KP International Market & The Red Alcove: A Hidden Foodie Gem in Rancho Cordova

You ever have one of those moments where Facebook serves up a memory from years ago, and suddenly, you’re hit with a craving so strong you can almost taste it? That happened to me the other day when photos from 2016 popped up—pictures from a dinner at The Red Alcove, the Korean BBQ spot inside KP International Market.

I could practically smell the sizzling meat and taste the perfectly grilled bulgogi just from looking at those pictures. And then I thought, “Wait, are they still there?”

Well, good news—they are! And now I feel like I need to take another trip back, because it has been way too long since I had that mouthwatering, interactive Korean BBQ experience.

KP International Market: More Than Just a Grocery Store

If you’ve never been to KP International Market in Rancho Cordova, let me set the scene: this place is a full-on international food experience.

It’s not just a grocery store—it’s an adventure. You’ll find aisles stocked with ingredients from all over the world—Asian, European, Latin American, Middle Eastern—you name it.

European Aisles & Nostalgic Treats

One of my favorite things to do when I visit KP International Market is to head straight to the European food section. I spent part of my childhood in Germany, and KP is one of the few places where I can still find some of my favorite childhood treats—those candies and cookies I thought I’d never see again. It’s like a mini time machine for my taste buds.

Fresh Tortillas & Kimchi Heaven

Then there’s the freshly made tortillas—yes, fresh tortillas, made right there in the store. If you love a good taco night, these will ruin you for store-bought ever again.

And if you’re a kimchi lover, you’re in luck. KP has a crazy selection, from traditional napa cabbage to radish and spicy varieties. It’s basically a kimchi wonderland.

The Food Court: Where You Eat Your Way Around the World

If you’re going to KP, you have to eat while you’re there. The food court is one of my favorite parts because they have:

? Korean soups and rice bowls
? Fresh sushi rolls
? Vietnamese pho and banh mi
? Mexican tacos and burritos
? Classic American burgers and fries

It’s basically a world tour for your taste buds—and you don’t even need a passport.

The Red Alcove: Korean BBQ Heaven

And then there’s The Red Alcove—aka the place that had me drooling over my own Facebook memories.

If you’ve never done Korean BBQ before, here’s how it works:

How It Works

? They bring out the raw, marinated meats—everything from bulgogi and pork belly to filet mignon and shrimp.
? You grill it right at your table, soaking in all the sizzling, smoky goodness.
? You feast like royalty—because honestly, this is one of the most satisfying ways to eat dinner.

What to Order

Their top-quality meats are sourced directly from KP’s butcher and seafood departments, so you know you’re getting the freshest cuts. Some must-try options:

? Marinated Beef Bulgogi – That perfect balance of sweet, savory, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
? Thick, Crispy Pork Belly – The perfect bite, every time.
? Spicy Pork – Caramelized, flavorful, and just the right amount of heat.
? Jumbo Shrimp – A little surf-and-turf action, Korean BBQ style.
? Marinated Chicken – Tender and packed with flavor.

You can be the grill master or let the staff cook for you, but either way, this is a meal you won’t forget.

Why I’m Going Back Soon

It’s been years since I last went to The Red Alcove, and I have no idea why I waited this long. Seeing those old photos reminded me just how good that meal was, and now that I know they’re still around, it’s only a matter of time before I go back.

Plan Your Visit

? Where: 10971 Olson Dr., Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
⏰ Market Hours: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Daily
? Food Court Hours: 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM Daily

Final Thoughts: Make It an Adventure!

I don’t get out to KP International Market as often as I’d like, but when I do, I make it an event. Whether it’s hunting down old favorites in the European section, grabbing some of the best tortillas in town, or just wandering through the aisles discovering new flavors, every visit is an experience.

And no—I wasn’t paid to write this.

I just love places that make food fun, and KP International Market does exactly that.