Joshua ReyThere’s nothing like curling up with spicy kimchi stew while binge-watching your favorite K-dramas, especially when the rain is pouring outside. The rich flavors and comforting warmth make it the perfect companion for those cozy nights.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to 10 must-visit Korean grocery stores in Vancouver. These are where you’ll find authentic ingredients, unique snacks, and everything you need to recreate your favorite Korean dishes at home.
So, get your shopping list ready and read on!
1. Kim’s Mart
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Shopping—Retail/Kims-Mart-111825292211822/
Address: 519 E Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5T 1X4, Canada
Contact details: +16048728885
Operating hours: 9 AM–9 PM
Kim’s Mart is a bustling Korean grocery store offering many authentic Korean ingredients. The store’s shelves are a colorful tapestry of familiar and exotic products, from kimchi to lesser-known delicacies.
One of the standout features of Kim’s Mart is its extensive selection of pantry staples. The store also offers a delightful shopping experience with its vibrant atmosphere, friendly staff, and the sounds of Korean pop music, which add to the authentic ambiance.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the fresh produce section. You might discover unique Korean vegetables and fruits that you might not find elsewhere.
2. Hannam Supermarket
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Website: https://www.hannamsm.com/
Address: 1323 Robson St #202, Vancouver, BC V6E 1C6, Canada
Contact details: +16049749684
Operating hours: 8:30 AM–10 PM
Hannam Supermarket offers an extensive selection of authentic Korean ingredients and products. The market’s fresh produce, meat, and seafood sections are particularly impressive, while its aisles are filled with various Korean pantry staples and snacks.
Hannam Supermarket supports local Korean businesses by carrying products from small-scale Korean producers. This allows customers to explore hidden gems and contribute to the local economy.
Pro tip:
To make the most of your visit, arrive with an empty stomach! Hannam Supermarket offers a delicious food court where you can sample Korean street food and cooked dishes.
3. H-Mart
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Website: http://www.hmart.ca/
Address: 590 Robson St #200, Vancouver, BC V6B 2B7, Canada
Contact details: +16046094567
Operating hours: 9 AM–10:30 PM
H-Mart in Vancouver is a haven for food enthusiasts seeking authentic Korean ingredients and flavors. The vibrant atmosphere is filled with enticing aromas of fresh produce, sizzling meats, and an assortment of tempting snacks.
The store boasts staple ingredients like kimchi and gochujang and an extensive selection of instant noodles, rice cakes, and other pantry essentials. It also offers a ready-to-eat food section with options like hotteok, kimbap, and marinated meats.
Pro tip:
Sample the different varieties of kimchi. This fermented cabbage dish is a cornerstone of Korean cuisine and comes in various flavors, from mild to spicy.
4. Assi Market Burnaby
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Website: https://www.assimarket.ca/
Address: 5593 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC V5H 2G3, Canada
Contact details: +16044378949
Operating hours: Sunday, 9:30 AM–9 PM
Assi Market Burnaby offers a treasure trove of authentic Korean ingredients, from fresh produce to delectable snacks. The market’s extensive selection of fresh produce includes an array of leafy greens, exotic fruits, and a wide variety of seafood.
It boasts foods and snacks, featuring an assortment of instant noodles, ramyeon, and Korean candies. Assi Market is committed to authenticity, offering Korean condiments, sauces, and cooking essentials that are difficult to find elsewhere.
Pro tip:
Be prepared to spend some time browsing the aisles. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample some of the delicious ready-to-eat food options available at the market.
5. T&T Supermarket
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Website: https://www.tntsupermarket.com/
Address: 2206 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5N 2T7, Canada
Contact details: +16045598586
Operating hours: 9 AM–10 PM
T&T Supermarket offers many authentic Korean ingredients, including fresh produce and pantry staples. The store is committed to providing a comprehensive Korean shopping experience with dedicated sections and events.
T&T Supermarket features a tempting array of Korean snacks and a fresh seafood section that offers various options, including live octopus and marinated fish. Visitors can find everything they need for a Korean-inspired meal.
Pro tip:
Take advantage of T&T’s ready-to-eat food options. From freshly made sushi to hot food counters offering Korean delicacies, you can enjoy a delicious meal while you shop or grab something to take home.
6. Sungiven Foods
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Website: http://www.sungivenfoods.ca/
Address: 555 W 12th Ave Unit 42, Vancouver, BC V5Z 3X7, Canada
Contact details: +16047575588
Operating hours: 9 AM–9 PM
Sungiven Foods is now known for its vast array of authentic Korean ingredients, fresh produce, and high-quality meat and seafood. It also offers a variety of processed foods, snacks, and beverages that are hard to find elsewhere.
What sets Sungiven Foods apart is its comprehensive Korean shopping experience. It offers kitchenware, beauty products, household goods, and a focus on fresh and healthy options, including organic and natural products.
Pro tip:
Be sure to explore the frozen food section. Sungiven Foods offers a variety of frozen Korean meals, dumplings, and other delicacies that are perfect for busy weeknights or as a convenient meal option.
7. Han Kook Meat Trading Ltd.
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Website: http://www.hankookmeat.ca/
Address: 3514 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5R 5L7, Canada
Contact details: +16044362113
Operating hours: 9:30 AM–6:30 PM
Han Kook Meat Trading Ltd. is a quintessential Korean butcher shop in Vancouver’s heart. It offers an impressive array of beef, pork, and chicken cuts, meticulously displayed and ready to be transformed into delicious Korean dishes.
It also offers diverse Korean condiments, sauces, and other essential ingredients. The shop’s competitive pricing makes it a popular destination for home cooks and restaurant owners.
Pro tip:
Don’t be afraid to ask the staff for recommendations. Try a new cut of meat that you’ve never cooked before.
8. Famous Foods
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Website: http://www.famousfoods.ca/
Address: 1595 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5N 2R8, Canada
Contact details: +16048723019
Operating hours: 8 AM–8 PM
Famous Foods is a well-known Korean grocery store offering an extensive selection of authentic Korean products. The store prides itself on sourcing high-quality, genuine ingredients directly from Korea.
Its immersive shopping experience, knowledgeable staff, and proximity to other Korean establishments have become a popular destination for locals and tourists exploring Korean culture in Vancouver.
Pro tip:
Arrive in the late afternoon or early evening, when the store often has fresh deliveries of produce and prepared meals. This timing ensures you get the best selection of items, including seasonal fruits and vegetables and freshly made kimbap.
9. Foody World
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Website: https://www.pricesmartfoods.ca/
Address: 8200 Ackroyd Rd, Richmond, BC V6X 1B5, Canada
Contact details: +16042783229
Operating hours: 7 AM–10 PM
PriceSmart Foods is known for offering a diverse range of products, including fresh produce, live seafood, and specialty cuts of meat. The store manager, Eddie Kim, stresses the availability of both local and imported goods.
A unique feature of PriceSmart Foods is its “Takeout Town,” where customers can enjoy made-to-order dishes such as teppanyaki, ramen, and Hong Kong-style noodle soup alongside freshly prepared sushi and dim sum.
Pro tip:
A must-do is to try the prepared foods in Takeout Town; sampling the diverse offerings can provide a taste of various Asian cuisines and inspire your culinary adventures at home.
