Never in a million years did I ever expect to be able to find a gallon-size container of spicy kim chee along with a bag of Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free flour in the same supermarket.
It’s like I’ve died and gone to heaven where my two favorite genre of foods have come together. But no, it’s actually H-Mart.
H-Mart is a Korean supermarket chain that’s a bit like an Asian Costco (yes, they have demo stations with delicious Asian foods like pan-fried fish, mochi ice cream and dumplings/potstickers), but they have some American foods too – mostly organic, gluten-free and eco-friendly brands. They just opened up in San Diego.
There’s even a takeout area with hot foods like BBQ Korean dishes like kalbi and chicken, or you can get cold items from a salad-bar area filled with kim chee. I cannot contain my excitement over this plethora of kim chee – I could eat it every day. And surprisingly, kim chee is really good for you because they contain probiotics. I’ve heard the Parisian-style bakery is delicious too.
I was hoping for more organic produce, but I think you’ll have to go elsewhere for it. Though if you need Asian greens like ong-choy or watercress, this is the place to go.
My favorite part of this grocery store (apart from the free food and selection of American organic food) was the checkout area. There’s no M&Ms. There’s no crappy candy filled with artificial dyes and sweeteners. There’s organic gummy bears, lollipops, and a few chocolate bars. Hallelujah.
What kind of fusion would you like to see at your grocery store?
This post was written by
Tracey Black is the founder and editor-in-chief for Don't Mess with Mama, the sassy mom's guide to parenting, green living and travel. She is a regular contributor to Redbook's Mamarama blog, and a social media strategist working with eco-friendly brands such as Stonyfield, Juice Beauty and others. She has three boys and lives in San Diego, Calif.
I would just love to see more organic products in my grocery store!
Jaime Nicole recently posted..Canter {Wordless Wednesday}
How about asking the store manager? I think the more we ask and the more we buy organic, the more stores will carry them. Thanks for stopping by.
That sounds like an interesting selection of foods. I haven’t tried organic candy but it sounds yummy.
http://www.atticgirl.com/2013/01/our-first-globetrotters-game-wordless.html
shelly recently posted..Our First Globetrotters Game {Wordless Wednesday}
It’s amazing. You don’t even miss the old stuff. Thanks for visiting.
My kids love Surf Sweets and they have a great variety too.
I haven’t heard of Surf Sweets. What are they?
Love H-Mart! We had hot pot over the holidays and got everything we needed there. Perfect thinly sliced beef!
Asianmommy recently posted..China’s Year of the Snake Stamp
Yum! I miss hot pot. I had so much in Taiwan 2 years ago and haven’t had it since. You’ve inspired me to start up again.
I wish we had an H-Mart where I live!! I love Asian food.Wonder if there is one in Seattle….hmm…
Sofia recently posted..Krimson Klover Tights – Sweet as Honey
I’m willing to bet there is one or maybe one coming up soon. Seattle has such a diverse population. At least you have Chinatown. We don’t have one in San Diego. Thanks for visiting.
I’ve never heard of H-Mart before. Sounds interesting!
Tonya recently posted..Silly Sleeper #WW
It’s great. It’s like my Asian Costco. Great to meet you.
We also love Asian food.. Wish we had that store here.
Kelly R recently posted..Wordless Wednesday – Devon
Is there a Chinatown or maybe 99 Ranch nearby? I once lived in a town with no Asian supermarket and I thought I was going crazy. I have to have one to get my Asian food fix. Thanks for visiting.
H-Mart sounds awesome!
Charise @ I Thought I Knew Mama recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: Babies Loving Other Babies {Linky}
Way cool! Too bad they aren’t closer to me! I’ll have to stop by there next time I’m in the area!
Melissa H. recently posted..Tired of medicine? Try some home remedies
Sounds like an awesome store to shop in!
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