Market Kokoro - Image 1
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Market Kokoro

4.6
·933 reviews·Sandton, South Africa

A vibrant Asian food market offering a vast selection of Korean and Japanese groceries, plus delicious street food like corn dogs and tteokbokki.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed shopping

CrowdLow
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Market Kokoro - Image 1

Market Kokoro

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed shopping

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant Asian food market offering a vast selection of Korean and Japanese groceries, plus delicious street food like corn dogs and tteokbokki.

4.6
(933 reviews)

"Market Kokoro has everything! From food to accessories, and even Korean skincare products!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Try the Corn Dogs!

Don't miss the highly recommended Korean corn dogs – a TikTok favorite!

🛒 Stock Up on Staples

Find everything from sushi rice to fresh veggies and thinly sliced meats for hot pot.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Korean Street Food Delights

Korean Street Food Delights

Food stalls

Indulge in authentic Korean street food, from crispy corn dogs to flavorful tteokbokki. A must-try for any visitor!

Extensive Asian Grocery Selection

Extensive Asian Grocery Selection

Market aisles

Discover a wide array of Japanese and Korean snacks, ingredients, and unique treats. Perfect for stocking up!

Kawaii & K-Beauty Finds

Kawaii & K-Beauty Finds

Retail section

Browse cute plushies, kawaii items, and Korean skincare products for a touch of cuteness and self-care.

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Planning Your Visit

Weekend Foodie Adventures

Market Kokoro is a vibrant Asian food market, perfect for weekend outings. Expect delicious Korean street food like corn dogs and tteokbokki, alongside a vast selection of Asian groceries. It's a popular spot, so be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends.

Beyond Groceries: A Culinary Experience

More than just an Asian grocery store, Market Kokoro offers a fantastic culinary experience with ready-to-eat Korean street food. It's a great place to discover new snacks, try authentic dishes, and stock up on unique ingredients for home cooking.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed shopping
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Fresh food, vibrant atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Friday afternoons
Why
Start the weekend with tasty treats
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🇿🇦 Need something to do this weekend? Go to Market Kokoro - Rivonia Gardens! The cutest Asian food market. I'm definitely going back for those corn dogs 🥹 • • • #weekendvibes #whattodo #whattodoinjoburg #activity #foodmarket #food #market #marketkokoro #southafrica #johannesburg #sandton
@alison_robinson_
547 likes • 26.3K views

🎯 Try the Corn Dogs!

Don't miss the highly recommended Korean corn dogs – a TikTok favorite! TikTok

🛒 Stock Up on Staples

Find everything from sushi rice to fresh veggies and thinly sliced meats for hot pot. Reddit

Kokoro market haul 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦 #kokoro #fyp #foryoupage #blowthisup #johannesburg
@chichichows
206 likes • 12.4K views
Have you been to our new Rivonia store yet? #kokororivonia #marketkokoro #asiangrocersa #koreanfood #japanesefood
@market_kokoro
458 likes • 21.6K views

🍜 Noodle Heaven

The noodle section is extensive, offering a huge variety to choose from. TikTok

🥟 Ready-Made Condiments

Grab pre-made sauces for Korean fried chicken and an array of fresh pickled goods like kimchi. Reddit

Riviona, the place to go for any Japanese and Chinese treats to try. Craylon loves to try all the different Tik Tok treats we've been dying to try. #johannesburg #southafrica #food #japenesefood #chinesefood #trysomethingnew #sandton #CapCut #chinesesupermarket
@ty_and_crays_adventures
208 likes • 9.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Try the Corn Dogs!

Don't miss the highly recommended Korean corn dogs – a TikTok favorite! TikTok

🛒 Stock Up on Staples

Find everything from sushi rice to fresh veggies and thinly sliced meats for hot pot. Reddit

🍜 Noodle Heaven

The noodle section is extensive, offering a huge variety to choose from. TikTok

🥟 Ready-Made Condiments

Grab pre-made sauces for Korean fried chicken and an array of fresh pickled goods like kimchi. Reddit

🛍️ Explore New Arrivals

Keep an eye out for new kawaii stock and cute plushies! TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(933 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Market Kokoro is a highly recommended Asian market and food destination, praised for its extensive selection of groceries, delicious Korean street food, and friendly staff. While some find it a bit pricey, the quality and variety generally justify the cost. Occasional inconsistencies in specific dishes have been noted, but overall, it's a beloved spot for authentic Asian flavors.

