Welcome to East Gate Grocery
Welcome to East Gate Grocery, a hidden gem nestled in O’Fallon, IL, that has been serving the community for over eight years. Specializing in Korean and Japanese foods, this quaint store offers a wide variety of authentic products, from essential cooking ingredients like rice noodles and miso paste to delightful snacks and skin care items. Customers rave about the homemade dishes, especially the flavorful bulgogi and irresistible mandu, crafted by the warm, welcoming owner. With a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of a family kitchen, East Gate Grocery is a must-visit for food enthusiasts seeking genuine Asian culinary experiences.
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715 Lakepointe Centre Dr, O'Fallon, IL 62269 Hotline: (618) 622-9747
Unearthing Delights at East Gate Grocery
Hidden within the quaint confines of a strip mall in O'Fallon, Illinois, lies a true gem for food lovers: East Gate Grocery. This international grocery store specializes in Korean and Japanese products and has been delighting local customers for over eight years. If you find yourself yearning for authentic Asian delicacies or specialty ingredients, East Gate Grocery is a must-visit!
As you step inside, you are greeted by a vibrant array of products, each shelf brimming with tantalizing options. Locals rave about their favorite finds, including ice cream that transports you straight to Korea and skin care lotions that are a touch of comfort for the skin. One enthusiastic customer, Sahn M., expressed her excitement about discovering this treasure trove of Asian goods, admitting she was thrilled to have stumbled upon such a place so close to home.
What truly sets East Gate Grocery apart is not just its products, but the food. The small kitchen tucked in the back is a haven for those craving authentic Korean cuisine. From Bulgogi to Mandu (Korean pot stickers), each dish is crafted with care, providing generous portions and remarkable flavors. David H. attests to the "amazing food," emphasizing that calling in your order is a surefire way to enjoy a delicious meal.
This charming establishment captures a sense of community. As one customer, Michelle B., noted, the owner is exceptionally sweet and friendly, turning each visit into a pleasant interaction. The ambiance is intimate and inviting, making it a perfect spot for locals seeking to enjoy their meal as takeout. However, it's worth noting that the seating arrangement may cater primarily to Korean friends of the family, adding to its authentic flair.
For food enthusiasts eager to explore Asian culinary traditions, George N.'s review highlights the grocery store's vast selection of supplies essential for creating dishes like Ramen and Vietnamese Pho. Customers can easily stock up on ingredients such as rice noodles, fish sauce, and miso paste for their own cooking adventures at home. Austin F. describes the unique experience of ordering here, where the emphasis is on an authentic vibe, quirky charm, and generous portions that will keep you coming back for more.
If you’re in the O'Fallon area, do not miss the opportunity to visit East Gate Grocery. Whether you're picking up ingredients for your next meal, indulging in delightful Korean dishes, or just exploring what this little store has to offer, you're bound to leave with a satisfied palate and hopefully a few new finds to share. Don’t forget to bring cash, as the quaint establishment operates on a cash-only basis.
East Gate Grocery is not merely a grocery store; it’s an experience—a delightful blend of culture, cuisine, and community waiting to be explored!
I really loved coming across our local Korean grocery store which apparently has been around for 8 years, not knowing how did I not know this place was here? Anyways what a fantastic find, I love all of their products, especially the ice cream, plus the skin care lotion located at the very front. Love it there. So glad to find a local Asian grocery store near by. I am super excited to find this place.
Amazing food. Call in your order you won't be disappointed!! Finally a great place to get Korean food in the metro East.
Had everything I needed for my Korean dish! Has a few dishes for takeout. Neat tucked away place for local Korean/Japanese dishes!
This is a small little store but has plants of Asian groceries to choose from. The owner is sweet and friendly. She also makes really good Kimbap and cheap too!
Tucked away in a tiny strip mall in O'Fallon, IL is a gem of an Asian goods store/Korean restaurant! The shop is tiny but holds a lot of specialty food items that cater to the Korean/Japanese community. I actually came here to stock up on some supplies to make Ramen and Vietnamese Pho soup, and this place had everything I needed to get the job done. Items like rice noodles, fish sauce, miso paste, etc. There is also lots of things related to making sushi as well (sea weed wrap). There is a small kitchen in the back where the owner, an older Korean lady who hardly speaks any English, will cook up an awesome batch of Korean food for you for lunch or dinner. They have a menu of things like Mandu (Korean pot stickers), homemade Bulgogi Beef and Pork, Miso Soup, Seaweed soup, and more. The food is delicious. I've been twice already and the pot stickers are the best! Me and my coworkers have been coming for lunch for carry out. It will be really difficult to make the order on phone since English is limited, but it adds to the experience. The lady is such a nice person, and this is a must visit for Asian-Americans, and foodies curious about Korean food. This place does take credit/debit. It is not cash only anymore. I'll add some photos next time! Please pay a visit. It's a fun experience for lunch. It may be a little awkward to sit and eat at the place since it's more reserved for Korean friends of the family, but carry out is always an option. I'm so happy I stumbled into this place. What a gem!
Hard to find as there is no English signage; just Korean symbols painted on the windows in a half-dead tucked away strip mall. Once inside you walk through a small market, then through a door in the back and find yourself in a hole inside of a hole in the wall. And what a wonderful hole that is. No menus, just a statement of "Bulgogi for everyone" from Yang, a boisterous and endlessly entertaining Korean liaison. Food was great and clearly authentic. The atmosphere was hodgepodge to the core, having been sat in what looked to be a break room with a refrigerator and karaoke machine. The experience was really just that: an experience. And one I won't soon forget. Shy people beware.
A small "Mom & Pop" store, Korean style. We have always received great service. I believe they are now closed on Tuesday?
It's a tiny grocery store \ "restaurant." Not really a sit down place unless you can speak Korean, and I use the word restaurant very loosely here. I just order over the phone what I want and pick it up, its always good. CASH ONLY!!!CASH ONLY!!!CASH ONLY!!!CASH ONLY!!!CASH ONLY!!!CASH ONLY!!!CASH ONLY!!!CASH ONLY!!!CASH ONLY!!!CASH ONLY!!!CASH ONLY!!! Food is nice considering there aren't many places around the O'fallon IL area that serves Korean food.