We're lucky enough in this neck of the woods to have access to the Super H Mart, a chain of Korean grocery stores. They seem to be scattered around the country, where ever there's a large Korean population. It's not a speciality store, but a full service grocery, featuring many imported items from Asia, along with a full American staples.
One of the teachers I work with runs a Japanese Culture Club for the students. After I mentioned Super H Mart to her, she decided she wanted to take them there as a field trip. As I mentioned, it's chock full of food from all over Asia, not just Korea. When I made sushi with my International Studies classes last spring, this was where I went to get supplies. So I took her there so she could scope it out and see if it was appropriate for her students.
While we was there, I snapped a few pictures:
Mmm...free samples... We ended up buying several bags of these to take home. In fact, I still have some in my freezer. I think I know what dinner is tonight...
One of the best parts of Super H Mart is the food court. It has fast food selections from Japan, Korea, Thailand and China. I have never been able to go without stopping in for a treat.
This one promises both Chicken AND Joy. How can you top that?
My coworker, who worked in a Korean restaurant while in college, ordered a Korean dish who's name escapes me. It was steamed rice, veggies, and a raw egg cracked over the top. You stir in the egg and the heat from the rice cooks it. It also comes with kimchi and hot sauce, which are mixed in to your preference.
I got a steaming bowl of pho with steak slices. Not the best pho I've ever eaten, but still very good. And you can't go wrong with a bowl of soup big enough to stick your head in.
We also ordered Thai spring rolls as a side. Again, I've had better. But I've also had worse.
The first few times I visited a Super H Mart, it seemed like I was the only white person there. However, with their super low prices and huuuge produce section, it seems like there were more this time. Many people are discovering that ethnic grocery stores have unbeatable deals if you're willing to drive a little further and endure a little culture shock.
1 comment:
I wish we had one of those near me! The closest one is about 30 minutes away. Dang! What I saved on food I'd make up for in gas.
Here we have Fiesta. It's the local Hispanic grocery store. I Lurves my Fiesta! It's within biking distance if I'm feeling saucy and on my route home as well. And it's just like you describe Super H Mart. Lots cheaper than regular grocery stores, mostly stocked with mexican staples, but has everything from American culture and even an aisle for other cultures. I nearly fell over laughing when I saw the Weetabix! Loud Tejano music is always playing and during the springa nd part of summer they'll have sno cones and clowns making balloons and more outdoor stalls to make it feel like a little Mexican market.
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