Korean Supermarkets: A Guide for the Uninitiated
Walking into a Korean supermarket for the first time can be overwhelming. Unfamiliar products, labels you can't read, and so many varieties of things you didn't know existed. But once you know what you're looking for, these shops become invaluable resources.
What You'll Find
Kimchi: Obviously. But not just one type – you'll find dozens. Napa cabbage, radish, cucumber, young radish tops, mustard greens, water kimchi, white kimchi. Different brands, different fermentation stages, different heat levels.
Gochugaru: The red chilli flakes essential for kimchi. You'll see different grades – fine or coarse, mild or hot. For kimchi, you generally want the coarser flakes.
Gochujang: Fermented chilli paste. Essential for Korean cooking and a brilliant addition to non-Korean dishes too.
Doenjang: Fermented soybean paste. Deep, savoury, and transformative in stews.
Ssamjang: A dipping sauce combining doenjang and gochujang. Perfect with lettuce wraps.
Rice: Short-grain Korean rice, glutinous rice for rice cakes, and more.
Noodles: Sweet potato noodles (dangmyeon), ramyun, fresh noodles, dried noodles.
Vegetables: Asian vegetables you won't find elsewhere – perilla leaves, Korean radish, different greens.
Where to Find Them
London has the most options:
- H Mart (various locations)
- Korea Foods (New Malden and others)
- Seoul Plaza (Holborn)
- Centre Point Food Store (Tottenham Court Road)
Manchester has Wing Yip and some smaller Korean grocers.
Birmingham also has Wing Yip plus various Asian supermarkets.
Most major cities have at least one Asian supermarket that stocks Korean products.
Tips for Your Visit
Bring a photo of what you need: If you're looking for something specific, a photo helps. Staff are usually helpful but might not know the English name.
Check the dates: Some products have long shelf lives, but check anyway. Fermented products especially – you want to know the production date.
Explore the frozen section: Frozen dumplings, rice cakes, and prepared foods. Great for quick meals.
Ask questions: Staff in Korean supermarkets are generally knowledgeable and happy to help. Don't be shy.
Start small: It's tempting to buy everything, but unfamiliar ingredients can go to waste. Buy small quantities until you know what you like.
Essential First Purchases
If you're just starting to explore Korean food, here's what I'd recommend:
- A jar of good kimchi (ask staff for recommendations)
- Gochugaru (medium coarse, for making your own kimchi)
- Gochujang (small tub to start)
- Short-grain rice
- Toasted sesame oil
- Soy sauce (Korean brands are less sweet)
With these basics, you can cook a surprising range of Korean dishes and start understanding the flavour profile of the cuisine.
Beyond Food
Korean supermarkets often stock cookware, tableware, and beauty products too. Those stone bowls for bibimbap, chopsticks, small dishes for banchan – it's all there.
The experience of shopping in a Korean supermarket is part of the joy of cooking Korean food. Take your time, explore, and don't be afraid to try things you don't recognise.
