would save a lil gas and go to Assi. You wont regret it, I didn't.
They have this awesome food court with lots of choices to grab a quick bite. I love how they give me a selection on different items to choose from.
Ample parking, Public Transport accessible......AHHH-THE CHOICES....LOOOOOOOOOOVE it
I cannot stress enough..... if you buy alot of produce. Go to Assi. Its Cheap, its fresh, and its clean. Trust me. You will thank me later. It isnt just for asian people. -
Review from David G.
Chicago, IL
9/14/2009
When Assi opened about a year ago, I pointed at the sign and giggled. But I'm sure millions of people made the same jokes. It's conveniently located on Milwaukee Ave. on my way home from work. I decided to take the plunge and go in.
The smell hit me when I walk in, and all these flashbacks started popping into my head of being back in Korea. I went to Assi mainly to check out the produce but I was distracted by the rest of the store. Huge selection of Korean and other Asian products. I found a Filipino aisle. They had the staples... shrimp paste, Mang Tomas All Purpose Sauce (good with lechon), jars of halo halo ingredients. They even have a small liquor section that carries OB.
I never got around to buying any fruits, and I was tempted to buy a durian. I actually got close and tried to smell them, but that sweet garbagey smell wasn't there. This was a good thing, because many produce sections smell like garbage even in the absence of durian.
I skipped lunch and was famished, so I checked out the little food court, where vendors sold Korean, Japanese and Vietnamese food. I had been craving bibembap so I ordered the steak bibembap, and it was very good and it set my mouth on fire.
A few smaller stores line the front walkways. There's a small section for kitchenware, a store that specializes in ginseng products, and a health store. There is a bakery near the entrance that I will have to check out next time.Listed in: At Your Local Grocery!
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Review from Tuyen T.
Chicago, IL
3/16/2009
I feel kinda bad that H-mart is so close because of all the competition between them.
To me they are very similar. Assi seems smaller and less crowded than H-mart, but they offer the same products pretty much. The prices are around the same too. Only thing I've noticed that was different was that Assi has a larger selection of instant noodles. lol -
Review from Andrew B.
Chicago, IL
1/16/2009
Close your eyes and let me magically transport you to the wonderland that is Assi Plaza...
Imagine Jewel. Now imagine Jewel in Korea. Aisle upon aisle of products you do not recognize, exotic vegetables that probably taste stranger than they look and cuts of meat which you cannot identify as coming from any known animal. Two full aisles of colorful kids' desserts that look delicious but taste like a combination of fish and pure, uncut, melamine.
To your right you see a fruit you think you recognize and you put it in your basket. Out of nowhere an old bearded Asian man appears and tells you never to get the "fruit wet or feed it after midnight."
The rest of your visit unfolds like the final fight scene from Big Trouble in Little China. When you get home, you discover that the Raiden character has friended you on Facebook.
That is the Assi experience. -
Review from Adele S.
Buffalo Grove, IL
10/5/2008
I'm undecided on this place...it's ok but I think I like Super H mart better. I didn't get a chance to sample anything or try the food court, it was a little overwhelming. I didn't find the fish to be fresh at all, smelled nasty, the fish all had cloudy eyes.
The produce was nice overall but the aisles were a bit dirty. I liked the meat dept...nice beef and chicken-I picked up a big package of shortribs. I was looking for a particular japanese rice cracker which they didn't have and it didn't look like the aisle was marked properly because it was supposed to be chinese products but I muddled my way through it all. Truthfully, I'd like to have looked around more but wasn't feeling well. Hopefully, I'll make it back here and be able to raise my rating! -
Review from Brad C.
Chicago, IL
1/1/2009
I recently converted to Assi from H-Mart after being annoyed by the latter's spotty produce, lack of product turnover, and erratic pricing. While Assi seems the less spiffier of the two, I like its seafood and banchan offerings better than H--comparable in quality, cheaper in price.
That being said, I rarely shop for produce here--I go to Jerry's a few miles down Milwaukee--and I find the middle aisles pretty much indecipherable.. -
Review from Giselle S.
Glenview, IL
1/6/2011 8 Check-ins Here
So what is the difference between this Korean market versus the
'Great HIJ Mart'?
The fruit/veggies are vast and wide with selection. The fresh fish and meat are also varied and sometimes sold frozen.
The dry goods and noodles are also similar.
Considering I buy pretty much the same items at both stores it comes down to price points for staples such as 3 horse/king rice 25#'s, sinigang packets, and fresh salmon and tuna for my sushi fixin's.
