Kim’s Oriental Market
Located at 2306 Morris St NE, Kim’s Oriental Market is a humble, high-impact sanctuary for Korean cuisine in Albuquerque’s Northeast Heights. Far removed from the busy corridors of Central Avenue, this family-owned "jewel box" market is defined by its immaculate organization, tranquil atmosphere, and a level of hospitality that makes every customer feel like a guest in a private home.
The Morris St Highlights
The "Small Batch" Kimchi: While big-box stores sell mass-produced jars, Kim’s is legendary for its house-made kimchi, prepared fresh every Tuesday. It is often cited by locals as the most authentic in the city—perfectly fermented, crisp, and packed with a deep, complex heat that avoids being overly salty.
The "Hidden" Kitchen: Tucked inside the market is a micro-restaurant that serves some of the most comforting Korean food in New Mexico. The Soon Dubu Jjigae (soft tofu stew) and Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) are made to order and served in a quiet, intimate seating area that feels like a "secret" lunch spot for those in the know.
Prepared Meal "Cheat Codes": For busy home cooks, the refrigerated and frozen sections feature homemade Kimchi Stew and Japchae (sweet potato starch noodles) that are pre-cooked and frozen. They are high-quality "grab-and-go" options that taste significantly better than standard frozen dinner fare.
The "Quiet Alternative": One of the biggest draws for regulars is the peace and quiet. Unlike the larger, more frantic international markets in town, Kim’s offers a "low-decibel" shopping experience. It’s clean, the shelves are perfectly aligned, and there is never a rush, allowing you to browse the extensive ramyun wall or select the perfect michi at your own pace.
Proprietor Expertise: The owners are frequently praised for their personalized service. If you’re following a recipe from a creator like Maangchi and can't find a specific grain or pepper flake, the staff won't just point you to an aisle—they’ll often explain the nuance between different brands to ensure your dish comes out perfectly.
Why It’s Unique
Kim’s Oriental Market is defined by its "Boutique Precision." It doesn't try to be a giant warehouse; instead, it focuses on the "Essential Korean Pantry." It is uniquely open seven days a week (including Sundays, which is rare for smaller specialty shops in the area). It provides a safe, neighborhood-friendly bridge for those living in the Heights who want high-grade Samgyeopsal (pork belly) and fresh Ggaenip (perilla leaves) without having to travel across the city.
Insider Tip: If you are visiting for the first time, don't miss the Kimbap (Korean seaweed rice rolls) in the deli section. They are the perfect "car snack" for the drive home. Also, keep an eye out for the small selection of authentic Korean pottery and rice cookers—they are often higher quality than what you'll find at general retailers.
Essential Information
Address: 2306 Morris St NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112
Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Sundays 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM).
Vibe: Immaculate, polite, and deeply authentic. It’s the ultimate "neighborhood find" for anyone craving a true taste of Seoul.
Kim's Oriental Market
4.5
Reviews about Kim's Oriental Market
5 05.02.2026 15:28
Has most ingredients I need for korean dishes and then Seoul Gimbap in the back is a huge bonus for this place, so tasty!
5 05.02.2026 15:28
Love Kim’s Oriental Market!! It has a really cool market with items you can’t find anywhere in town. But I highly recommend trying their food counter in the back. The food is amazing! I’ll admit I don’t know how to properly eat a bulgogi, but I still love it. Check out Kim’s for a unique place in Albuquerque.
5 01.12.2023 21:03
A pretty good selection of genuine Korean food and some select Japanese food. The owner was very professional and helped me find the products I needed with ease. The prices are also good. There's plenty of different sea food available and other Korean specific products. Thanks for the mochi!
5 17.10.2023 12:51
They sell really great kimchi. In bulk! I've lived here for many years and can't believe I have only just now been in this store.
5 17.10.2023 12:50
The kindest and most inviting people I have ever met. The store in INCREDIBLY clean and I know they work hard to keep it that way. Someone is always sweeping or stocking. Even the food in the little restaurant feels so homey and made with love
5 09.04.2023 18:56
Love this store, go and buy real Korean food
