This North Carolina Asian Market Brings The Flavors Of The Pacific, Stop By This Week

Walking into a grocery store shouldn’t feel like boarding a plane to Seoul, yet somehow it does. The moment those automatic doors whoosh open, you’re greeted by the sweet smell of freshly baked pastries mingling with savory aromas from bubbling stone pots.

This isn’t your typical supermarket run where you grab milk and cereal, then dash out. H Mart in Cary transforms grocery shopping into a full sensory adventure that makes North Carolina taste like the Pacific without needing a passport.

Located at 1961 High House Rd, Cary, this sprawling Asian marketplace has become my weekend ritual, my culinary classroom, and honestly, my happy place. The aisles stretch wide and tall, packed with ingredients I can’t pronounce but desperately want to try.

Families gather around steaming bowls in the food court, shoppers debate which kimchi looks spiciest, and the seafood counter buzzes with activity as staff expertly fillet fish. Every visit reveals something new, whether it’s a candy I’ve never seen or a vegetable that looks like it came from another planet.

1. Extensive Produce Section

Forget everything you thought you knew about grocery store produce sections. The moment you round the corner into this area, colors explode everywhere like someone painted a tropical sunset across the floor.

Dragon fruit sits stacked in pink and yellow pyramids, their alien scales catching the overhead lights.

Korean pears rest in their individual foam nets, each one perfectly round and golden. The durian section commands respect even from a distance, its infamous aroma announcing itself before you see the spiky giants.

Fresh bok choy stands crisp and green next to bundles of Thai basil that smell like summer.

Lotus roots peek out from their bins, their holes creating natural patterns that seem too perfect to be real. Every week brings different items depending on the season and shipments from various regions.

You’ll spot vegetables you’ve only seen in cooking shows, fruits mentioned in Korean dramas, and herbs that make your regular supermarket’s selection look sadly limited.

The staff keeps everything pristine and properly misted, ensuring that morning freshness lasts all day long.

2. Diverse Seafood Market

The seafood section hits differently when you see actual movement in the tanks. Live abalone cling to glass walls while giant prawns wave their antennae like they’re greeting customers.

Crabs scramble over each other in their bubbling tanks, completely unaware they’re the stars of the show.

Behind the gleaming counter, the sashimi station displays cuts so fresh they practically shimmer under the lights. Bluefin belly glistens with perfect marbling, while vinegar cured mackerel shows off its silvery skin in neat rows.

Whole fish rest on mountains of crushed ice, their eyes still clear and bright.

Staff members work with impressive speed and precision, filleting fish to exact customer specifications without breaking a sweat. One reviewer mentioned the quality being consistently top notch, and they weren’t exaggerating even slightly.

The smell isn’t fishy or off putting but clean and ocean fresh, exactly what premium seafood should smell like.

Delivery trucks arrive from Fulton Fresh Market in New York, bringing that coastal quality straight to landlocked North Carolina.

3. Authentic Food Court

Right in the heart of the store sits what can only be described as a culinary amusement park. The food court buzzes with energy as vendors call out orders and steam rises from multiple stations simultaneously.

Don Don serves Japanese comfort food that makes you want to bow in gratitude after every slurp of udon.

Their donburi bowls arrive at your table still sizzling, rice soaking up every drop of savory sauce. Sogongdong Tofu House specializes in those iconic stone pot stews that bubble and pop dramatically when they reach your table.

The soft tofu practically melts on your tongue while the broth warms you from the inside out.

Korean corn dogs stretch cheese in those viral food videos everyone obsesses over, and yes, they taste even better than they look. Fresh sushi rolls get assembled right before your eyes, ramen bowls steam invitingly, and the boba tea station does steady business all day long.

Tables fill up quickly during lunch and dinner rushes, creating this wonderful communal dining atmosphere where strangers become temporary neighbors.

4. Korean Bakery

Tous Les Jours occupies its corner like a fragrant beacon calling to anyone with a sweet tooth. The bakery case stretches long and tempting, filled with pastries that look almost too pretty to eat.

Their signature Cloud Cakes live up to the name, light and fluffy like eating sweetened air.

Lavender lattes have become my personal obsession, the floral notes balancing perfectly with rich espresso in a way Starbucks could never. Cream filled buns sit plump and golden, their tops glazed to a perfect shine.

Red bean pastries offer that subtle sweetness Asian desserts do so well, never overwhelming but always satisfying.

The smell alone could convince you to buy something even if you walked in completely full. Castella cakes tower in their distinctive tall pans, their spongy texture unlike anything from American bakeries.

