Why Kimchi?

All Natural

Fermentation has been part of human diet since the prehistoric times. Kimchi is a Korean culinary tradition with a 1,500 year recorded history, developed as a means to preserve cabbage and other vegetables naturally through fermentation—like its distant cousin sauerkraut, or brined pickles.

There is a certain mythical aura to kimchi if you ask any Koreans. Long heralded as the “super food” of Korea, many studies and findings in recent years associate kimchi’s unique attributes to numerous health benefits. Kimchi produces non-dairy probiotics, or “healthy bacteria,” that aids in digestion and building a healthy, balanced gut flora, which results in a stronger immune system. One of kimchi’s main ingredients, raw garlic, has been proven to show cancer-fighting potential and the abundant antioxidants in kimchi are credited for slowing down aging process.

Every jar of Kimchi Kooks is handcrafted and lacto-fermented using only the freshest all-natural ingredients with no added preservatives. Raw and gluten-free, this kimchi is packed with vitamins and non-dairy probiotics that are essential for your diet.

KK_Classic_Pair_Vt

A Family Affair

Brewery Logo in 1955

Kŭmbong Brewery logo in 1955

 
 
 

Kimchi'd Cabbage & Beets and Kimchi'd Kale

Fermentation of foods and beverages was very much a way of life in the Kook family. The technique and the knowledge of various types of ingredients and the resulting quality of foods have been taught and handed down from generations of men and women in the family.

Our recipes originate from Kate Kook, whose grandfather, when she was growing up in Seoul, owned the then well-known Kŭmbong Brewery that produced cheongju, a high quality rice wine, from early 1920s until the late 1960s.

Inspired by her experience of living in New York City since 1999, Kate created many small batch recipes using local, seasonal ingredients. Out of these experiments comes the Kimchi’d™ line, a contemporary take on a timeless tradition.

Kate has since perfected her own traditional Kook recipes that feature the Classic Kimchi and the Original White Kimchi.

In 2015, Kate Kook and her son, WooJae Chung, established Kimchi Kooks in Brooklyn, New York.

Our Kimchi

  • Classic Kimchi
    Classic Kimchi
    • – the best seller
    • – favorite, traditional, piquant red kimchi (but not too hot)
    • – the playmaker (aka the most versatile condiment and ingredient your fridge will ever meet)
    • – perfect with braised beef, pork belly, tomato sauce, and eggs
    • – level up your veggie roast, stew, ramen, and pasta
    • Low Calorie
    • Good Source of Vitamin A
    • Fat Free
    • Rich in Antioxidant Vitamin C
    • Cholesterol Free
  • Original White Kimchi
    Original White Kimchi
    • – woojae’s all-time favorite
    • – an old world delicacy with a mellow, yet complex zest of the natural “vinegar”
    • – enjoy with bitter greens, fresh avocados, hummus, olive oil, and tree nuts
    • – tangy, effervescent appetizer for your bloody mary kind of day
    • – your new favorite breakfast arsenal
    • LOW CALORIE
    • FAT FREE
    • CHOLESTEROL FREE
    • RICH IN ANTIOXIDANT VITAMIN C
  • Kimchi’d Kale
    Kimchi’d Kale
    • – for the aficionados (also kate’s favorite)
    • – the grand slam: raw, green, probiotics, and vitamins
    • – smooth, crisp, mildly tart with a hint of mediterranean
    • – seafood lover’s delight
    • – impress with your hors d’oeuvres (pair with soft cheeses like goat or brie)
    • Low Calorie
    • Excellent source of Vitamin A
    • Fat Free
    • Rich in Antioxidant Vitamin C
    • Cholesterol Free
  • Kimchi’d Cabbage & Beets
    Kimchi’d Cabbage & Beets
    • – the crowd pleaser: spunky and sophisticated
    • – simply juicy, crunchy, sweet, sour
    • – easy, vibrant accent for any picnic, bbq, or celebration
    • – pair with tofu, tempeh, bagel with cream cheese, chicken salad, tacos, and hot dogs
    • – great complement to your favorite spicy dishes
    • LOW CALORIE
    • FAT FREE
    • CHOLESTEROL FREE
    • RICH IN ANTIOXIDANT VITAMIN C

Kate's Kitchen

Kimchi Kooks has now opened our first brick and mortar location—Kate’s Kitchen—in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn! At our storefront, customers can purchase our handmade kimchi, freshly made banchan, yangnyeom, and more, all created by Kate Kook. We have a take-away menu of simple and delicious Korean dishes with rotating items and exciting weekend specials. We are thrilled to offer our customers a place to discover new flavors, to seek inspiration, and to learn more about Korean culture and cuisine.

Our family business is founded on a deep respect for our Korean roots, which we strive to share with our customers here in New York City. We take freedom and creativity in how we translate our own authentic Korean essence into a personal and unique experience for customers when they visit our shop. We believe that true Korean character is conveyed in the appreciation for generational knowledge, attention and care given to ingredients, and authorship in styles of preparation.

Kimchi Kooks Kate’s Kitchen
119 Bay Ridge Ave
Brooklyn NY, 11220

Store Hours:
Tuesday-Friday: 12-7pm
Saturday: 11am-7pm
Sunday: 11am-5pm
Monday: Closed

In Stores

at farmers markets:

  • Park Slope Farmers Market Market open Sundays (All Year), 9am-2pm 4th Street and 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY
  • McGolrick Park, Greenpoint Farmers Market Market open Sundays (Mar-Dec), 9am-2pm McGolrick Park, Greenpoint, Brooklyn, NY

in stores:

  • Greene Grape Provisions 767 Fulton Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217
  • Key Food 492 Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205
  • Fine Fare 1305 Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11221
  • K&Y Fruit and Vegetable 291 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
  • Mr. Kale 744 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238
  • Mr. Kiwi 957 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11221
  • Mr. Lemon 410 Knickerbocker Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237
  • Mr. Lime 313 7th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
  • Mr. Mango 59 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217
  • Mr. Piña 219 Havemeyer St, Brooklyn, NY 11221
  • Mr. Plum 658 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
  • Nathan's Farm 829 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
  • Carib Food Market 1303 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11216
  • 3 Guys from Brooklyn 6502 Fort Hamilton Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11219
  • Farm Boy Market 117-20 Liberty Ave, Queens, NY 11419
  • Gorillas Grocery Delivery App NYC Delivery Areas

Press

Seoul Food. Made in New York.