By: Matthew Pak
A new supermarket recently opened in Jacksonville’s Southside near the Regency Square. This supermarket is not like a Publix or Winn Dixie. In fact, it’s not even from this country. Lotte Market, a popular Korean supermarket chain, opened its third store in America on Atlantic Boulevard. On opening day, there was already a line wrapping around the parking lot. The supermarket offers a variety of Asian groceries, prepared food, and a food court that offers Korean, Chinese, and Japanese food.
Since the opening, my family has been to the mart twice a month, loading up on some of our favorites. Many people may be intimidated by the vast selection the mart offers, so here is our routine and favorites.
The first thing we do is rush straight to the food court. Over the years, we have learned shopping on an empty stomach leads to impulsively buying excess groceries, so we always make sure to eat before we shop. Lotte Market has multiple vendors that offer a variety of Asian cuisines. Shoppers can choose from sushi, Korean fried chicken, Chinese food, and traditional Korean street food. My personal favorite is the Korean short rib from the street food vendor. The tender and flavor packed meat paired with the rice makes an unbeatable meal. Additionally, the Chinese food offers a variety of meats.
My favorite is the Hainanese soy sauce chicken. When paired with rice, the succulent and tender chicken offers a nutritious and protein packed meal for cheap. For dessert, the bakery has amazing Korean inspired pastries, a perfect way to end the meal. Our favorites range from the strawberry croissant to the guava Danish.
One of our favorites, the fruit section a wide selection of Asian fruits. Depending on the season, I would look for Lychee, Asian Pear, and Korean Melon. These fruits are difficult to find in an average to find in an average American supermarket and are super unique. If you are looking for a more exotic fruit, durian is a stinky fruit but is extremely popular in Asia for its creamy taste. Most people are discouraged by the smell, but if you can get past it, durian is a tasty delicacy.
American supermarket and are super unique. If you are looking for a more exotic fruit, durian is a stinky fruit but is extremely popular in Asia for its creamy taste. Most people are discouraged by the smell, but if you can get past it, durian is a tasty delicacy.
The options for protein are never ending. Lotte Market contains a butcher within the store, where meats are cut fresh daily. We usually buy Korean short rib or “kalbi” and thin cuts of ribeye or “bulgogi.” They are easy to cook and make an amazing lazy meal, while being packed with flavor and nutrition. For sides, we get the handmade Kimchi and Daikon, adding flavor and spice to our meals. The pickled sides add a perfect amount of spice to pair with the meat. Occasionally, I will purchase fish from the sashimi section to turn into a poke at home. They have salmon, tuna, yellowtail, and other cuts of fish. It has restaurant level quality and is an easy alternative to going out.
Finally, the drinks and snacks from Asia offer a variety of flavors not found anywhere else such as seafood flavored pringles and Pepsi clear. My personal favorite is Milkis, a yogurt soda drink from Korea. They are like the popular Yakut yogurt drink, just with carbonation. One item you cannot miss is the viral Propitious Mango ice cream from China. The ice cream has a colored chocolate coating on the outside and is shaped like a mango. The texture is unlike any other ice cream, and the flavor is packed with a mind blowing creamy and fruity combination.
Lotte Market also has a skin care section containing some of the best products found in Asia. You can pick up moisturizing face masks and lotion from Japan and Korea, as well as make up from China. The store is located at 9355 Atlantic Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32225 and is open 9 AM – 10 PM all week.
Pictured: A view of the front of Lotte Market from the parking lot