This place does house a bakery with Korean treats such as Curry buns and french pastry cone creams. On one occasion there was a lady roasting fresh chestnuts.
I tend to buy the fresh jackfruit when in season. The already made sushi is tastier. Not to mention the salmon and tuna sold fresh are also tastier than the choices at the 'Mart.'
I have also been able to order ground chicken from the guys behind the fresh meat counter. Ground to order. It's hard getting ground chicken that is NOT turkey. How else to make p daddy's Thai basil chicken?
And when it comes down to it the place is a bit smaller in scale and thus easier to make a decision regarding which kim chi to buy or which soju to try out. The fish monger seems friendlier and easier to order since they tend to be on the ground floor at your eye level.
So what makes me veer towards the other place? Location. maybe a three mile difference. But after writing this review I will have to make a mental note to get back here. Until next time, if you go msg me the deals on the staples that I mentioned? Thanks :)
Take note the parking is huge but the markings are hidden.
The farther away from the store the pavement looks iffy...I'm not trying to be super critical just wanting to save someone from tire repairs.
I for sure will be here on the next round of Korean market shopping to do. -
Review from Jeanne J.
Chicago, IL
5/9/2008
Assi is definitely no Super H-Mart - for some reason it feels (just a little) more disorganized, less lively, dirtier, less "legitimate," and understocked - basically more typical Asian-market-like. But it's just as cheap.
Anyhow, at first glance I was disappointed with the food court, but that's actually the reason I'm giving this place 4 stars and not 3.
They have a Sulllungtang joint that serves ONLY sullungtang - how I miss places like this that are the standard in LA. (Chicago doesn't know what it means to have specifically soondooboo, nengmyun, BBQ, and sullungtang specialty places = most Korean food is not good.)
Anyhow, the sullungtang was really good and I was thinking how well it would do had it opened in H-Mart.
Next to this place was a spot that served kimbab/yubuchobab and other typical Korean dishes but I was PLEASANTLY SURPRISED that they had OHDENG - you can get just the soup or/and a stick of the little fish cake pieces and I immediately ordered some.
AND
The closest little store next to the cashiers sells HODUKK and those other little cakes that look like fish and are filled with red bean (that I'm not a huge fan of). They make these fresh and each is $1.. they didn't even have a cash register. SO HOT AND GOOEY AND DELICIOUS.
I reminisced about walking the streets of Seoul eating from the countless amazing pojangmachas that gave ohdeng soup with everything you ordered, even if it was summer and 100 degrees + 100% humidity. And I imagined Korea in the winter plus hot hot amazing hodduk stands on the streets...........................
I'd go to Assi over H-Mart just for these treats. If these three transported to spots in the H-Mart food court somehow, H-Mart would be flawless. -
Review from April P.
3/23/2010
great place where you can buy Asian grocery items. Even better place to get seafood!!! Wonderful selection, all items reasonably priced, and very fresh
I love their pampano fish there. Reasonably priced at $3.99/lb, and very fresh. Dad sends me out here to grab some for dinner, where he fries it and we have it with some homemade salsa....there's your next dinner idea
The staff is pretty friendly here, and the place is a little cleaner than H Mart, in my opinion. Produce selection is very nice as well. Great asian grocery selection, fully stocked with Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and filipino items. -
Review from Alex K.
Chicago, IL
3/12/2011
It's like an Asian food wonderland!
Well at least for me... I come from Eastern Europe and there is just a lot of bland uninteresting food in my culture. And spices are not used that often...
I kept passing by this market and then finally had time to go in and check it out. I was like a kid in a candy store! I bought a thing of sushi for about $8 and it was amazing - fresh, tasty, lots of unagi, did I mention fresh?
And what totally took my breath away - a GIANT cooler of kimchi - tasty spicy interestingly made pickled cabbage... I mean not just a couple of bottles and the only choice being spicy or mild - but big bottles, small bottles, different types and even colours. I think I stared at it for a while in awe to amusement to some customers. AND I didn't know Koreans were so big into pickling! I would have been here ages ago.
AND there is like 10 different types of tofu! I have never made tofu well, but they have it come in those tasty fried varieties that all you have to do is fry it and it's delicious. Soy noodles were pretty cheap and I am excited to try them. Fresh mushrooms, more flavors of instant ramen then I have ever seen, I bought a box of korean seafood pancakes but I think those are more of a dinner pancakes then breakfast... :)
They have tons of fresh fish - I can't wait to go back to buy clams and stuff as soon as I figure out how to cook them.
The place is filled with korean, chinese, indian, japanese, and philipino stuff - at least I think it does - i saw mostly korean, indian, and philipino.
