Everything in the Best Vegan Korean Grocery Haul

Korean markets are treasure troves of vibrant flavors and ingredients—from unique produce options and pantry staples to prepared foods and snacks. They stock hard-to-find items that can help you explore Korean and other Asian cuisines at home, and they often have plenty of vegan options. So the next time you find yourself in the aisles of an H Mart, check this list, which will help you locate some of the best vegan Korean grocery finds.

Common Foods in a Vegan Korean Grocery Haul

Produce

Napa cabbage, Korean radish, and Korean pears: H Mart vegan kimchi is a must-have, but you can also make your own with these ingredients found in the produce section of any Asian market. It’s a fun way to explore making fermented food at home, and you can make it to your preferred spice level without using shrimp or anchovies—because shrimp and fish just want to live. This recipe from The Korean Vegan makes it easy!

Mushrooms: H Mart and other Korean grocery stores stock a variety of mushrooms at (typically) low prices. They’re great for using in traditional Korean recipes, of course, but they can also be used as “chicken” or “seafood.” Creatively using plant-based ingredients instead of the flesh of feeling, intelligent animals can help you enjoy your favorite dishes while being kind to chickens, fish, squid, and all other sentient beings.

Sauces and Spices

Gochujang: This red chili paste is a staple ingredient in many Korean dishes, including bibimbap, jjigae, and tteokbokki. It’s made with gochugaru (red pepper powder), and it’s almost always vegan—but check the ingredients to be sure. Some brands can be made with honey, which bees make to support their colonies in the winter.

Vegan fish sauce: Fish sauce is used in many Asian dishes, but since fish are intelligent animals who have complex social structures and can feel pain, it’s best to opt for vegan fish sauce instead. This salty condiment, which adds depth of flavor to your dishes, may also be labeled as “vegetarian” fish sauce or mushroom sauce.

Sesame oil and paste: The mighty sesame seed adds flavor and creaminess to many Korean dishes, from dipping sauces to salad dressings and sesame noodles.

Vegan mayo: Many H Mart locations sell Tofumayo, and some even offer egg-free Kewpie-style mayo, which is a rich Japanese mayonnaise. It contains no cholesterol and is kind to chickens, who are exploited in the egg industry.

Refrigerated

Vegan kimchi: You’re likely to find a wide variety of vegan kimchi options at your local Korean grocery store. Some are labeled vegan, but others might be “accidentally vegan.” Just check the ingredients list for anchovy paste, shrimp paste, or any other nonvegan ingredients.

Soft tofu: We love tofu, and you can find the super-soft variety at H Mart. We love it in healthy, savory, and satisfying sundubu jjigae, a Korean soft tofu stew. You can also find other tofu-related ingredients, like yuba (tofu skin) and inari (deep-fried bean curd).

Soy milk: Both the refrigerated and pantry sections will have soy milk options. If you’re ambitious in the kitchen, you can also pick up some dried soybeans to make soy milk at home.

Prepared foods: Check the prepared foods section for freshly made kimchi, banchan (Korean side dishes), and other items. These are made in-house, and some are vegan—just check the ingredients.

Noodles

Buckwheat: Make this Vegan Bibim Guksu recipe with buckwheat noodles, which are high in protein and gluten-free.

Sweet potato noodles: These glass noodles are traditionally used to make japchae, a delicious veggie-packed dish. You can also find instant vegan versions of this favorite dish.

Naengmyeon: In the hot summer months, naengmyeon is a refreshing, savory treat. Some prepared naengmyeon brands are accidentally vegan, like this one from the brand Choung Soo.

Ramen: Of course, the ramen section will be tempting! Check it for vegan options, including Shin Green ramen.

Frozen Items

Frozen udon: These thick, chewy noodles are delicious in soups or noodle stir-fry dishes. They’re frozen in individual servings, making them extremely simple to prepare.

Dumplings: Don’t forget to pick up some delicious veggie dumplings or potstickers in the frozen section.

Kimbap: Frozen kimbap (rice, veggies, and sometimes tofu rolled in seaweed) makes for a quick and easy snack or lunch. You can find several kimchi options at H Mart from the brand Bokmansa that are clearly labeled “vegan.”

Korean cuisine is very animal-friendly, and you can find everything you need and more to make your favorite vegan dishes at H Mart and other Korean grocery markets.

How to Use Your Vegan Korean Grocery Haul

We compiled the best vegan Korean recipes that will make you exclaim, “Mashita!” (“It’s delicious!”):

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