Choi's Oriental Market — Attraction in Goleta

Honestly, the Central Coast is an Asian food desert so Goleta is a gold mine! I grew up in LA and cheap, authentic Asian food is everywhere. Since I moved to the Central Coast, places like Choi's Oriental Market is a gold mine. The prices aren't the best, the variety isn't either...but I can't really complain because it's a blessing that this place exists!

Great little market with all the essentials. They got Asian snacks, drinks, noodles, food items, and other Asian cooking essentials Easy parking Small, cozy dining area but we didn't have a hard time finding seating. We also didn't have a wait either. For first timers: Order/pay at the cash register, bring your receipt to the kitchen, find seating, wait for food. Pretty easy but it can be confusing if it's your first time here. Atmosphere isn't really great, but it has a really authentic Asian vibe lol. Decent selection of Korean staples Banchan selection is okay Jajangmyeon is legit here! Super slurpy and chewy noodles, saucy, and good portion. Small restroom in the back where the kitchen is. Service is efficient and fast. Not the warmest, but not rude either....

3 STARS DOESNT MEAN ITS BAD

This here is a hidden gem! I happened to spot this during a doctors visit one day. Months later I'm here in Goleta and had the chance to visit this little place.

When I read "Oriental Market", I was really expecting an Asian market with all necessary household ingredients. So don't expect to see items such as:

• Fish Sauce • Soy Sauce • 25lbs / 50lbs bag of Jasmine rice • Oyster Sauce • Produces (Veggies/Fruits) • Utensils and etc

But they do sell Hoison, lots if instant noodle packs, schihuan peppers, curry pastes, msg, noodles, beverages.

The cool thing about this place, they serve hot meals as well. Nice little spot, hidden and tucked away. Definitely looking to try the food...

I had a wild craving for some Korean instant noodles and came here to find they had a bunch of my favorite dishes! I ordered the ttokmandu guk (soup with rice cakes and dumplings) and it was amazing! Just like my grandmother’s! The man at the counter and the woman who made the soup were very kind. I just found a gem and I’m super stoked!

And in response to the prices being “high” as some reviews have said. I did not find the prices to be high at all, and might I remind you this is in Santa Barbara, one of the most expensive places in the country. But I have definitely paid more handsomely for less authentic takes...