The food is super fresh and comes out at a reasonable time. I got 1B, hot stone rice beef and veggies. It included a wonderful portion of sliced beef, peppers, onions, lettuce, and bean sprouts. It came with a side of shredded cabbage and a tasty sauce on top. It also came with red pepper fermented radish. Love this side. Finally a small bowl of soup. Very refreshing and savory. Simple simple soup. All side complemented the dish well. It came with a bottle of table sauce. Really added and helped with the flavor. Awesome food. I've been here before and it never disappoints. The owner works and cooks the food himself, English limited, but super nice and communicates just fine. The inside has a lot of tables and is spacious. I love coming here for some authentic Korean dishes. read more

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We finally came in to try this Korean eatery which has been on my bookmark list for a while.  The wife and I came in on a Wednesday to have lunch.  It's a one man shop and the friendly owner Mr. Young Moon Kim was behind the counter to greet us.  He had 23 picture menu items prominently displayed at the order counter.  I ordered their #4 sizzling stir-fried spicy pork dish ($17.99) and the wife ordered their #20 fish cake soup ($13.99).   He then prepares the dishes and a bell rings at your table to alert you to go back to the counter to pick up your tray(s) of food.  The dishes were piping hot, fresh, and delicious. It's pretty much a self-serve food-court-like operation here except the setting is that of a comfortable regular sit-down restaurant.  He had complimentary self-serve iced tea for the customers.  He also had nice, contemporary American pop music on.  We were there with one other patron family, and had a short wait for the food prep, but I did wonder how Mr. Kim might keep up if a crowd hit, but he's managed this well-rated place for 10 years, so he must have a way! Overall, I'll go with 4.49 stars rounded down to 4 for our pleasant outing, mainly as the content of the servings were more like 4 star values but served in a nice and calm sit-down restaurant setting.  Thanks, and continued good luck Mr. Kim! read more

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Go Goo Ma Korean Restaurant is a real hidden gem of a place. The place has easy parking right in front. The dining room is spotless and offers comfortable seating. Even if you're not familiar with Korean food, they have pictures of all the entrees coinciding with a number and spelled out in English so it's very easy. We ordered the Beef Stew with glass noodles #10 & Sweet & Sour Sizzling Chicken #6. They both came with a couple delicious bon chon (side dishes) as well as a nice dish of rice and my chicken even had a little bowl of soup! The service was very friendly and the food was made to order and it's fresh. They also provide free buckwheat tea which is really nice in cold months and iced tea in summer. Both entrees were very good and served steaming hot. The stew was in a bowl that kept it hot while eating. The sizzling chicken came out on a heated platter with the sauce on the side to drizzle. Portions are plentiful, authentic and delicious. This is a very nice place to relax and enjoy a meal as it's pretty quiet inside. read more

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The korean food here is delicious. It's in a plaza and there's plenty of parking. You order upfront and you get to choose where you want to sit. It's spacious and there's plenty of seating. At your table, a bell will ring when your order is ready and you pick it up at the window. When you finish, you drop off your tray at the window. They have hot tea or ice tea for free, but if you want water or other drinks then you will have to purchase it. I wanted mul-naengmyun but they didn't have it yet since it's not in season. I had the bibim-naengmyeon and it was yummy and spicy. The buckwheat noodles were nice and chewy. You also get kkakdugi, soup, and salad with your dish. They provided scissors to cut the noodles and vinegar if you wanted to add it the dish. It was very filling and it tasted like it was made from my mom's kitchen. The other dishes look good also and I would love to try them if I'm in the area again. Highly recommend this place for Korean food! read more

Go Goo Ma Korean - Bibim-naengmyeon - Korean Near Me - Hoffman Estates, Illinois

Authentic Korean street food. I Highly recommend this place if you are looking for bunsik.

