I stopped by a few times to pick up groceries and thought it's pretty overpriced, but kimchi looked great and I'm sure it tastes great as well. However, 1 star for how rudely the lady behind the counter behaved today. I walked in to ask to exchange $1 for quarters. I also asked about an item on the counter and explained I'm not buying, just asking what it is. She got visibly frustrated, and instead of giving me the quarters (to which she already agreed) looked around and asked the other 2 customers to check out before me. Neither of them was ready to check out and friendly pointed out that I was there first. In spite of that, she kept staring at them, demonstrating she won't attend to my request before she checks out them both. It's been a while since I've encountered such rude behavior. read more

Reliable Market is is well-organized and their variety is huge. I've had a good time walking around the place looking at the huge variety. It is always impressive. (Every time I've visited there has been at least one purple cooked octopus head -- so cool!) Great Korean and Japanese food selection. They've never disappointed me. I recommend Reliable Market over Kotobukiya and Yoshinoya. WATCH OUT -- They have a $10 minimum for credit cards. read more

Not a great Korean market, as they go, but by far the best you'll find in the Boston area. (E.g., Lotte near MIT doesn't have enough stock, and many times isn't as fresh; Super88 doesn't have much Korean stuff.) I agree with Lala, that the best part is the back where the fish, kimchi, and bahnchan (small dishes) are. The bahnchan selection is meager, but it suffices. The fish is generally pretty good (though Kotobukiya in Porter has it better, but pricier). Make sure that when you pick out your kimchi, you note the date written in black marker on the lid. Sometimes their kimchi isn't the freshest, but when you can get the freshest they've got. read more

Reliable Market is reliably awesome. The highlights: * Inexpensive Asian produce: forgo Market Basket and get your ginger, scallions, napa cabbage, and daikon radish here! * A million varieties of Korean hot pepper flakes and paste * Tasty refrigerated banchan (side dishes, often pickled): I highly recommend the chewy "seasoned seaweed" All of their other packaged products, like noodles and sauces, are fairly priced but not as cheap as C-Mart. But compared to the manic hoards of Chinatown, this Union Square gem is a shopper's oasis. Never too crowded, which gives us newbs more time to peruse the store's diverse offerings in peace. read more

Fair prices and a really great variety of products! I came to get Japanese groceries and supplies for kimbap, but I walked out with a lot more (mainly from the snack area)! Like everyone else has mentioned, they have everything from fresh produce to sake. I grabbed a chunk of octopus from the sushi area and it was really fresh, though a bit more expensive than stores back home. Reliable Market is a bit out of the way for me, but one of my favorite Asian grocery stores in Boston for sure. read more

I have tried different Asian markets in Boston, and Reliable is, reliable for me. It is close to where I live. It has everything I need, price and quality is good. Their meat selection is usually better quality than most usual supermarkets (absolutely better than Market Basket or Shaw's, about the same as or slightly better than TJ's), fish is good, their Asian fresh vegetables are good, but I do not recommend their oriental yam, potatoes or onions. I am glad they have a good selection of Asian alcohol, though they are pricier than in origin countries. Well, that is to be expected. If you are new to Korean/Japanese ingredients, I think H-Mart in Burlington may be better - they are like ten times bigger, with definitely wider selection.But if you know your ways around in Korean/Japanese cooking, reliable is great. read more

Duk!!!! I've been looking everywhere for a Duk Chib. Anyone know of one in MA? Duk = Korean Rice cakes. Chib= house. delicious chewy gooey sticky goodness in a plethora of flavors. They don't really have all the variety I crave but they do have an alright selection of the stuff and its usually pretty fresh. They really do have everything if you cook Korean food. They have everything if you don't cook Korean and just want pre made, or packaged/microwave stuff. I have a friend who lives in Waltham that comes all the way out here for the Kimchi. They make the best if you don't make your own. The Ban-chan ( side dishes) are very good. Some are not as spicy as I would like but still good. I was super stoked they had Kosadi. I don't remember any of the other spots selling it already made. I"m too lazy and it involves too much soaking to get it tender. in English I don't know what Kosadi is, some sort of mountain weed. My mom and aunts used to make us go on "vacation" in the CO mountains to pick the stuff of the side of the road... anywho I digress. The land animal meats aren't the best and kind of expensive, I usually go to McKinnons when I want to splurge, I've explained to them most of the Korean cuts like for Kalbi and bulgogi and they're happy to cut some up for me. Any good butcher should, I've even gone to MB in Woburn and they've sliced up some short ribs for me. They have a wonderful and fresh selection of seafood. Fresh Octopus!!! SUPER! Everything else you need as a Korean too! house slippers, some soju, that scratchy wash cloth towel thing, Also check out Reliable Bee dee oh next door for all you Korean crying yelling soap opera's and drama needs! read more

