H Mart, King of All Asian Supermarkets, Opens March 23 in Hartsdale

Food giant H Mart (H = Han Ah Reum, Korean for “arm full of groceries”) is expanding yet again. The Korean mega supermarket will open 9:30 am on Friday, March 23 in the old Pathmark location on Central Park Avenue in Hartsdale. Opening day events at the 37,000-square-foot location include Korean cultural activities and Asian food tastings and will continue on Saturday and Sunday. H Mart began as a small Korean grocer in Queens in 1982 and now has 40 locations nationwide.

According to the main office in New Jersey, the Hartsdale store will be larger than most other H Mart locations. In addition to a large assortment of fresh produce (some of which has not been seen in Westchester before), there will be prepared Asian food, with an emphasis on Korean, Chinese and Japanese delicacies. Try chapchae, one of the most popular noodle dishes in Korea; mandoo, Korean dumplings; bindaeduk, a mung bean pancake; and bibimbap, a mixed vegetable and rice dish). In the fresh fish area, look for clams of all sizes and shapes, eel, mackerel, largehead hairtail, octopus, cuttlefish and squid, among others. The meat counter will have traditional cuts (think Korean ribs), in addition to specialties such as chicken feet, tripe, and offal. An expanded housewares section will feature futuristic rice cookers and high-end woks. There will be also an in-house French-Asian bakery, Tous Les Jours (French for “every day”). The Tous Les Jours brand was launched in Korea in 1996 and produces high-quality American and Asian breads and sweets. Be sure to sign up for the Smart Card. For every purchase, shoppers earn Smart Card points that can be redeemed for special gift certificates. Also, as a Smart Card member, shoppers receive other exclusive benefits such as coupon books in the mail. There is no fee to join and no annual fee.

H Mart has a long history of community involvement and provides scholarships and educational support within the community. So, say an-nyeong-ha-se-yo (hello) to our newest supermarket neighbor on Central Park Avenue and plan a visit. For more information about the company, visit www.hmart.com . H-Mart. 371 North Central Park Avenue, Hartsdale, NY. (914) 448-8888.