I had been wanting to check out the new H Mart in Orlando, and let me tell you, this is NOT your…read moreaverage grocery store. This place is HUGE! At over 100,000 square feet, walking into H Mart almost feels like entering a little world of its own. If this is your first visit, give yourself plenty of time because there is A LOT to explore.
One of my favorite things about visiting international markets is discovering products and ingredients I wouldn't normally find at a traditional supermarket, and H Mart absolutely delivers.
Let's start with the seafood department, because WOW. Fresh fish, live seafood, lobsters, king crabs and varieties of seafood I don't normally see at my everyday grocery store. Even if you're not buying seafood that day, it's worth walking through just to see the selection.
Then there's the produce section, which is another adventure. The variety of fresh vegetables, fruits, greens, herbs and specialty produce is fantastic. I found myself stopping every few feet thinking, "What is THAT?" If you enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, this is the kind of place that makes you want to go home and try a completely new recipe.
And the aisles... SO MANY AISLES!
Noodles, rice, dumplings, sauces, seasonings, marinades, teas, snacks, sweets, beverages, frozen foods and ingredients representing cuisines from throughout Asia. Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Filipino and beyond -- there is so much to discover. Some items were familiar, while others had me pulling out my phone because I wanted to know what they were and how they were used.
But H Mart goes well beyond food. You'll also find Asian beauty products, household goods, plants, kitchen items and other specialty products, making this much more than a quick grocery run.
Another thing that stood out to me was the service. For such a large and busy market, the employees I encountered were welcoming and helpful. When you're walking through a store this size and discovering unfamiliar products, having someone willing to point you in the right direction makes a difference.
H Mart has been around since 1982, but this massive Orlando location feels like something Central Florida has been waiting for. With more than 100,000 square feet to explore, it is definitely a destination rather than simply another supermarket.
My tip for first-timers: Don't rush your visit. Give yourself time to walk the aisles, check out the seafood and produce departments, and maybe pick up something you've never tried before.
Whether you're searching for authentic ingredients for a specific Asian dish, stocking up on favorites, or you're simply a foodie who loves discovering something new, H Mart is absolutely worth the trip.
I walked in curious and walked out impressed!
Welcome to Orlando, H Mart. I'll definitely be back.