It was a very hot day and I really wanted some cold Korean noodle and this place did not disappoint. It's a one man band so I guess the owner takes the order and cook it himself. It's a self serve so you get a number and your table will buzz when the food is ready. The 4 stars is strictly for the food. Don't expect great service or great ambiance. However, the food is the highlight which is why we went there for. The cold noodles was exceptional and the bibimbop was sizzling and hot and delicious. Can't beat these 2 combinations when you're craving some yummy Korean food. It was so good I went back again just for the cold noodles. You do get free tea which is also good. For a one man band, I appreciate the hard work of the owner. read more

Go Goo Ma Korean - Korean Near Me - Hoffman Estates, Illinois

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Absolutely loved everything! The flavors were authentic, the service was warm(self service), and every dish was a hit. Can't wait to come back! read more

Yummy food! Place is really quiet and self service. Price is on higher end for this type of vibe. But good food selection if you crave for Korean in the area. read more

Go Goo Ma Korean - Korean Near Me - Hoffman Estates, Illinois

It has been five years since I last reviewed Go Goo Ma. Since I was there last, they have updated their decor and greatly expanded the menu. After scanning through it, I opted for two items: Dukbokgi for my son and I had Bulgogi. We took it out and ate it at home. We live only a short distance away, so it was still very hot when we arrived. As I remember from before, the food was excellent. A funny story - I learned some Korean words over the years, but my vocabulary is very limited. I greeted him, ordered the food, thanked him, and said good-by in Korean, with a pretty good accent. As I turned to leave, the owner was yelling something at me, and assumed he was speaking Korean. But he was speaking in English - I didn't hear him. When I use a language I don't really know, I try to make sure my pronunciation is right and am nervous about it. As I turned to leave and said goodbye, he called me back since I forgot to pay. At least he had a good sense of humor, and we laughed about the experience. I do like Go Goo Ma for good, fast Korean food at a reasonable price. read more

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Go Goo Ma is a restaurant with authentic Korean food and a friendly staff. The food and staff here are phenomenal! The sweet and sour chicken here is a must have. The ambiance is good. I will definitely come back again. read more

What can I say about this little gem other than just go? I stopped in on a whim and boy, was I glad I did. The restaurant sits in the middle of a strip mall. It's easy to miss if you're not local. Black and white photos hung on the interior walls in a modest space with booths and tables. Orders are made at the counter where you can see the open kitchen (always a plus). If you can't decide or are not familiar with Korean dishes, there are photo displays. A little call box at the table will let you know when your order is ready for pick up. There is no wait service and the owner requests dishes be brought to the counter when you complete your meal. Carryout boxes are available upon request for any leftovers. Now, on to my order. After flipping a coin in my head 3 times, I decided on DoleSote Bibimbop which is bibimbop in a hot stone bowl. The bowl was filled with rice and topped with vegetables, beef, and fried egg. I could hear the rice sizzled against the hot bowl midway through my meal. The layer of crisped rice gave the dish a delightful texture. A small plate of radish kimchee, slaw, and a cup of soup are all part of the order, not to mention a bottle of gochujang. Mr. Kim, the owner/operator, was very soft-spoken and friendly. It's a shame I don't live nearby. I would definitely come back if I'm in the neighborhood and recommend it to my friends and family. read more

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Piling on with a 5 star here. Nice dressed up booths and wooden table tops for a counter service Korean. The food is even better - they anticipated my going mild on the dukbokgi, solid mul naengmyeon, but the dulsot impressed me. I was patient, I let it sit crisping at the table and was the last of the three dishes I dug into, but as a result, got solid quarter of inch crisped rice to mix in and separating easily from the bowl. Bowl remained hot at the end of the meal (safe to touch, while keeping food warm without further cooking it). Cold boricha self-serve. Styrofoam cups there is the only drawback there, but no other disposable-ware other than chopsticks which would be expected. Excellent no-fuss midday family stop, after our visit to the Crabtree Nature Center. read more

Go Goo Ma Korean - Dukbokgi in their mild sauce. - Korean Near Me - Hoffman Estates, Illinois