"Love this store. Always reliable, reasonably priced and where I find my Asian grocery needs. There fresh food on the weekends is just simply delicious and a wonderful way to experience Korean Street type food. Highly recommend this branch in particular. Update: the new location is much bigger and a really great spot. Still one of my favourite Asian stores and there fresh food is still delicious."

Angelo Bennett

"From shopping to lunch, ending with a plate of Tteokbokki— a perfect combo. The rice cakes were delicious! That chewy texture and spicy-sweet sauce really hit the spot."

Tanya Van Eeden

"I seriously seriously seriously recommend EVERYONE to come here!!
Market Kokoro has always been one of my favourite shops in Joburg. Today (09/09/2025) I visited this specific branch. The shop/restaurant is HUGE, clean, and has everything! From food, accessories, and even Korean skincare products!
The staff are extremely polite and helpful too, they made my day even better!
Thank you Market Kokoro, I will be back soon!🧡"

Antonia Carmine Napoli

What People Like

Vast Asian grocery selection
Delicious Korean street food
Polite and helpful staff

What People Dislike

Can be pricey
Occasional food inconsistency

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Market Kokoro is located in Rivonia, Johannesburg. Many visitors arrive by car, as it's a popular spot for weekend outings and food hauls. Public transport options might be available, but driving is generally recommended for ease of carrying groceries. TikTok+1

Yes, Market Kokoro has a branch in Sandton, and another in Rivonia. Both locations offer a wide selection of Asian groceries and food items. TikTok+1

Parking is generally available at Market Kokoro, especially at the larger Rivonia location. It's advisable to arrive early during peak times to secure a spot. Reddit

While specific public transport routes can vary, many visitors opt for private transport due to the nature of grocery shopping. Check local transport apps for the most up-to-date information for the Rivonia or Sandton branches. TikTok

For a substantial food haul, driving is the most convenient option. This allows you to comfortably transport your purchases, especially frozen goods and larger items. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Market Kokoro is a retail and food market, so no tickets are required for entry. You can freely browse the aisles and food stalls. TikTok

Opening hours can vary slightly between branches and days. It's best to check their official social media or website for the most current operating times before your visit. Many TikToks show visits on weekdays and weekends. TikTok

There is no admission fee for the food stalls. You pay for the food you order. Prices for dishes like tteokbokki are mentioned as being on the heftier side. Reddit

Market Kokoro primarily operates as a market and deli. While there are places to eat the prepared food, formal table bookings are generally not a feature. It's more of a casual dining experience. TikTok

Market Kokoro occasionally runs promotions, such as the 'Let's Taste Korea' competition offering a chance to win K-food goodies. Keep an eye on their social media for announcements. TikTok

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Groceries

You'll find a vast selection of Japanese and Korean groceries, including snacks, drinks, instant noodles, sauces, fresh produce, frozen goods, and specialty ingredients for authentic Asian meals. TikTokReddit

Yes, Market Kokoro stocks a range of Korean skincare products, adding to its appeal as a one-stop shop for Asian goods. Reddit

While Market Kokoro is known for its quality and variety, some reviews suggest it's not the cheapest option. However, customers feel the quality and consistency justify the price. Reddit

Popular items include various types of ramen, Korean corn dogs, kimchi, dumplings, and specialty snacks. Many visitors also stock up on staples like rice and thinly sliced meats. TikTokReddit

Absolutely! Market Kokoro offers an array of interesting sweets, unique drinks, and a wide variety of chips, perfect for trying new flavors. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Market Kokoro features a deli with Korean street food favorites like corn dogs, tteokbokki, and Korean fried chicken. They also offer gimbap and other delicious grab-and-go options. TikTokReddit+1

Tteokbokki is a popular dish, often praised for its chewy texture and spicy-sweet sauce. However, one review noted a recent disappointing experience with watered-down sauce lacking flavor. Reddit

While specific vegetarian or vegan options aren't explicitly detailed, the variety of street food might include some choices. It's best to inquire at the food stalls directly about ingredients. TikTok

Yes, Market Kokoro offers an epic amount of fresh pickled goods, including various types of kimchi and other authentic Korean side dishes, perfect for enjoying at home. Reddit

The 'TikTok treats' often refer to popular Korean street food items like the Korean corn dogs, which have gained significant traction on social media platforms for their unique taste and appearance. TikTok+1

