H-MART is a Korean food chain that has put down roots in New York and New Jersey and is spreading into other states. It is a hit because it is clean, the food is fresh, the prices, especially the produce is competitive, there are plenty of samples, the workers are respectful and helpful and it is just plain interesting; it is a cheap trip to another country. Experience the flavors and colors of food shopping in Korea.

This is one of H-MART’s latest store openings. I stuffed myself with Korean snack food so I can work on this post and put off dinner. Read the labels and signs. You might see “squish” instead of squash, and some alien sea life you’d never think about eating, but that is what brings interest to the melting pot of New York City. And the quality here is superb.

Care for a sweet corn ice pop?