Crying in H Mart

Introduction

• Personal reflection on crying in H Mart after the death of the author's mother.
• H Mart is a supermarket chain specializing in Asian foods, particularly Korean.
• The significance of H Mart in connecting with Korean heritage and memories.

Cultural and Emotional Connections

• H Mart as a cultural hub for Asian communities, offering familiar foods and brands.
• Emotional eating and food preferences shared with the author's Korean mother.
  • Particular tastes: kimchi, samgyupsal, and piping hot dishes.
  • Meals associated with seasons and holidays.
  • Food as a form of love and connection from mother to daughter.

Grief and Memory

• Grief is triggered by memories and association with foods.
• Specific memories of the author's mother, such as folding dumplings together.
• The impact of losing her mother and the struggle with cultural identity.

Language and Heritage

• Limited Korean language skills but a strong sense of cultural fluency in H Mart.
• Experiences of shopping and remembering her mother through familiar snacks and ingredients.

Emotional Reflections

• Grief manifests in unexpected ways, often linked to childhood memories.
• Anger and confusion about the loss of the mother and feelings of unfairness.
• Imagining what life could have been like with her mother in the future.

H Mart as a Cultural Space

• H Marts located away from city centers, serving as Asian cultural and shopping complexes.
• Authentic Korean restaurants and shops in and around H Mart.
• The journey to H Mart as a familiar and culturally rich experience.

Local H Mart Routine

• Personal routine visits to the local H Mart in Cheltenham, near Philadelphia.
• Shopping for groceries and enjoying meals at the food court.
• Description of various food stalls offering diverse Korean and Asian cuisines.

Conclusion

• H Mart as a place of both comfort and sorrow, connecting the author to her Korean heritage and memories of her mother.
• The role of food in healing and preserving cultural identity, despite personal loss.