After a nearly interminable wait, the new H Mart grocery store is finally open and kicking in the old Zupan's space on SE 33rd and Belmont. For the uninitiated, H Mart is a growing chain of Korean grocery stores—the closest of which (until now) are located in Tigard and Beaverton. There are also outposts scattered around the country, and for those who are familiar, having a H Mart in Portland is a godsend.
Check out loads of pictures and commentary of all the wonders you'll find there!
At first glance, H Mart may appear to be your run of the mill, upscale grocery purveyor... but get past all the fresh fruits and vegetables and an Asian wonderland awaits...
Rows dedicated solely to such Asian delights such as tofu, rice, sauces, pastes, and even Pocky are within easy grasp.
While H Mart stocks many of the basics you need, like Frosted Flakes, tortillas, and BEER, there are the occasional incongruities, like the placement of beef jerky in their wine section. OR IS IT AN INCONGRUITY??
OMIGOD. Look at all this sake-to-go, bottled in adorable jelly jars. MUST HAVE.
H Mart also has a super cute stationery and housewares section, which includes these trainer chopsticks. Don't have a baby, don't want one, but I want these.
They have an impressive refrigerated section as well containing loads of Asian drinks, fresh noodles, duck eggs, and shelves of that delicious cold treat, mochi (Japanese rice cakes).
Of course H Mart has an insanely fresh seafood counter. Are you nuts??
Need mayonnaise? They got mayonnaise.
...and "fish sausage" that looks like mozzarella sticks. (I got this close to buying these.)
If you love instant ramen, they have an entire row dedicated to every brand and flavor you can imagine.
As well as kimchi, of course.
Thumbs up for soda-flavored ice candy.
I admit it: I'm in this life for the snacks, and H Mart's selection is AH-MAY-ZING. Here are a few I brought back to the Mercury office.
You know what? .........okay.
For lunchers on the run, H Mart has an excellent grab and go counter that includes very delicious treats at very reasonable prices.
Dear god, look at your lunch.
Or get one of three bibimbap bowls at the fresh deli counter!
I should've eaten in H Mart's spacious dining area. Instead, I hoovered down my "Big Boy Pork Belly" bowl in my car... LIKE AN ANIMAL.
Guys! This new H Mart at SE 33rd & Belmont is the bomb-diggy-diggy, and you need to get there stat! (Because the majority of Portland is on their way right now.) Lucky for you there's underground parking right next to the store! SEE YOU THERE SOON!