Here in Boston, there are a limited number of Korean supermarkets and restaurants. To be honest, the Korean restaurants here are less than memorable, and all too often leave me in a state of deep longing for GOOD Korean food. The supermarkets are largely small mom-and-pop type of stores, with a limited selection of all products (although I do try to support my local businesses!).
Until now! Finally, the long-awaited H-Mart has arrived to the Boston area! This New Jersey-based Korean supermarket chain has locations all over the country, many of which I have patronized. However, Boston was lacking in a Korean supermarket of this scale. Sure, we had a few relatively large Chinese supermarkets, but (no offense to anyone...) they generally are smelly and dirty.
This H-Mart just opened on Friday, Sept 25th, and D and I went right away after work!! It was super crowded, the parking lot was overflowing into the adjacent lots, and that store was packed to the max with people. I was thinking to myself, "Where did all these Korean people come from? Where were they in hiding??" This place is huge (51,000 sq feet), shiny, bright, new, fresh, GLORIOUS!!!!
Of course, there is a little food court in the supermarket, including a bakery/cafe with delightful baked goods.
There are also several Korean food stands, a Japanese stand, and an Indian food place too. There is limited seating, and it was quite chaotic on opening day, but this may be a place I frequent regularly from here on!
And check out the kimchi selection!! Kimchi of all types, sizes, quantities, in all its spicy, pickled, stinky glory.
And, the vast selection of panchan! So much to choose from, so many different sizes available! I am in heaven.
And of course, being opening day, there were samples galore. You could definitely have made a meal out of all the samples they were offering that day.
I did some shopping, and had some friends over for a Korean meal! I will be posting more about that later...
WELCOME TO BOSTON, H-MART!!
Posts
17 comments:
So glad to have you back, I had NO idea that was a chain, we have one in the tiny town next door, Tigard Oregon! I just recently went there to shop and I swear to god I have never seen so many kinds of fish, fowl and other organ meats, it was soo fun! I am glad you have one now too!
OMG it's open????? FINALLY!!! Too bad Michael and I JUST went to Reliable over the weekend. We will just have to go grocery shopping again. Yay for real Korean groceries. Where is it?
Grats on the H-Mart! I love the place except for Sundays when all the churches get out. Love Tous les Jour also. Great to see they have a location up in Boston now too!
Remember to bring cash instead of plastic. I find that it's a better way to control what you buy :)
Ooohh, new H-Marts are the best because they're still clean and have fresh produce! There's a new one in Irvine and I want to go there every weekend! I hate grocery shopping but I heart H-Mart <3
Wow, you braved the crowds on the first day! Those pictures are awesome - I can't believe how big it is! Can't wait to go.
What a fun looking supermarket. Lucky you to live in a big city. Seems so worldly now that we live in a tiny burg in the mountains.
Sam
It's about time!!! Can't wait to see this place!
It looks really nice! Where in boston is it exactly??
They are multiplying fast, even here in NY! :)
H-mart is the bomb!!!! There's one in Seattle, and I hang out there every day... yeah, i know... i need to make friends and get a life. ouch!
Wow! I love all of the vibrant colors. You really know how to capture the spirit of things, Miss Kim!
We don't have an H-mart here, but from your pictures, I'm sure I'd love it!
H-mart is so awesome...
That's great! LOOOVE H-Mart. I'm glad there's a place for you to escape when the K-hankering gets too strong to resist!
PS: I love Tous Les Jours too! Wonderful place to pick up quick cakes for last minute gatherings :)
I am happy for you...we have similar Korean market in our neighborhood and I love to shop there :-)
I miss H-Mart...it was a nice place. There are a lot of Korean marts here in LA, too, but the stuff ain't as nice and fresh as H-Mart's.
Hey, are you ok? you haven't updated in a while! :-)
hi christina!!
where are you??? we miss ya around here!
Christina! How's work going?!
Just stopped by to say hello again and to tell you that I'm holding a giveaway.
Hope you're doing well!
Post a Comment