For Korean food in New York City, 32nd Street is where it’s at.  Sure, it’s one measly block, but it’s a block packed with Korean yumminess.  Tucked away in a nondescript building among all the Korean BBQs you’ll find Han Ah Reum.  This glorious gem of a supermarket features Korean classics like tangy kimchi–a fermented cabbage side dish, plus pan-Asian sauces, dried sardines and anchovies and all the supplies you’ll need to host a roll-your-own sushi party.

I recommend avoiding rush hour and lunch time.  Every shelf, refrigerator case and corner is filled to capacity, maximizing what little space the market occupies.  The store’s narrow aisles are already crowded with food and when you add hoards of hungry shoppers to the mix, you end up wasting valuable shopping energy dodging other shoppers and their baskets.  But if you can brave the crowds and tight space (seriously, claustrophobes beware), the trek to Midtown will be well worth your time. more…