Maybe I’m a weirdo, but I find grocery stores, especially ethnic grocery stores, so interesting. Recently I was roaming the aisles of H mart {a Korean grocery store} for the first time and I was fascinated.
I didn’t go in with any expectations or even a shopping list, I walked in just for fun. I think I spent an hour there marveling over all the interesting {and new to me} products.
Fun Fact: H Mart is short for “Han Ah Reum, which translates to “One Arm Full of Groceries.”
Looking around H Mart was almost like when you’re shopping in a foreign country. Since you can’t read the written words, you’re left guessing what things are from the packaging. I loved it.
For instance, Lime leaves. Who would have ever thought they were worth $69.99 a pound!? What do people even do with fresh lime leaves?
Canned bananas!!!
Now there’s something you don’t see everyday!
Jackfruit. Have you ever tried it? I haven’t but The Girl said it’s really good.
Seafood. It’s a big deal there.
Giant tubs of Kimchi. It’s not something I’d ever buy but the HH loves the stuff.
Sliced rice cakes. Now those looked interesting. The only rice cakes I’ve ever tasted are the ones that look and taste like styrofoam.
A whole aisle dedicated to ramen. I thought that was kind of cool.
Hello Kitty. If you grew up in the 70’s and 80’s I don’t think you’ll ever outgrow Hello Kitty. Remember collecting mini erasers and Lisa Frank stickers? 🙂 Swatch watches? Those were the days!
There was also a whole aisle dedicated to rice. There were SO MANY different kinds, it was awesome
I thought these were dried chicken feet. 🙁
But they turned out to be mushrooms.
Basil seed drinks. Mmm mmm good. Maybe? I don’t know. I’m not a fan of thick drinks with floaty bits so I didn’t get one.
Banana milk. Another interesting find!
Boiled sliced pig feet. Probably my least favorite find of the day.
Sweet corn ice cream bars!!! Now those we bought! And I wouldn’t buy them again. 😉
But the big find of the day… Was in the tea aisle. {Shocking, I know!}. But you’ll have to wait until tomorrow to find out what tea I bought. Ethnic grocery stores are so much fun, and roaming the aisles of H Mart did not disappoint!
~Mavis
Are there any ethnic stores where you live? Do you pop in for any particular item you can’t find anywhere else? Do tell.
Maria Zannini says
Since H Mart is a couple of hours away from me, I go twice a year. In the spring I pick up growable vegetables like purple potatoes, lemon grass, turmeric, and ginger. I plant them and grow them in the garden.
I also sprout beans and legumes from their dry packaged goods.
Linda says
I thought you misspelled K Mart! I made a recipe of pineapple-banana jam.
Brianna says
I live in the midst of so many ethnic markets including H-Mart. Of the two Costco’s near me, one has more halal and Middle East and Indian foods and the other has more Asian foods. I find it funny that my Costco’s have gotten into the business of selling ethnic goods in bulk. I can buy a whole lamb or goat frozen there. I thought about going to H-mart to put together my daughter’s birthday package next month as she is obsessed with anime and Japanese cuisine, but I actually ordered a mixed curated box online. Why? Because I can’t read the labels and I don’t want to accidentally get spicy ramen or squid ring candy and I don’t want huge bags of candy or snacks where she only eats one and decides she doesn’t like it. I find many ethnic stores a nightmare for food allergies too, a lot of the American English labels that are placed on them are not always accurate. Lime leaves are used in Asian cuisine much like bay leaves are used in Italian cuisine, they infuse a flavor into a soup, sauce, curries, broth, or rice. Not bad, just a delicate citrus flavor. I like them, but the family not so much.
Lori says
I read the book Crying in H Mart and LOVED it.
DAWN says
This was an amazing book. @Mavis.. it would be a great listen for you
Lori says
It really was.
Lynda says
I read that book last month. So many interesting foods mentioned!
Mavis Butterfield says
Thanks Lori… I was able to put it on hold. I only have to wait 11 months! Crazy!
Tiffany F says
My wait time is only 5 weeks. I guess I should be excited about that. Never heard of H mart but I’m looking forward to reading the book.
Mellie says
Those rice cakes are so good as a rice or noodle substitute in any Asian dish with a nice sauce. My husband and I love them. They also come in different shapes. I prefer the slightly smaller ones as they are less doughy.
We have lots of Asian markets here and they are always fun to spend time in.
Holley says
When I lived down closer to Atlanta we always went to the ethnic markets to buy our fruit and seafood because the prices were great compared to the regular grocery stores. Now it’s a special trip to go to one because we live about a hour north of there. It’s also the best place to buy spices! So much less expensive than those little jars at the grocery stores around here!!!
Jennifer G says
We have many Indian & Hispanic groceries near us in NWA. Have found shop keepers look at you funny when going in.
Margo says
Many of our local stores cater to the ethnic populations. We are a wonderful melting pot of cultures with Asian, and Mexican foods readily available. We get fresh Pan de Sal and Pancit and adobo from a little Filipino bakery and deli a few blocks away, fresh tortillas, rolls and pastries, and fresh salsas from the grocery and panaderia 2 blocks away, The foods are a wonderful aspect of living in a multicultural neighborhood. Reading the packaging can sometimes be a little difficult. The other day I was at the meat section of one of our local grocery stores. They were selling chicken feet, which is wonderful to add to chicken soup for flavor, and the only place I have seen them locally. They were labeled as “chicken paws”. Didn’t need them right then, but at least I know what they are! I think the lime leaves are from the kaffir limes, different from what we usually buy in the store and have a unique flavor profile.
