Yokohama's Kimchi Haven
Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 160 for 1.0 sec. at ƒ/10
Astia/Soft film simulation
Location: Yokohamabashi, Minami Ward, Yokohama, Japan
Timestamp: 18:52 on December 19, 2023
The Yokohamabashi Shotengai, a bustling covered shopping street, boasts around nine Korean shops specializing in kimchi—a traditional Korean banchan crafted from salted and fermented vegetables, typically featuring napa cabbage or Korean radish.
While most kimchi vendors draw in crowds on the main drag of the shopping street, Namusanya Kimchi stands apart, tucked away in a small, narrow shop facing a dimly lit alley. The store showcases its delectable array of kimchi in a large refrigerated glass display, each variant boasting tantalizing colors and a delightful aroma of spices. Additionally, they offer popular Korean instant ramen brands at the storefront, creating a perfect pairing with their signature kimchi.
Despite the subtly lit surroundings, Namusanya Kimchi earns a plethora of four-star reviews. Numerous housewives rave about the shop, expressing their appreciation for the affordable bulk quantities of kimchi available at reasonable prices. These patrons commend the store for staying true to the traditional recipe, capturing the homemade essence reminiscent of the flavors crafted by aunties and grannies back in Korea.
As a kimchi lover myself, the temptation to purchase a bag was strong. However, with expensive camera gear in tow, I hesitated, unwilling to risk even the slightest chance of a kimchi leak compromising my equipment.
The shop's owner, Shin-san, a third-generation Korean proprietor, revealed in a local interview that the establishment has been a thriving mom-and-pop shop for over 40 years. According to Shin-san, the enduring success is attributed to the authenticity of their kimchi that resonates with local Koreans seeking a nostalgic flavor of home.
She shares that their most popular kimchi variant undergoes a meticulous preparation process, taking a day to create and fermenting for 2 to 3 months until it achieves the distinctive flavor and aroma that has made the shop a local favorite.
Explore other kimchi shops at Yokohamabashi Shotengai. Click on the links to access Google Maps locations:
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