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So good !! And Great customer service I can't wait to come back again and again !! Will tell friends about this place read more

I'm giving 5 stars because this business is a one man band and he makes very good food. This business must be his life. The business is so quirky and abnormal you need to decide for yourself what you care about. See pros and cons. Cons: -It is self-service, including retrieving food, getting free tea, and clean up after -the prices are WAY higher than all the menu photo's I see on yelp. We paid $19.99 for item 1-b and $17.99 for item 4, nothing else, totaling $42.54 with tax, no tip -It's way too expensive for lunch ($20 per person, albeit you got a lot) -one guy does everything so could be a bottleneck if busy (it wasn't) -no fork, just a spoon and chopsticks -no water - BYO water -we went for lunch but if it was dinner I would have wanted beer, wine or other drinks he doesn't offer. If that didn't throw you yet then you are good to go... Pros: -you are supporting an incredibly small business and business owner. -incredible variety of good food being pumped out of one guy in only perhaps 15 minutes -there is nobody to tip -hot and cold tea are free and self-serve -I don't know Korean food but would say this food is very good -you don't get more small business than this - one guy ringing register, cooking, cleaning, probably doing the books at night, cleaning the windows, bath, etc. etc. I hope my wife and I come back - for dinner only. We will try to do BYOB. I don't think the owner would notice or care but perhaps there are ordinances or something so we will be discrete. We would share our "1-b" & "4" meals again or change it up maybe trying one of the stews. And bring water and disposable forks! read more

I've been coming to Go Goo Ma since after college, and it's the only spot in the Chicago suburbs with Korean food that rivals--and even beats--what I had on campus. The food is fantastic, portions are generous, and it's a great family-run place. Highly recommend! read more

First off, this restaurant is self service, meaning you order at the front, pick up your own food when ready and return all dishes and trays when done. Overall ambiance is fine and good for families. Service I would say is 3/5 as the older gentleman who was cooking was much friendlier (otherwise service is 1/5) as the woman taking orders didn't seem happy at all and when I went up to ask for water, she said they only sell bottled water. The "ice tea" pot is Korean barley water and when I asked if I could have some of that she said sure and gave me one cup, and when asked for multiple cups she seemed irked by it even though we bought 5 x cans of $5 coconut water. Now to the food. As a born and raised native Korean, this place gets a 2/5. TTuk-bokki was probably the only decent dish with good flavor. For the price I felt portion and quality of the meat in the bulgogi was a C+. The den-jang-jjigae it was lacking veggies and needs more tofu and very bland. Udon is small but O-deng was decent. Figure that, tue cheapest item we ordered was the largest portion. Well, needless to say we happen to be in the area and it was the closest Korean restaurant nearby, but I wouldn't go out of my way to come here. read more

Go Goo Ma Korean - a table full of food - Korean Near Me - Hoffman Estates, Illinois

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Simple Korean food at its finest! Good flavors that you will crave for! It is like home cooking, no fancy service, worth the 30 minute drive! The gentleman does it all himself orders, cooks, and you drop off your dish when your done and he takes care of it, it's not super fast service but so worth it! read more

Go Goo Ma Korean - Spicy squid - Korean Near Me - Hoffman Estates, Illinois

I'm glad to have found this place twice and that they did not close down! I remember when they used to be in Asia Super Market before it became HMart. The food is the same which brought back so much great memories when my friend and I would meet to eat at this place. The people are super kind and they keep the place clean. Love love love and would definitely come back again and again! read more

My partner and I have come here already a few times, and honestly haven't taken pictures because we inhale the food once it comes. This is the closest korean food restaurant to us, and so we come whenever we have a korean food craving! This restaurant comes from a one man show - the chef, and I've never seen anyone else working here except for him. He has the homemade korean food that you are craving, you order up front and he buzzes your table to let you know the food is ready and you pick it up. He always has free tea available as well. Basically everything on the menu we have ordered so far, we have loved. read more

I cry whenever I eat here, the food is always amazing and consistent. I have been here at least once a month for 1 year. I love everything about this place. Owner is so nice and kind! The place is spot clean as always and food always has nice presentation. I feel happy peaceful and full everytime I walk out. Please give this place a try, you feel like home eating here. read more

Go Goo Ma Korean - Korean Near Me - Hoffman Estates, Illinois

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Still a solid Korean restaurant! Not many authentic places in the area so this is nice.