Seasonal items rotate regularly, so there’s always a reason to try something new and exciting.

Early morning visits reward you with items still warm from the oven, their heat fogging up the display case glass.

5. Prepared Banchan

An entire wall dedicated to prepared side dishes feels like discovering a cheat code for Korean cooking. Small containers line up in perfect rows, each one filled with a different banchan that would take hours to prepare at home.

Pickled garlic cloves shine translucent in their brine, ready to add punch to any meal.

Fried anchovies cluster together in their sweet and savory coating, crunchy and addictive in equal measure. Spicy octopus and squid glisten red with gochugaru, promising heat that builds gradually rather than attacking immediately.

Seasoned spinach offers a gentle contrast, its simple preparation letting the vegetable flavor shine through beautifully.

Black beans sit glossy and tender, lotus root shows off its distinctive holes, and perilla leaves rest marinated and ready to wrap around rice. Seaweed salad tangles in its sesame dressing while brined cod roe waits to pop saltily on your tongue.

Korean style omelets and pancakes provide heartier options for those wanting something more substantial. Grabbing a few containers transforms a simple rice bowl into a proper Korean feast.

6. Frozen Dumplings

The frozen dumpling section could easily overwhelm a first time visitor with its sheer variety and options. Korean mandoo comes in multiple styles, from the classic pork and vegetable to kimchi stuffed versions that pack serious flavor.

Japanese gyoza sits in neat rows, their pleated edges visible through clear packaging that shows off the craftsmanship.

Chinese baos range from tiny bite sized pieces to substantial buns that could serve as a whole meal. Shumai peeks out of its packages, the open topped dumplings showing their filling proudly.

Some brands offer traditional recipes while others experiment with fusion flavors that sound wild but somehow work perfectly.

Vegetarian options sit alongside their meat filled cousins, ensuring everyone finds something they can enjoy without compromise. Cooking instructions usually include multiple methods, whether you prefer steaming, pan frying, or boiling your dumplings to perfection.

Price points vary enough that you can stock up on everyday options or splurge on premium brands for special occasions.

A well stocked freezer full of these makes weeknight dinners infinitely easier and more interesting.

7. Asian Snacks And Candies

Walking down the snack aisle feels like every Korean drama snack break came to life simultaneously. Packages in every color imaginable compete for attention, their designs ranging from cute cartoon characters to sleek modern graphics.

Korean chips come in flavors American brands haven’t even dreamed of yet, like honey butter or spicy cuttlefish.

Japanese Pocky sticks occupy an entire section by themselves, available in everything from classic chocolate to seasonal sakura or rich matcha. Taiwanese pineapple cakes sit in their distinctive boxes, perfect for gifting or hoarding selfishly for yourself.

Rice crackers come wrapped individually or in family sized bags, some sweet, others savory, all impossibly crunchy.

Gummy candies shaped like fruit achieve a texture and flavor intensity that puts American gummies to shame completely. Dried seaweed snacks offer a healthy option that actually tastes good rather than like eating paper from the ocean.

Chocolate covered everything lines the shelves, from almonds to cookies to mysterious items you’ll just have to try. Bringing a basket helps because willpower crumbles quickly surrounded by so many tempting options.

8. Specialty Ingredients

Attempting authentic Asian cooking without proper ingredients usually ends in disappointing approximations of the real thing. The specialty section solves this problem by stocking everything serious home cooks need for genuine flavors.

Kimchi fills an entire refrigerated section, varieties ranging from traditional napa cabbage to radish, cucumber, and even water kimchi.

Gochujang sits in containers of all sizes, the fermented red chili paste essential for countless Korean recipes. Different brands offer varying heat levels and sweetness, letting you customize spice to personal preference.

Soy sauce options go far beyond the basic grocery store bottle, including thick varieties for marinades and light ones for delicate dishes.

Rice vinegar, mirin, sake, and cooking wines line up ready to add depth and complexity to your cooking. Sesame oil comes in regular and toasted versions, each bringing its own distinct nutty character to dishes.

Miso paste varieties range from mild white to intensely flavored red, perfect for soups, marinades, or dressings.

Fish sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce round out the essentials that transform ordinary ingredients into extraordinary meals.

9. Home Goods

Cooking authentic Asian food requires more than just ingredients; you need the right tools for proper technique and presentation. The home goods section understands this completely, offering everything from practical basics to beautiful serving pieces.

Rice cookers range from simple student models to high tech versions with more settings than most people’s ovens.

Chopsticks come in materials spanning bamboo, metal, and ornate lacquered wood suitable for special occasions or display. Matching spoon and fork sets coordinate perfectly, their shapes designed specifically for Asian dining styles.

