H Mart started in 1982 as a simple family-owned grocery store in Queens, New York that offered ingredients that Korean Americans couldn't easily find in supermarkets. Since its humble beginnings, H Mart has grown to a chain of 130 stores across the country, although it remains a family-owned enterprise. More than just a grocery store, H Mart is a place of community and connection to culture and heritage for Koreans and the larger Asian American community in the US.
The store founder's daughter and current president of H Mart, Stacey Kwon, decided it was time to create a cookbook that celebrates the cultural touchstone the chain has become, and so H Mart - The Cookbook: Essential Ingredients, Techniques, and Korean Recipes was born. Kwon collaborated with chefs, food writers and recipe developers on the project. This gorgeous, oversized cookbook and guidebook contains everything a person could ever want to know about H Mart, from its history and profiles to ingredient spotlights and how-tos.
The highlight of the book is the 75 home-cook friendly recipes that make the most of H Mart’s ingredients. There are classic Korean dishes, like Spicy Cucumber Salad (Oi Muchim), Braised Beef Short Ribs (Galbi Jjim), and Stir-Fried Sweet Potato Noodles (Japchae) as well as unique twists using contemporary flavors. Pizza-Stuffed Fish-Shaped Waffles (Pizza Bunggeobbang) rethinks a popular Korean street food by swapping out the traditional red bean paste with pizza toppings. And Cheesy Kimchi Fried Rice (Cheese Buldak Kimchi Bokkeumbap) combines hot sauce, spicy kimchi, and mozzarella to make a truly addictive comfort meal.
H Mart fans (and there are legions of them) have generally praised the book. "Such a beautiful cover and what a band of beautiful people behind the book to lift many different shapes of Korean identity! Bravo everyone!!" said one commenter. H Mart - The Cookbook had its official release yesterday and it is now available at booksellers across the country.