H Mart – Banchan

The "side dishes" section of this Korean supermarket chain could be its own small store

Even in a single city, H Mart supermarkets can vary substantially in size, selections, and pricing, so we were pleasantly surprised to discover a gigantic Banchan selection at the chain’s recently opened Irvine Westpark location, enabling anyone to affordably sample many common and unique Korean side dishes. Some of the dozens of options include:

  • Seasoned Garlic Stems
  • Hot Anchovies
  • Stewed Lotus Root
  • Shredded Dried Squid
  • Seasoned File Fish
  • Numerous types of Kimchi, including everything from dandelions to radishes and cabbage
  • Seasoned Small Crabs
  • Salted Octopus
  • Hot Pepper Leaves
  • Seasoned Squish, Calamari, and other fish

Located in the back corner of the store behind the seafood section and next to KBBQ/shabu supplies, the Banchan refrigerators also include practically everything else you might ever have sampled at the start of a Korean meal, including spicy cucumbers, bean sprouts, seaweed salad, and two types of fishcake. It’s like a hidden tenth addition to the store’s H Market Eatery food court – a great place to assemble a ready-to-eat meal from appetizers, especially for fans of spicy foods, vegetables, and seafood.

Stats

Price: $-$$
Service: None
Open Since: 1982 (Queens, NY)

Addresses

3825 Alton Pkwy.
Irvine, CA 92606

949.265.8585

Instagram: @hmartofficial