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, Market Kokoro is very photogenic! The colorful packaging of snacks, the vibrant food stalls, and the cute kawaii items make for great photo opportunities. TikTok+1

The aisles filled with colorful snacks and drinks, the displays of kawaii items, and the food stalls themselves offer excellent backdrops for photos. TikTok+1

Absolutely! Many visitors share their food hauls and delicious meals on social media, so feel free to capture your culinary discoveries. TikTok+1

Generally, casual photography for personal use is allowed. However, it's always a good practice to be mindful of other shoppers and staff, and avoid intrusive photography. TikTok

Popular hashtags include #MarketKokoro, #KokoroMarket, #AsianMarket, #KoreanFood, #Johannesburg, and #FoodHaul. TikTok+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Market Kokoro is a fantastic outing for families looking for a fun and flavorful experience. Kids will love the colorful snacks and unique drinks available in the grocery aisles, and the cute kawaii items and plushies are sure to be a hit. TikTok+1 The street food section offers exciting options like Korean corn dogs, which are often a crowd-pleaser. While the tteokbokki can be spicy, there are usually other options available. The spacious layout of the Rivonia branch makes it easier to navigate with children. Reddit

🍜 Food Enthusiasts & K-Drama Fans

For those passionate about Korean and Japanese cuisine, Market Kokoro is a paradise. You can find everything needed to recreate authentic dishes at home, from specialty ingredients and sauces to fresh produce and meats. Reddit K-drama fans will especially appreciate the extensive selection of ramen and snacks featured in their favorite shows, making it a truly immersive experience. TikTok The ready-to-eat Korean street food also offers a delicious way to explore the flavors you see on screen. Reddit

🛍️ Budget-Conscious Shoppers

While Market Kokoro is praised for quality, some reviews mention it's not the cheapest option. Reddit However, for those looking to stock up on staples like rice, or specific Asian ingredients that are hard to find elsewhere, it can be a worthwhile investment. Look out for promotions or competitions that might offer discounts or prizes. TikTok The variety of snacks also means you can find more affordable treats if you're mindful of your spending. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Culinary Journey at Market Kokoro

Market Kokoro is renowned for its dual offering: a comprehensive Asian grocery store and a vibrant street food deli. Visitors rave about the extensive selection of Japanese and Korean groceries, from everyday staples like rice and fresh produce to unique snacks, drinks, and specialty ingredients. The frozen food section is particularly popular, with items like spring rolls and potstickers being a consistent favorite. Reddit Beyond the groceries, the food stalls provide an authentic taste of Korean street food. Popular choices include the highly-praised Korean corn dogs, which have become a social media sensation, and the flavorful tteokbokki. TikTokReddit While most experiences are positive, it's worth noting that consistency in dishes like tteokbokki can sometimes vary. Reddit

This blend of shopping and dining makes Market Kokoro a destination in itself. It's not just a place to buy ingredients; it's an experience to explore new flavors and enjoy delicious, ready-to-eat meals. The market also extends to other items, with a selection of kawaii goods and Korean skincare products adding to its unique appeal. TikTokReddit The overall atmosphere is lively, making it a great spot for a weekend outing or a weekday treat. TikTok

Navigating the Market Kokoro Experience

For first-time visitors, Market Kokoro can feel a bit overwhelming due to its sheer variety, but in the best way possible. The Rivonia branch is noted for being particularly huge and clean, offering a vast array of products. Reddit The staff are frequently described as polite and helpful, contributing to a positive shopping experience. Reddit When it comes to shopping, many visitors recommend stocking up on staples like rice, fresh vegetables, and thinly sliced meats for hot pot, as well as exploring the diverse soup bases and sauces. Reddit The noodle section is a highlight, with an almost overwhelming choice of ramen and other noodle products. TikTok

When it comes to the food stalls, be prepared for delicious, often spicy and savory flavors. The Korean corn dogs are a must-try, often featured in TikTok videos. TikTok While the tteokbokki is generally well-loved for its chewy texture and sauce, one review pointed out a recent dip in quality with a watered-down sauce. Reddit Despite this, the overall consensus is that the fresh food offerings are delicious and a wonderful way to experience Korean street-type food. Reddit It's a place where you can easily spend an afternoon, from shopping to enjoying a satisfying lunch. TikTok