Living in New Haven, we’re lucky to have a variety of cultural influences decorating our city’s streets. One favorite stop to add a little extra flavor to your week is Hanmi Oriental Food & Gift Shop, a locally owned grocery store specializing in Korean ingredients and pre-made fare. The store is owned by a sweet Korean woman who earns the love and respect of every shopper that walks in the door. In fact, many have said that her cooking rivals their Korean mother’s and provides a little taste of home.
If you want to try her food for yourself, there are two things you have to get. First, her vegan cucumber kimchi. You can put it atop a bowl for lunch or add it to a stir-fry for dinner, or just eat it solo. Then, her kimbap rolls. Kimbap is essentially the Korean version of sushi made with imitation crab and egg, rather than fish. It’s filled with rice, pickled veggies, and bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s really well priced!