I like this place solely for my current favoritest teatime snack - the baked maple waffles. They come a bit pricey for $5.89 for a pack of about 10-15 waffles. But, they have the most perfect taste - not cloyingly sweet, and they are baked really well. They're located somewhat hidden from view, so you have to keep your eyes somewhat peeled. The waffles come in 3 flavors - maple, chocolate and plain, of which IMHO, the maple beats the rest in the taste department, anyday! They are also such a perfect accompaniment to sweet cardamom tea. Nonetheless, great with or without a beverage on the side. Apart from that, I love that this shop sells mangoes. They have other produce too, maybe if I was more of a creative cook, I would go there more often. But the waffles so far have been my best discovery. I couldn't find much else to my liking, although they do carry a LOT of different things. Also wish they had 'Hello Panda'! I will always go back for the maple waffles though. read more

More like a Korean market this spot has some really great stuff. Unfortunately, not really much of what I expect from a true Asian market. I was looking for Healthy Boy Thai soy sauce and they dont carry it. Another big problem is that they don't carry any Filipino products! What's up with that?? They have your typical Asian staples: soy sauce, oyster sauce, sriracha, expensive teapots and chopsticks. read more

I always have so much fun in here. Whenever I go, I have to put aside at least 30 min, because I usually just walk up and down the isles and pick things that look fun. Then I take my armfuls of goodies home and have a giggle while I try to figure out what the crap half of the stuff is. Eventually I find creative ways to make my roommates try everything as well, mainly because I've found if I state what something is in a very matter of fact manner, they will believe me, because realistically, they don't know what it is either. I don't think one of them will ever forgive the spoonfull of hot red paste....oh well. Plus I love that I have a place where I can get siracha, kim chee, and soju in one fell swoop, without being overwhelmed (I'm not gonna lie, I have to psych myself up to go to Super 88). read more

This place is great...I agree with all the positive statements other yelpers already covered. They have a fairly large space with tons of stuff crammed into it. I have never seen such a broad variety of Japanese shoyu, menmi, mirin, cooking oils etc in any one store--even when living in Asia. Due to the huge selection: different brands, price brackets/quality levels, sizes and assortments; allow your self at least half an hour on your first foray. I have to also add the people were very very nice and seem to be tri-lingual.... friendly and accessible staff read more

My goodness! This has got to be my favorite Yelp discovery so far! The store is broken up into three sections, so when you think you've discovered the whole store, there's a little more around the bend. I went on a Saturday afternoon, so the store was a bit crowded, which made it a little difficult for maneuvering around the store with the small aisles, but the selection more than made up for this! The produce is a little lacking, but the prices appeared to be reasonable. I was able to stock up on all the ingredients to make my favorite korean foods at home! I really enjoyed the selection of sauces/marinades that made it easy to create a bibimbap at home. The noodle selection is pretty good and I was able to find some good barley tea here. There's a decent selection of sushi grade fish in the third room, I didn't pick any up, but it looked fresh from what my momma taught me. To reiterate what another Yelper said, there alcohol selection is pretty AWESOME! Oh, and another plus! Parking =D I'm still reeling from my weekend visit, excited about the possibilities of what to make next...Kimchee Bokkeum Bahp (Kimchee Fried Rice), Ojingeo Buchimgae (Squid Pancakes), Jap Chae...oh boy! read more

This is by far the best place to buy shabu meats! It's a bit more expensive than Chinese markets; but the quality is far better than the Chinese. I had shabu at home the other night and the beef was gone in just about 2 minutes! I didn't even have a chance to savor the beef. I usually don't like pork for shabu but this place rocks! It was tender after cooking - wasn't like eating leather. read more

Reliable is going uphill, at least compared with last winter. Ahhh spring...such a nice season, brings magic touches to anything. You will find all the Korean cuisine staples here without hitting the big H. The price may be a little higher, but it's really convenient. They also have a very decent selection of Japanese staples, which covers maybe 70% of what Ebisuya has. Go to Cmart for Chinese stuff, no good here. People are nice here and the ambiance is cute. It's like a maze of Asian goodies! Three hoorays for being an Asian! read more