Stone pots for cooking bibimbap or tofu stew sit heavy and authentic, their thick walls distributing heat evenly.

Tea sets include everything from casual everyday cups to elaborate ceremonial sets with matching pots and serving trays. Sushi rolling mats, rice paddles, and specialized knives help home cooks achieve restaurant quality results in their own kitchens.

Bento boxes in adorable designs make packing lunch something to look forward to rather than a boring chore. Even the kitchen towels and trivets feature charming designs that add personality to any cooking space beautifully.

10. Fresh Meats

The meat section caters specifically to Asian cooking styles, with cuts prepared differently than typical American grocery stores. Beef gets sliced paper thin for hotpot and bulgogi, each piece uniform and ready to cook in seconds.

Pork belly comes in various thicknesses depending on whether you’re making Korean BBQ, ramen toppings, or braised dishes.

Marinated options save time for busy cooks, the meat already seasoned and ready to hit the grill immediately. Chicken thighs sit boneless and skinless, perfect for quick stir fries or Korean fried chicken preparations.

Short ribs come cut across the bone in the Korean LA galbi style, maximizing surface area for marinades.

Ground pork waits to become dumpling filling or mapo tofu, its fat content ideal for juicy, flavorful results. Specialty items like tongue, tripe, and offal appeal to adventurous cooks wanting to try traditional preparations.

Everything stays fresh and properly refrigerated, with staff rotating stock regularly to maintain quality standards. The butchers will also custom cut meat to your specifications if you ask politely and patiently.

11. Live Seafood Tanks

Nothing says fresh quite like seafood that’s literally still swimming when you arrive at the store. The live tanks create an aquarium like atmosphere, except these fish have a very different destiny than being pets.

Crabs wave their claws menacingly, completely unaware that shoppers are evaluating them for dinner rather than admiring their attitude.

Lobsters cluster together in their tank, their bands keeping those powerful claws safely contained for now. Various shellfish attach themselves to surfaces, filtering water and looking completely content with their temporary home.

Whole fish glide through the water, their scales catching light as they move gracefully around their glass confines.

Staff members net your selection and prepare it exactly how you request, whether that means cleaning, filleting, or leaving it whole. The fish cleaning service runs from morning until early evening, ensuring you can get professional preparation whenever convenient.

Watching them work is honestly impressive, their knife skills and efficiency turning a whole fish into perfect fillets in minutes. You leave knowing your seafood was alive hours or even minutes before reaching your kitchen.

12. Asian Beverages

The beverage coolers stretch longer than some entire grocery store aisles, packed with drinks you won’t find anywhere else. Flavored milks come in varieties that sound bizarre but taste surprisingly delightful, like banana, melon, or even corn.

Korean sodas fizz in glass bottles, their flavors ranging from traditional citrus to modern fusion creations that challenge your taste expectations.

Japanese teas fill multiple shelves, both hot and cold options available in unsweetened, lightly sweetened, or dessert sweet versions. Yogurt drinks offer probiotic benefits wrapped in fruit flavors that actually taste like real fruit instead of artificial approximations.

Aloe drinks suspend chunks of the plant in lightly sweetened liquid, providing texture and refreshment simultaneously.

Coffee drinks range from sweet and creamy to strong and barely sweetened, catering to every caffeine preference imaginable. Coconut water comes straight from young coconuts, its taste miles beyond the processed versions in regular stores.

Ramune soda bottles require you to push a marble down to open them, turning drinking into a fun little ritual. Trying something new each visit turns beverage shopping into an adventure rather than a mundane task.

13. Cultural Experience

Beyond the products and food, H Mart at 1961 High House Rd offers something more valuable than groceries alone. The atmosphere pulses with energy from multiple cultures converging in one space, creating a vibrant community hub.

Korean grandmothers debate vegetable quality in rapid fire conversations while young families introduce their kids to foods from their heritage.

Signs in multiple languages cover the walls, making you feel like you’ve stepped into an international terminal rather than a suburban shopping center. K pop plays over the speakers, its catchy beats making even grocery shopping feel slightly more exciting and fun.

Staff members switch effortlessly between languages, helping customers from every background find exactly what they need without confusion.

Regular shoppers greet each other like old friends, swapping recipe tips and cooking advice across aisles with genuine enthusiasm. The whole experience reminds you that food connects people across cultures, generations, and experiences in ways nothing else can.

Walking out with your bags feels less like finishing errands and more like completing a small cultural journey. This place doesn’t just sell Asian groceries; it celebrates them with infectious joy and authentic pride.