Alright here it is!! Once in a while, I get the urge to make meat jun, a popular Korean dish I had growing up in Hawaii. Imagine my surprise when almost every Korean restaurant I've been to in San Diego and here in AZ didn't know what I was talking about when I asked if they make it!! That, my friends, is when you are backed into a corner and have no choice but to make it yourself so that's what I've been doing. I need sides with it and so I knew the perfect place to come to. Enter Arirang Banchan located in the Asian District in Mesa. I have been here twice but the first time, I didn't buy anything. Today I walked into a restaurant that was empty, but the banchan (Korean side dishes) was fully stocked. I met Hong, the sweet older lady who may be the owner. I asked if she had any kimchi that is NOT super spicy (because you already know me!! lol). She pointed me in the right direction and so I scooped up a tub of it along with some of the seasoned radish that I love so much and the stir-fried fishcake. You can get these at the bigger Asian chain stores, but hey, I'm here to support local small businesses! I was tempted to also buy some japchae, but I don't like wasting food so I only got what I know I'll be able to finish in a day or two. I'll definitely have to pick up the japchae next time! I got home and sampled everything I bought. Hong was right about the kimchi!! This one is just right!! It'll go great once my homemade meat jun is cooked! She even let me sample something else she was getting ready to package while I was at the store. Idk what it was, but it was so red, I was afraid to try it. She assured me it wasn't going to make me sweat spicy!! It had a nice lock to it for sure, but I could definitely handle it. This place is always clean and although it is very simple, it has the basics. I can't wait to try more items from here! Support local! Support small business!! I'll be back probably in a few days, haha! =) read more

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The most hearty banchan place in the valley! The lady really cares about her customers and often gave us samples whenever we come to buy food. Her banchan tastes way better than the ones you would get from the Korean grocery stores - less salty, better ingredients quality, and fresher taste - which really reminds me of mom's food. Also because she doesn't put any preservatives, the banchan tends to get old quickly :( If you love Korean side dishes, you should definitely check this place out! read more

Arirang Banchan - Korean Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

After grocery shopping at HMart we decided to check out this place to see if they carry different banchan than HMart. They have a pretty good selection of banchan but is very similar to HMart in selection and price so I was a bit disappointed. I was expecting something different and since we had already shopped, we just got marinated little baby crabs to try. I was pleasantly surprised as it was very well flavored and delicious so I'd definitely go back and try some other side dishes. The owner also came out from the kitchen and was very friendly and explained the soups were just made. They had a restaurant menu at checkout so I asked about it and she said though they had advertised as being open, they weren't ready yet. She stated she did make some dishes for customers that requested which is so accommodating of her. The menu looked really good so I'd go back when the restaurant opens. They also have some really good looking bento boxes for only $13.99 that come with rice, meat, japchae, potstickers and side dishes. I've tried one from HMart in the past but these look much better so I will go back to try them. Glad I found this place! read more

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Noticed soft opening sign here so we stopped in. They had wide selection of banchan including fresh made kimchi. It's great idea for a place to stop and get some side dishes to take home. However, selection is somewhat very similar to what you find at Hmart across the street. We brought home japchae and mini gimbap. Tasted exactly how you would expect. I have high hopes they start selling things you wouldn't find at the grocery store. Prices are about the same as grocery store too. Will check again after they officially open and serve food. To be continued. read more

Arirang Banchan - Japchae & mini kimbap - Korean Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

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My friend loves the kimbap from H Mart so we decided to a direct comparison with the kimbap here to try it out. We got the beef one to compare and this place won! The difference is subtle, but there's more seasoning and flavor to the one here (plus it's a $1 less which is always nice but a minuscule factor). We also tried their small kimbap with fish cake since we had never seen it sized like this and it was nice with the spicy radish. I liked how it had less rice, but would've like another fish cake perhaps. The store was nicely cooled down with the roaring 110+ degree weather out. There's 3 fridges of sides and one with special dishes on one side of the store. The kimbap and other dishes were placed in a middle table with seating on the other side. There's 3 different kimbap: beef, fish cake, and vegetarian. Would come back to try more! read more

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This place is run by the sweetest lady, and they have the freshest tastiest banchan ever. If you've ever had a korean side dish, kimchi, etc., this place will have the best version of that you have ever tried. The lady that works here and every other worker here has been so hospitable and helpful with recommendations and information. It's a little slow here sometimes, and I really wish they got the business they deserve, because they make the best stuff. Their whole shop is really clean and tidy as well. Love this place! read more

Arirang Banchan - Korean Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

Came to check out Arirang Banchan for their soft opening and I'm glad I did! They serve a wide variety of Korean side dishes and dosirak (Korean lunch box sets) and I picked up a stir fried fish cake, stir fried anchovies and mini kimbap. Everything was delicious and you can tell the family here prepared the dishes with love and care! Kimbap was delicious and fresh, anchovies were perfectly crispy and came with walnuts and the fish cake was the perfect amount of chew and spice. They told me after their soft opening they're planning on serving more dishes that aren't just grand and go so I'm looking forward to when they do as I love my Korean diners. Definitely will be back to try more dishes! (To add more context this ain't your prepackaged dishes from Hmart or Asiana. They have your moms touch of home cooking here) read more

