Grocery Shopping Made Fun at These Specialty Food Markets

The next time Old Mother Hubbard complains about your empty cupboards, take the kiddos on a cultural food tour and pick up groceries at the same time.

By Shannon Reed March 18, 2015

When was the last time you and the kids had fun while at the grocery store? That’s what we thought! Between asking for cookies to declaring how bored they are, your little shoppers are usually not too excited about it either. What if we helped you turn a mundane task like getting groceries into something fun the whole family could enjoy? Yes, it can happen!

There are several specialty and ethnic food markets across San Diego that offer a slightly different shopping experience where kiddos can explore, sample food and listen to music — all while you cross items off of your grocery list and grab something fun to make for dinner. Click through the slideshow to check out our favorite family-friendly specialty markets.

H Mart

Get ready to be transported to Asia with a side of Paris. This bustling market offers all the exotic fruits and vegetables popular in Asian cuisine along with all the familiar produce one would see in a standard store. There is also a large cosmetic area where you and your explorers can sample some of the creams and lotions popular in Asia. The main attraction here is the incredible seafood selection that showcases its delicacies up close and personal, some still alive. You and your little foodies won’t be able to pass up the pastries from the authentic Parisian bakery located right in the market. The best part is you can grab some marinated Bool-Kogi steak, kimchi and rice for a simple to prepare yet out of this world delicious dinner.

9440 Mira Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA
858-577-0060
Online: hmart.com

What are your favorite places to shop for groceries that are off the beaten path? Tell us in the Comments!

—Shannon Reed (and photographs too!)