If you're looking for a low key, inexpensive, and delicious authentic Korean spot, go here! Atmosphere was super chill and lovely. Very quiet and plenty of seating available. I ordered the chicken bibimbop which was OUTSTANDING. Came sizzling hot still (literally) and was the best Korean food I've possibly ever had. It was $13.99 which is worth it :) Plus, the man working was so nice. Please support this local business! read more

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What a wonderful hidden find!. I have wanted to try this restaurant for sometime and was so happy I finally had the opportunity. It was a but hard to find in a strip mall. We went on a Saturday afternoon and there were a few parties , but the entire time we were there, there was a steady stream of customers. You place your order at the counter. Thankfully they have pictures of the meal selections, which helped us make our decisions. We had the sweet and spicy chicken and spicy beef. Each booth/table has a pager style device that chimes when your food is ready to be picked up at the counter. Each meal came with side dishes of cabbage salad, soup kimchi and rice. The meals were sizzling and piping hot when served. The portions were decent and everything was very good. The chicken and beef were very tender. Complimentary ice tea was also available. The owner was a kind man, he took our order, prepared the food and was calm and polite. You are asked to bring your trays back to the counter when finished. The prices were very reasonable and I would definitely recommend. read more

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Self service, similar to fast food restaurants. One man team when we were there, so there was a wait but it was worth it. read more

Go Goo Ma Korean - Sizzling sweet and sour chicken - Korean Near Me - Hoffman Estates, Illinois

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On we of my favorite Korean restaurants in the area this restaurants always busy for me I always like to see restaurants are busy the food was grate th we side dishes they give you with your food delicious I recommend this restaurants because one of my favorite read more

Go Goo Ma Korean - the inside of a restaurant - Korean Near Me - Hoffman Estates, Illinois

Tasty bibimbap with banchan. Had the pork, and it was exactly what I was hoping for. Made with care and good flavor. I ordered over the phone to go, and it was ready in 10 minutes. Will be ordering again. I love how bibimbap has both savory, tasty meat and plenty of fresh and pickled vegetables. Excellent takeaway meal. read more

Thanks to fellow Yelper Shih C. for her strong recommendation of Go Goo Ma! My dol sot bibimpap was simply PERFECT, and my banchan couldn't have been nicer. Friendly and accommodating owner Definitely a new favorite when I visit! read more

Stopped in Friday night after a funeral. I was sad and needed some comfort food in a serious way. This spot is clean and the service is pretty great. We ordered the Cchol-Myun which is exactly what we needed and beef fried rice which is totally reminiscent of my childhood. I mean super yum. We also ordered the SunDubu-Jigae. This is where I was a little bit more than slightly disappointed. This is my most favorite Korean dish and the soup base tasted like Korean ramen. #palmtoforehead But my son enjoyed it (cuz he likes ramen) so it wasn't a TOTAL waste of twelve bucks. They have free cold and hot tea. You order at the counter. You pick up at the counter. You bus your own table. They do have a parking lot. If this wasn't 1.5 hours from my home, I would go broke here. Just not on the SunDubu-Jigae. ^_~ read more

first meal when visiting family in chicago. me and my korean bestfriend came here for brunch and absolutely loved everything. we still have dreams about this place and call it the best we've ever had read more

Go Goo Ma Korean - a variety of food on a table - Korean Near Me - Hoffman Estates, Illinois

