Fresh Off H-Mart: Best Buys from the Korean Supermarket
The delicious foods that make their way into many scenes of popular Korean dramas have sparked interests, making people turn into H-Mart instead of their regular American supermarkets. A first time visitor might be pleasantly surprised, if he/she’s a foodie, or overwhelmed, if he/she’s less of a foodie. But fear not, here are my top 10 recommendations.
- Indomie instant noodles. This is actually Indonesian made, but H-Mart is one of the best places to buy it from. The noodle brand is popular globally and super yummy. Available in original and spicy, but I prefer the latter.
2. Rice Bowl with Bulgogi Flavored Mushroom Sauce. Delicious and healthy for a quick lunch.
3. Turtle Chips Corn Soup Flavor. When this snack was introduced, it was an instant hit in South Korea. So addictive, we’d recommend buy more than one.
4. Banana Flavored Milk Drink. Most South Korean kids grow up drinking this. You’d see popular K-drama stars drinking this too sometimes. Be careful not to drink your kid’s last one.
5. Rice Seasoning Cheese Flavor. Make rice balls for a picnic, or add this on top of rice with a fried egg for a quick and yummy lunch.
6. Soft Facial Pads. Since I tried South Korean-made facial pads, I’ve never looked back. They’re soft on one side and mildly exfoliating on the other side, making your skin soft and glowing.
7. Ramen Cooking Pot. Featured in countless Korean dramas and films, this pot is thin, making ramen cooking fast and efficient. A must for ramen lovers.
8. Honey Butter Almonds. A twist on the popular nut snack. When introduced, it became hugely popular and spurred a variety of new flavors.
9. Ready to Eat Brown Rice. When you’re too tired to cook after a busy day, this would be a lifesaver. Warm, delicious rice in just 2 minutes (also, in perfect portion). Available in white or brown rice.
10. Sweet Korean Pancake Mix (Hotteok). There’s something about how the South Koreans formulate their bread and pancake mixes. They’re always fluffy, the right level of sweetness and light. This traditional snack is no exception. Also available in green tea flavor. Yum!
If you don’t have an H-Mart near you, they are available at Amazon:
Indomie fried instant noodles in spicy, original and BBQ Chicken flavors
Rice Bowls: Bibimbap, Stir-fried Kimchi, Yellow Cream Curry
