Welcome to H Mart, the uber popular Korean grocery chain that just opened in the West Loop at 711 West Jackson Boulevard. Photo: DS Shin
2 / 26
The large space includes a supermarket, household goods section, bakery, and food court. Photo: DS Shin
3 / 26
Like other H Marts (there are four suburban locations), there's a huge produce selection. Photo: DS Shin
4 / 26
“I’m exploring the store today. I wanted to see the produce selection, and the types of sauces they have,” says Phaedra Ruffalo, who lives across the street. Photo: DS Shin
5 / 26
“Yesterday was very packed with customers coming in all day. It’s been great. We’ve had a lot of positive comments,” says Kathy Kim, H Mart employee. Photo: DS Shin
6 / 26
Plenty of free samples were being handed out to the crowds of visitors on Friday. Photo: DS Shin
7 / 26
The meat section is stocked with the usual suspects, plus cuts that are commonly used in Asian cuisine. Photo: DS Shin
8 / 26
A wide variety of fresh seafood is also available. Photo: DS Shin
9 / 26
There's a household section that includes toiletries, beauty supplies, cookware, and other Korean products. Photo: DS Shin
10 / 26
The food court includes a Japanese/Hawaiian restaurant, a traditional Korean tofu and BBQ restaurant, and a Korean fusion restaurant. Photo: DS Shin
11 / 26
“It’s a smaller space than other H Marts but I’m impressed with the selection and how well they utilize the space,” says Chan Lee, of West Loop. "It has everything I need." Photo: DS Shin
12 / 26
A huge variety of Korean dishes, known as banchan, is on offer. Photo: DS Shin
13 / 26
Our Video Editor DS Shin's favorite snacks: Choco Pie (“They give it out in the military so it's really popular with guys”), Couque D'Asse (“These are really fragile so Korean people use the name to mean like a mental breakdown”), Yakult, Banana Kick, and Homerun Ball. Photo: Martha Williams
14 / 26
“I was trying to find some ingredients for a Thai recipe, and I went to Chinatown but they didn’t have everything I needed,” says Shannon Wynn, who lives in the Loop. “I came today and found everything I needed.” Photo: DS Shin
15 / 26
You can pick up pre-marinated Korean barbecue meat by the pound. Photo: DS Shin
16 / 26
More marinated meats Photo: DS Shin
17 / 26
Produce section Photo: DS Shin
18 / 26
Different types of rice (left) and packaged instant ramen Photo: DS Shin
19 / 26
Soju, a Korean liquor Photo: DS Shin
20 / 26
Kimchi Photo: DS Shin
21 / 26
Dolls in the household section Photo: DS Shin
22 / 26
Korean liquor Photo: DS Shin
23 / 26
Produce Photo: DS Shin
24 / 26
More samples Photo: DS Shin
25 / 26
Live lobster Photo: DS Shin
26 / 26
Packaged
ramen section Photo: DS Shin
Inside Chicago's First H Mart Korean Superstore
We braved the crowds at this uber-popular grocery chain. Check out our favorite snacks, the packed food court, and more.
By DS Shin and Mauricio Peña
February 2, 2018, 2:28 pm
1 thought on “Inside Chicago's First H Mart Korean Superstore”
How do I know my point?