Finding Kimchi Near You
Whether you're in a major city or a smaller town, finding good kimchi in the UK has never been easier. Here's how to track down quality kimchi wherever you are.
Supermarkets
Most UK supermarkets now stock kimchi. What you'll typically find:
- Waitrose: Usually has one or two options in the refrigerated section
- Sainsbury's: Limited but improving selection
- Tesco: Variable by store, larger stores have more options
- M&S: Often stocks their own brand
- Ocado: Good online selection
The supermarket kimchi is usually pasteurised (no live cultures) and fairly mild. It's a starting point, not the destination.
Asian Supermarkets
For better variety and authentic products, Asian supermarkets are essential:
- Korean-specific shops (H Mart, Korea Foods) have the best selection
- Chinese supermarkets (Wing Yip, See Woo) often stock Korean products
- General Asian grocers usually have at least a few options
In cities like London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and Edinburgh, you'll find multiple options. Even smaller towns often have an Asian supermarket worth checking.
Independent Food Shops
The UK's speciality food scene has embraced fermentation:
- Wholefood and health food shops often stock artisan kimchi
- Delicatessens and cheese shops sometimes carry fermented products
- Farm shops may stock local producers' kimchi
These often feature small-batch, unpasteurised kimchi with live cultures – exactly what you want.
Farmers' Markets
Many farmers' markets now feature fermented food vendors. These producers typically:
- Make small batches by hand
- Use local, seasonal ingredients
- Offer unpasteurised products with live cultures
- Can tell you exactly how their kimchi was made
Check your local farmers' market listings. Even if there's no dedicated kimchi vendor, there might be a pickles/ferments stall.
Online Ordering
If local options are limited, online ordering opens up possibilities:
- Korean grocery websites deliver nationwide
- Artisan producers sell direct to consumers
- Amazon stocks various brands (quality varies – check reviews)
- Some farms and small producers offer subscription boxes
Cold-chain delivery has improved, making it safer to order perishables online.
Local Producers
The UK has a growing community of small-batch kimchi makers. Search for:
- "[Your city] kimchi"
- "Local fermented foods [your area]"
- "Artisan kimchi UK"
You might discover someone making excellent kimchi just down the road.
What to Ask
When you find a potential source, ask:
- Is it pasteurised or unpasteurised?
- When was it made?
- What's in it (if you have allergies or preferences)?
- How should I store it?
Good vendors welcome these questions – they're proud of their product.
My Recommendation
Try multiple sources. Buy from the supermarket for convenience, but also seek out smaller producers for quality. When you find kimchi you love, become a regular customer. Support the people making good fermented food in your area.
And eventually, make your own. Then you'll have the best kimchi near you – in your own fridge.