I have been a customer here for 35 years. My Take on it is that it has a very good product inventory but the "staff" are the cashiers- who DO NOT SPEAK ENGLISH.You are on your own except general directions to find some items. read more

I am SO happy to have found this place on Yelp. This little Korean and Japanese market is a gem. I am finally able to find all the asian food I love that Super 88 doesn't carry. Fresh Korean kimchi and other side dishes, all sorts of teas, sake, HITE beer, authentic Korean and Japanese udon and ramen, any Japanese spice you can think of, an entire wall dedicated to miso soup...you just keep walking and finding more amazing things around each corner. Definitely don't come here if you're looking for fresh produce or meats. But if you can't cook like me, this is the perfect place for all your microwave or 10 minute stove top needs. read more

Good selection of Japanese and Korean groceries. There are also a few Chinese and other Asian goods as well. The prices are a bit high but given the lack of stores of this type around its worth going to. Stuff to buy there is fresh, refrigerated or preserved goods. Stuff to get at big places are snacks and drinks. read more

This is my favorite East Asian food seller in the core Boston area. If you need any Korean groceries, most Japanese groceries, a good selection of beer, wine, soju, and sake, Korean hot foods, this is the place to go. This is my favorite part of living in Union Square. read more

Good: Price is much more reasonable than H-mart in Central Square. Bad: Check-out Process is very slow. What I don't understand is that, there are two cashier places and 2-3 store persons. But only one person checks out and another person is not doing anything and just standing. How difficult is it to teach her to do check-out system? Some read more

Reliable has most things you'd expect from a small but well stocked Asian supermarket. Cheap veggies and tofu. Fruit here is expensive for some reason. The bananas are always kind of strange too, and I've tried them a few times. Weird texture. Maybe they freeze them. Lots of good frozen stuff. Get some kimchi dumplings. Many interesting snack foods, cookies, candies, teas, rices, sauces, noodles, spices, etc. They do sell beer, wine and ice cream. Also slippers and kitchen tools. Friendly cashiers. Parking lot in back. read more

Reliable market is bigger than typical asian grocery stores in town and has more items at reasonable prices. They also carry vegetables, fish, and some meat. Most vegetables at this store are not all that fresh, but it's useful that they carry them, I guess. I like the fact that they have parking in the back, but it's somewhat depressing to be at this store because of the light, layout, etc. read more

Even with the competition from H-Mart in Central, Reliable is still the best Korean market in Boston. They not only have ready-to-eat food, a huge frozen section, various kinds of alcohol, and a good selection of Japanese products too, but the staff is always friendly and nice. You really feel like you're supporting a friendly local business. Updated 1/2018: I still love this place. They have even more ready to order and fresh food now and a huge wine and beer selection with some really interesting beer choices. read more

Reliable carries a good selection of Korean and Japanese grocery items. Some of their prices (of rice, traditional Korean drinks...etc.) are cheaper than Mirim (another Korean grocery shop on Harvard Avenue) but some are vice versa. I tried their shabushabu pork last night and it was great! The pork tasted really good and they were paper thin!!! Service was not as bad as I've read. Overall I quite like this place. read more

As far as I recall this place really is great. Primarily they stock Korean food, but they also have Japanese food. So as a Japanese-Korean, this place is my heaven. Their kimchi is almost always fresh (I recommend the kind that isn't pre-cut), and they have great snacks too. Their video store seems a bit shady legally (shhh!), but hs a great selection. The people there are always really nice and friendly as well. Shop here over Kotobukiya if you want to save, or want Korean food. Reliable's Japanese food is cheaper and usually of the same quality. read more

When HMart first opened they sold these awesome, heavy thick walled bowls. The type they serve bi bim bap in. $8 And they haven't carried this since. I need a replacement! I go in here and I can't truthfully say they were helpful, kind or gracious. Was because I didn't want booze? Anyway WHERE in Cambridge Somerville can I find one of these bowls? I'd even pay $15 for it. read more

Reliable Market is just fantastic. An authetic and wide-ranging selection of East Asian foodstuffs. Courteous service. Great saki selection. And you guessed it-- it's reliable. If you want a Japanese or Korean grocery item, I'd be shocked if they didn't carry it. read more