I go here at least twice a month, and I order one thing- Yukgaejang! It is absolutely incredible and I am completely addicted to it. The soup has just the perfect amount of fire, great cuts of beef and the freshest vegetables. The service here is great- best in the area for my money. And the gentleman who works behind the counter is always friendly and one of the most hardest workers I have ever seen. I will continue to support the business because it has everything a great restaurant should have: Super clean, inexpensive, great service and of course the best Yukgaejang anywhere to be found! read more

A very authentic Korean restaurant, although a little pricey, the dishes ingredients were full of ingredients. The tofu soup came out bubbling.I definitely will come back again. read more

Best kimchi soup! Very clean dining and open kitchen. This place was in the food court in korean supermarket for a while and they have opened their own place few years ago. I really missed their food and finally i found them. I am so happy to find them. Thanks for delicious food! read more

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We love Go Goo Ma! We come here about once a week. Our favorite dishes are ddukbokki, sizzling sweet & sour chicken, yukgaejang, sundubu-jigae and chicken dole-sot. Food tastes best when eaten nice and hot at the restaurant. You should be aware that this is a self serve restaurant. Order and pay up front at the counter. A doorbell type sound rings when your food is ready to pick up at the counter. Bring your tray and dishes back to the counter after your meal. Korean bottled drinks are available for purchase in the fridge around the corner from the cashier. I always get the orange or grape Sac Sac drink. read more

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The food was delicious and the owner was so sweet! The restaurant was very quaint and the owner was such a kind person. Everything was fresh and tasty! read more

Go Goo Ma Korean - Bibimbap and BeeBeem NengMyun - Korean Near Me - Hoffman Estates, Illinois

Delicious food...we can't stop eating there...highly recommend Dol Sot Bibimpap...so yummy read more

A hidden Korean gem! As a Korean, I approve. Korean style pay up at the front with a picture menu. Very clean atmosphere, and prices are comparable to most Korean restaurants. Whenever you need a solid Korean meal fix without waiter hassle- this is a good spot. Dolsot bibimbap: this dish is my go to for Korean restaurants, and Go Goo Ma perfected it. Sizzling with the egg still runny on top and lots and lots of veggies- just how I like it! Complimentary side dishes include soup, cabbage salad, and radish kimchi. These weren't the best, but not bad either. I will be back when I'm craving some traditional Korean food! read more

Go Goo Ma Korean - Dolsot bibimbap- one of the best I've had yet! - Korean Near Me - Hoffman Estates, Illinois

Excellent Korean food freshly made by a friendly and wonderful chef! Reasonable prices and fantastic portions as well

Have only been here twice both take out. I have a love for Ra-bo-kki. First time coming here, i wanted to order Ra-bo-kki and just a side of fried dumplings. They didnt have fried dumplings which i was so disappointed but a miscommunication happened and he ended up making me dumpling soup. I still payed and took it. BEST DUMPLING SOUP EVER!!! Second time I come i wanted to order the same thing But SADLY they dont offer the dumpling soup anymore but i ended up ordering shrimp fried rice and bulgogi and the Ra-bo-kki PLEASE SUPPORT THIS FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS!! Everytime i come here its only the older man, just him cooking and handling everything. I always tip him $5 for doing a great job and always cooking from his heart. I APPRECIATE YOU!!! Thank you for the love you give to the food you serve! read more

Fantastic hearty & authentic Korean food. My wife & I love this gem of a restaurant hidden in a strip mall. The Kimchi Jigae & Kimchi fried rice are our favorites, so spicy & flavorful. Family owned & operated. No frills, no waitstaff, you give your order and pickup your food from the counter when it's ready. It's all about one thing here - the food. We're usually the only non-Koreans there, which tells you something about the authenticity! We eat here about once a week, and probably crave it the rest of the wk. read more

so SOOOO GOOD!! this place has some of the best korean food i have had. Just one man made all of our food by himself, in a very reasonable time, and it was so delicious! Their rice cakes, squid, cold noodles, and sweet and sour chicken were the best. Even the sides were so good. definitely give it a try if your in the area!!! read more