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I was blown away! The side dishes were incredible--you can really taste the freshness and quality in every bite. Everything tasted as if it had been made that very day. Her banchan reminded me of home, which made the experience even more special. The owner is incredibly sweet and kind, and her passion for what she does really shows. Highly recommend! read more

Super nice people. So many selection of cold prepackaged banchan. Its not a place to experience the atmosphere. Its almost like a take out good store. I love it! read more

Super happy there's a dedicated banchan store now! They're tucked in the corner of the plaza a bit hard to find but definitely worth it! I ordered 3 different dishes to try with my boyfriend and they were all so delicious! The fish cakes had a nice chew to them and were nicely seasoned while the seaweed and stir-fried fishes were also delicious but on the salty side. They would pair perfectly with a nice bowl of rice! The person working (the son?) also offered to package our items up with ice which I thought was super kind. They're going to start serving food within the next week or so - so make sure you stop by and check them out! I'm waiting for when they stock some stir-fried lotus roots... those are my absolutely favorite. TLDR: If there's any small business to support in Mesa - it's this one! Delicious to-go side dishes and food that won't disappoint. Follow @leafynoms on instagram for more foodie reviews! :) read more

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The owner is so sweet and the potato salad is really good! There was a lot of variety, so I would definitely go back

This is a delightful new restaurant that is still doing it soft opening. The banchan and kimchi are freshly prepared and so very well seasoned. It is hard not to want to purchase multiples of every product. Jae is a dedicated worker and it truly shows that they care about the business. I hope that this business thrives, especially since it is tucked away at the end of a small strip mall. We have tried the fish gimbap, the mat kimchi, the japchae, and cucumber kimchi. They are all tasty and well seasoned. I will definitely return when my supply runs out. read more

One of the place where you can get the highest quality of Korean food that is even better than restaurant quality. It is home style cooking with superb presentation. Banchan is what a typical Korean woman spend their entire day. read more

initially it is a Bangchan place where the star of the meal are the side dishes that accommodate the entree like a typical Korean cooking. To my surprise, the presentation is high end restaurant quality. It should get noticed and hopefully the word of mouth can sustain this new venture. read more

Delicious Korean side dishes and ready made meals! Reminds me so much of my wonderful trips to Korea. The owner is so warm and friendly that it feels like literally eating at a Korean grandma's home. The place is very clean. read more

I just want to say, being from california and truly missing authentic home made korean food. I am so happy to have stumbled upon arirang banchan. the owner Hong makes everything in house, fresh, and made daily. I got to try many dishes and highly recommend the raw marinated crab, all the kimchi, and ofcourse the korean pancake. Please give this a place a try, prices are beyond reasonable and food is just home comfort goodness. read more

Arirang Banchan - Korean Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

I'm so happy TikTok brought me here. They have the most delicious spicy pork I've ever had. The lunch box I tried also came with a variety of additions that were also all so delicious. The owner was so friendly! read more

The owner is so nice and welcoming! We walked in and actually she was closed but still let us take our time to pick and explain the goodies to us. We left with 4 goodies and went back the next day to buy more. This will be my go to place now. read more

4.5/5 tbh, but I'm marking five stars. Good selection at fair prices. I wish the place were a little bit bigger, then it'd be a true 5/5. They also seem to sell some food there (like restaurant style)? Got 8 banchans today: fishcakes, anchovies, lotus root, kongjaban (braised beans), spicy beansprouts, japchae, squid, and squid salad. I would rate each of the banchans between 3.5 and 4.5, averaging over 4/5 for sure. Japchae is probably going to be the most widely appreciated, imo. I just came here because H Mart stopped selling kongjaban, and after trying these at home today, I will definitely be back again. Not the absolute best banchan in the world, but I'd rate this above average and put it at/near the top for Phoenix. I will probably stop buying banchan at H Mart unless they have something that this place does not have. read more

Such a lovely place with a great variety of side dishes. Love the quality of the food, will always prefer going here over other places. Always nice to see the lady that works here, super kind hearted and lights up the mood. Cannot recommend this place more. read more

Great place to visit for lunch or on the weekend. The service was great and the ambiance is calm

Banchan here is way better than other grocery stores. We can buy here and eat for the week!

Hands down THE spot for authentic Korean side dishes! You know it's good because the owner puts her special ingredient into everything. LOVE! The sweetest auntie you will ever meet, and will make sure you are taken care of. She has all the answers and recommendations. She will literally hold your hand and guide you if you asked. Such a homey vibe and makes me feel at home. They just opened, but everyone I've heard from that has been only has good things to say. You MUST try her raw marinated crab. She seasons it so well and makes it spicy which I love!! There is also a wide assortment of Kimbap for a quick lunch or snack. The gist of this review. It's perfect in every single way. You get treated like family and the owner will take care of you as if you were here grandchild. I will keep supporting this spot; not only because it's a local business, but you can tell right away that her whole heart is put into the store and even more into giving her whole heart and kindness to everyone who stops by. The owner is doing it well and right. Simply wanting to spread good food and joy in this world through these tough times. read more