This is a nice family run enterprise which is a nice local alternative to hmart. It is a clean well stocked store much larger than expected with all of the varieties of cold, frozen, hot, teas, Rice's, sauces and best of all wines, beer, sake and soji. The owner boasts of having over 150 different varieties and there are a number of in house and distributor experts that come through the store at any time. The owner prides herself on her in-house made kimchi and homemade buns, vegetarian and meat, sweet and sour. Hospitality is superb and this is definitely worth the stop over if you are in Boston and looking for a snack and some provisions before you head back home through you 45 min- 2hr commute! read more

Before the Big "H" decended upon the Boston area, this place ruled as the best Korean market to go to in the area, still if you are in Somerville or Cambridge, it is worth it to go here. It is a small, yet friendly marketplace having everything you need to cook authentic Korean food. The variety is good and things are very fresh. Parking is a challenge because you have to find street parking in Union Square. I try to stop by if I am in the area. There is always something that I need for my kitchen. Yes, I do cook, I do not eat out all the time. :) read more

I work next to Chinatown, and live next to this store. Both are great, but for convenience alone this place gets major props. I stopped in randomly with no particular need, and found plenty of things I felt compelled to purchase. Packaged foods seem to be mostly Korean and Japanese, but thats exactly what I wanted. Lots of multi-packs of seaweed snacks that I adore, and the store seems to just keep expanding the further you walk around. The couple employees I interacted with were lovely, and having a shop with such a selection (and at such prices) is a fantastic resource to have so close. read more

I love this store. It is SO much cheaper than buying from regular grocery stores. I always go for teas, miso soup and the little pokey sticks, but they've got a bunch of great stuff and the staff is friendly and helpful. read more

This place sells soju and makgeolli. H-mart doesn't. Guess who wins!

i got fresh Uni from here last night for 9.95 and it wuz goood! their selection of Sake is wonderful as well. they even have a KIMCHEE wall...if you're into that sorta thing. wink wink. :) read more

Sweet fancy moses, how haven't we been in here before? They have absolutely everything you need to make Korean/Japanese food @ home & then some. I wasn't over impressed to w/the mangoes & produce in general (Market Basket blows doors on their produce/prices), but fish/beef, sake... oh man, this place is good & it has free parking in the back. read more

Little gem in Union square. Great local place to get Asian groceries and love their Korean pancakes, noodles and kimchi.

Worth the trip to get Korean and Japanese stuff you cannot find at Super 88. Large selection of ramen (that made my day) as well as a teas, noodles, and seafood stuff. You can basically get all the ingredients to make at home all those delicious things you get at Japanese and Korean restaurants. I myself picked up an enormous jar of kimchi... read more

Awesome Korean Grocery! Everything you need to throw together a quick bi bim bap. Nice variety of kimchee. Mmmmmmmm sesame leaves... I want to go there right now and stock up on sesame leaves. This place has awesome prices, chilsung cider, aloe juice (not that nasty healthy kind, the yummy kind), crushed pear juice, milkis, that tasty condensed milk candy from Japan, my favorite yogurt drinks, everything you need for a good dukk bo ki. Mmmmmmm. I love this place. If your cashier doesn't speak English, who cares, numbers look the same in every language. read more

My favorite hole in the wall! Awesome Asian grocery store with an amazing selection of beer and wine! And the nicest staff in the world. Normal grocery items are obviously more expensive, there's a market basket literally down the street for those things. All in all a great place to grab a few Asian cooking items and snacks and some soju and Pacifico and Maine Beer Co., things I can rarely find at an actual liquor store. Oh! They serve meals too! read more

Reliable is really a great little grocery. It was open on Thanksgiving! Which was great for a little last minute shopping. There's a lot of variety - produce, frozen foods, a whole case of miso, a room of kimchee, and more kinds of pocky than you can imagine. Cheap rice and noodles. A small selection of housewares. I give it a 4 only because it's a little difficult to navigate. A lot of the authentic goods are not labeled with any english at all - but a little category signage in English would go a long way. Reliable Video next door is a lot of fun if you're looking for stationary, toys, or videos. read more

Watch your receipts! I got ripped off -- charged $11.49 for one bunch of scallions. Something seemed off with the total but I didn't put it together until I went over the receipt in more detail after I got home. I tried calling the market to complain, but no one answered. Disappointing, since otherwise I enjoyed shopping here, and the one previous time I had been. I won't be coming back, though. read more

I originally went in for seaweed salad, because it seems this is one of the few places you can get it ready-made without going to a restaurant. But this place has EVERYTHING! Very clean and organized, and super friendly people as well. I will definitely be back. read more