We can always use more Asian snacks, right? H Mart is the closest thing I have to a utopia to me – from the aisles overflowing with snacks, to the tantalizing frozen food section, to the last-minute splurges at the checkout. For my sweet tooth, these snacks are perfect when you’re looking for something to munch on, and the joys of H Mart will change your life one snack at a time!
1) Pocky
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One of the best-known snacks from the overflowing aisles of H Mart – Pocky is best described as serotonin in a can! For those of you unfamiliar, Pocky is a sweet wrap around a pretzel-shaped stick, and comes in many new variations and flavors. From classic Chocolate, Strawberry, Cookies & Cream, Chocolate Banana Pocky, there’s always a new flavor of Pocky to explore, but be prepared: they’re weirdly addictive!
Pocky normally comes in boxes with one or two packs, but can also be purchased in bulk. I find them perfect for an afternoon snack or a pick-me-up to keep in your locker.
Side note: If you’re a pocky fan, I highly recommend checking out pejoy and other Meiji snacks as well.
2) Yakult
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Peter Kavinsky has good taste! This popular Korean yogurt drink reminds me of my childhood; my sister and I used to look forward to having a Yakult after dinner because it has probiotic benefits in addition to being delicious and so much fun! This nostalgic drink can be found in the fridges of Asian grocery stores, and can be purchased in packs of 8-10.
3) Shrimp Chips
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Before you wrinkle your nose and say that “shrimp” and “crisps” should never be part of the same sentence, hear me out. Although it might seem like an unlikely pair, I never thought about it until I snacked on a few during Asian Affinity, and one of my classmates started laughing at me.
As an Asian American, I was used to people making jokes about what I eat, but I was hurt by my “friend’s” reaction. Despite that, I still savor these umami chips and if you’re in for it, grab a bag next time you’re at H Mart, and you’ll see why they’re worth raving about!
4) Ramune
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It’s a must have for special occasions, whether it’s a birthday, anniversary or holiday, I would always look for an excuse to beg my parents for a Ramune. Even now, I marvel at the magic of pushing the glass marble into the drink, and how magical it seemed to make the drink fizzy and fizzy, giving me a dizzying rush of happiness.
Ramune can not only be stored and kept in your cupboard, but also often ordered at Asian restaurants. And it comes in SO MANY flavors, from classics like the original (a neutral taste for those who like it simple) to lychee or muscatel.
5) Hi Chew
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Hi-Chews are the highlight of anyone’s grocery trip! Not only are they adorable, have the perfect texture, and are just tasty enough, but you can’t resist tossing a few in your cart before you hit the checkout! I like to keep them in my jacket pockets, share them with a friend, or just keep them for myself because the Hi-Chews are so good to have around at all times.
Side note: If you’re a Hi-Chew fan, I recommend checking out the most underrated cousin, Puchao (with some gummy surprises, too!)
