H Mart

Madang Mall, one of Koreatown’s largest shopping centers, now boasts an underground supermart amongst movie theaters, bakeries and eateries. H Mart, located at the basement level of the plaza, is unique in its stock, where you can buy both specialty American items and traditional Korean fare. Think: McConnell's ice cream, Yogi Teas and Bob’s Red Mill Quinoa alongside dozens of types of kimchi, octopus ban chan and tofu. As one of the newest (and fanciest) markets in town, the produce here is more expensive than some of the legacy grocery stores, but you pay for the convenience of picking up dried cuttlefish and gelato all in one place. Go on busy weekends for samples handed out by wonderfully vocal Korean women. If the samples aren’t enough to fill you, head catty corner from the entrance where you’ll find a tiny window for ordering simple sushi rolls and Japanese udon noodles. Venture a bit past that and an H Mart employee with a makeshift table sells skewers of fishcake bubbling in a rich daikon broth. Parking is stressful on the weekends, but you get validated for the parking structure accessable via Western Ave or Manhattan Place. Note: They don't sell beer or hard alcohol here.