Laura says
Interesting note about H-Mart. Their ads are good only Thursday through Sunday. Best prices on head lettuce, green onions, and cilantro, but only on the weekends! Which is when they are packed!
Laura Z says
My town has multiple small Mexican grocery stores and a Thai/Hmong one, but in Charlotte we have Super G, which is run by Koreans but has ingredients from all over the world. Fresh lime leaves are a staple in Thai cooking. I love going to Super G to get tofu, fresh herbs, rarer fruits and veggies, and rice and noodles. I love Middle Eastern stores too– great olives and pickles in bulk and lots of pastry, usually. 🙂
Lucy says
Lime leaf is generally used for Thai cooking.
Cheryl says
There is an oriental market about 30 minutes away from me. I buy mushroom soy sauce, dark soy sauce, golden curry, water chestnuts, noodles, dried mushrooms. Ramen also. Need to watch the sodium and if it doesn’t have English ingredients I can’t buy because of my husband’s food allergy. Ours has live eels and turtles also.
Tammy says
I’ve never been in an H Mart, but it looks like a fun place to look around!
Lime leafs are in Thai green curry.
Nancy H says
I love Jack Fruit! I first had it when a co-worker brought it back as a gift when he returned from a visit home to India. Now I seek it out when I visit ethic stores. I found it once at Costco.
Fun fact last year there was a shortage of lime leaves locally and I had my son raiding my lime tree for leaves for when he made Thai dishes. I had a potted tree that I move outside in the summer and bring into the house in the winter. Unfortunately I lost my tree last fall when we had a sudden overnight drop in temp before we expected it. We went from 80 daytime temps to 30 one night. We were in the middle of our fall harvest and lost a lot of produce.
Amanda says
I was born in London, UK and until a couple of years ago when my mother died I visited very regularly.
The area she lived in had many wonderful shops, and both myself and my children grew up with such a variety of goods. Boxes of mangoes in the spring, watermelon in summer, citrus in winter and always bunches of herbs and so much tea.!
Gigi says
The basil drinks are very good. We have quite a few ethnic markets and I love visiting them. When I go overseas, I love visiting the grocery stores. Try Google translate on your phone. You can take a photo of the image and it will translate for you.
Anela says
I found tofu made with nigari (a natural coagulant made with sea water).
They bring in seasonal fruits not found elsewhere. Jeju mandarins are sweet and juicy! So easy to eat. It’s not as acidic with thin, easily peeled skins. Think Cuties but elevated a notch.
The Kyoho grapes (Jpn variety) pop in your mouth and tastes like Kasugai grape gummy candy. So fun!
A whole row of various Asian cabbages, Taiwan spinach (similar to New Zealand spinach).
There are other ethnic markets in my area. One has ever changing Japanese Kit Kat flavors.
It’s a field trip every time.
Nancy says
Love ethnic markets! None are near us, but when we go somewhere and there is one we always go in. Usually pick up something we can recognize from the picture on package, like cookies, but it’s always fun to see the different items.
sandy says
Oh best hobby ever. Living is Southern CA-we are blessed with so many ethnic grocery stores.
Oh the lemon almonds ( trust me-usually in middle eastern stores-if you find them try them…so good)
The butters, the yogurt, the spices….heaven.
I traveled often in my career-and while others would go to museums -you could find me at grocery stores…such fun.
Love this post!
Judy says
I read that fresh jackfruit can be used in pulled pork recipes. Apparently, it’s supposed to taste the same as pork but a meatless alternative. They are huge so I didn’t want buy one in case we didn’t like it.
Jenny Young says
When we travel we always visit the grocery stores. I love seeing how different they are & always hope to find delicious pastries.
eliz says
I would love to visit an Hmart someday. The closest one is probably many states away.
Looking forward to seeing the tea you picked out.
I see you usually wear Altra shoes. Which model are your favorite?
Mavis Butterfield says
I have the Altra Lone Peak 6 Trail Running Shoe. I love the wide toe box!
eliz says
Thank you!
Vy says
Pickled mangos and puffed tofu squares! I’ll make a special trip in for either of those.
HollyG says
The rice cakes are delicious simmered in a spicy red-sauce as Tteokbokki. The Banana milk is also really yummy (although I’m not sure its very good for you – – think strawberry quick, but sweet banana flavored.
Tanya J. says
I LOVE H Mart! The ramen aisle is amazing! I have tried the banana milk it was good. They also have a taro milk that is very good too. I’ve used canned jackfruit to make “pulled pork” sandwiches. It’s a much lighter version and is delicious with avocado broccoli slaw and cashews on top! I love going to international grocery stores and trying new foods!
Jamie Risenmay says
The lime leaves are called kaffir [lime] leaves. They are used to make curry paste. I’ve used it to make massaman curry from scratch. Have you tried Massaman curry? Soooo good. It has potatoes in it and it’s me & my HH’s fav Thai dish. Order it from your favorite Thai place next time you are out on a day date with HH. Anyway, the curry paste used in the dish is made with kaffir lime leaves.
RobininSoCal says
We have 99 Ranch Market very similiar to the store you are highlighting. If you need inspiration try Pad See Ew. Very simple delicious Thai dish that comes together quickly. https://hot-thai-kitchen.com/pad-see-ew-new/#tasty-recipes-6669-jump-target