Have you fallen back in love with all things analog again? Objects that still have buttons and headphone jacks? That’s where Kimchi Records comes in. Starting my own vinyl collection six years ago, I’ve watched it grow little by little. So, when moving to Berlin, one of the first things I was looking for was a good vinyl shop. One with niche and curated records, somewhere to explore and chill, and the freedom to grab as many vinyls as I want, put them on a record player, and take a listen before deciding which is going home with me. Little to do with Korean food and everything to do with music and discovery, the name Kimchi is a blend of owner Kim Bruun’s name and that of a former co-founder, Chicaiza. Kim grew up in Quito, Ecuador, where he made music alongside Cosmic JD and Nicola Cruz. After twelve years in Berlin, he founded Kimchi Records in Neukölln, a space built around electronic music and records from all over the world, each one listened to before earning its place on the shelf.
Walk down the stairs into the main room, where a record player spins and a couch invites you to sink in. To the left is the main room with three listening stations and plenty of crates to dig through. Further back is the pink room — part office, part expanded record area. Filled with vintage pieces, custom furniture by Aquiles Jarrin, posters, and little details, every corner is worth exploring slowly. Over seven years, Kimchi has become a hub for DJs, producers, collectors, and anyone who just loves music. On top of their extensive collection, Kimchi hosts monthly in-store events to support new labels and record releases, keeping the space alive well past closing time. Coming up is a free open-air event with Rixbox (06.06.2026). On the label side, Planet Mushrooms (Kimchi’s sub-label) is dropping its first release this summer, featuring Japanese artists Que Sakamoto and Nori (NT), followed by Kimchi007’s upcoming release from Argentinian producer Montei. So if you need your next niche listen or are looking for fun events after-hours, this is your hub.
Text: Stefania Basano / Photos: Isabelle Marten
Kimchi Records, Richardstr.7–8, 12043 Berlin–Neukölln; map
@kimchi_records