There is a small section of Mexican and a couple other nationalities food which I found kinda interesting.
But this place is like a mini-mall - you go out of the store and you can end up in this cute little food court - I really wanted to try korean dishes so I got a something in a stone bowl that the man behind the counter recommended - it came out to 12 bucks with a diet coke and was delicious. You get a bowl of food with rice, noodle things, some veggie, beef and a fried egg on tome. Also a side of miso tasting soup and spicy sauce. Mix all together - and it's amazing!!
Can't wait to make dishes out of the noodles and tofu and spices and other things I got!
BTW they also have Dorian fruit if you are into nasty smelling things as food... Fruits and veggies kinda expensive and I would probably go closer to Stanley's for them. But the variety and deliciousness - can't be beat! Will be back, despite the lack of painted lines in the parking lot. -
Review from Michele D.
Niles, IL
7/15/2010
Perhaps you are thinking, "gosh, I really like durien, but my friends don't so I only want to buy a piece of one." Well, Assi is the place for you. They have durien cut into halves or quarters and wrapped in plastic. Now, you would think that this might create a foul smell, but I honestly could not smell it while I was there, so it must be wrapped very tightly.
Assi has a good selection of most everything that we wanted. We bought some cucumber kimchi from the deli-like area. It was excellent! We also got some random items just from the shelves (like ubi jam and yellow radishes). It wasn't crowded at all when we were there, but it was a Tuesday night, too.
The prices seemed a little higher than Super H Mart, but still much cheaper than Jewel or Domick's (with more interesting items as well).
Now for the bad. Perhaps I was here on an off day for produce or something, but I thought their produce was pretty bad and quite expensive. Their blueberries were $2.99 for a 2 pint box and all of the boxes were moldy. Other places have them for 99 cents a pint right now since they are in season. The nuts had those little moths flying all around them. The rest of the produce either just looked kind of sad or was expensive, so we opted not to purchase any fruits or veggies. -
Review from amy l.
Chicago, IL
3/12/2009
Very similar to the ever-famous H-Mart. I would say the cafeteria doesn't taste as good here. Food selection for groceries is similar. They do have a bakery in there that has nice tasty baked goods like apple strudel or ham/egg strudel, different choices than the bakery in H-Mart. I like that they have a specific Chinese section hehe, as I'm Chinese. But H-Mart has the same items I think.
I would probably only go there if I'm in that area, otherwise I'd go to H-Mart since it's closer to my condo. -
Review from m m.
Bloomington, IL
3/15/2011
I miss you, Assi! I shop here every time I'm back in Chicagoland. I LOVE everything about this place! And I always make sure to go hungry and eat at the eatery. Always fresh, a ton of selections, and CHEAP!!!!! This place is always clean, every time I go!
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Review from George B.
Chicago, IL
1/2/2009
I'm going to start off by saying that I am a big Super H Mart fan. However, my love for Super H Mart has not biased this review at all.
Simply put, Assi Plaza completely and totally rocks. -
Review from Justin G.
Oak Park, IL
10/14/2009
Pretty good. I went here, and walked away empty handed, because I went to H-Mart and picked up everything I needed there first. I don't live too close to this place, so i checked both out in one day. I could have gotten just about everything I got at H-Mart here and for a similar price.
The main differences between the two, from what i can see, are that H-Mart is just more massively huge and Assi seems to have more shelf items that need no fridge or freezer to be stored. Things in the deli area did seem a little cheaper. Both have smaller shops on the periphery and a food court, though h-Mart may have more of those small stores and what might be a slightly more varied food court. Don't know I can really recommend one over the other. -
Review from Isla E.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 3/13/2011
In looking at other restaurants' dolsot bi bim bop, I realized that not all of them have vegatarian options. The Assi food court does! The one I had was with tofu and it was fabulous.
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1/12/2011
I rarely get out that way, but Assi is cool. The one time I went they had samples of some exotic… Read more »
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Review from Todor K.
Chicago, IL
4/3/2008
Assi Plaza in Niles just opened. There is a new Asian grocery store with a food court and several boutique stores. The grocery store has many Korean items like Kimchi which is a fermented, spicy vegetable dish made of Napa cabbage, radish, or cucumber. They have a large selection of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as meats and fish. One long aisle is all kinds of Asian teas.
Around the grocery store inside the mall are several shops like a bakery, hair salon, coffee shop, cosmetics store, etc.
The food court is the best part with about six different stalls to order from. i was there at lunchtime and had to wait for a table to sit at.
Todor Krecu
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