CUTTING THE RIBBON: Community officials, customers, and market staff members all attended the ribbon cutting celebrating Kasia Market’s opening in Pike Run Plaza, Route 206 in Belle Mead last December. Featuring a wide range of authentic Korean food, a big selection of fresh fish, meat, and produce, the market also has a sushi bar, Kasia Kitchen hot bar, and The Hungry Tiger restaurant, all on the premises.

By Jean Stratton

To say it is just a Korean market is an understatement! They have their own hydroponic vegetable plantings, displayed in the front of the store. They are all about the freshest and best foods — fresh fish and meat, both familiar and exotic vegetables, sushi bar, informal Kasia Kitchen food bar and Hungry Tiger restaurant. Super Korean fried chicken, bubble tea, as well as a special line of Korean skincare. This is a special place!”

This high praise is from a Princeton resident, whose first visit to Kasia Market was a big success.

Located in Pike Run Plaza, 2311 Route 206 North in Belle Mead, Kasia Market opened in December. Owned by Montgomery Township resident Dennis Ahn, it reflects his vision of offering the freshest, healthiest food, supporting an eco-friendly environment, and creating a welcoming atmosphere for both staff and customers.

“I have a vision of what I want to offer customers and what I want the market to be,” he explains. “I am grateful to be able to share that vision with my staff and customers. I really want to do something good for people’s health. Our food is very healthy, always fresh, and high quality.”

Korean Heritage

Born in the U.S. and having grown up in New Jersey, he is no stranger to American tastes and choices, but with his Korean heritage, he also wanted to introduce customers to the flavors of authentic Korean food and cuisine.

“My in-laws have two Korean markets, and they have been mentors to me,” he adds.” Asian products are very healthy, really a healthier option for the community. I believe we are set apart by our Korean products, of course, and I also believe a business, in this case, a grocery store, should be community-based. I chose this location because I live in town and am part of the community. It’s a mix of people here, and I think our market is the right fit for everyone.”

In addition, Ahn has a farm in Flemington, which he hopes will expand his overall operation, and also contribute to his vision of locally-sourced, healthy products, and a sustainable future.

“I am very focused on my farm, where I continue my vision of having near zero organic waste. Even our chicken bones go to the farm to make compost.

HYDROPONIC GARDEN: “With our hydroponic garden, we grow leafy greens, and will have other vegetables, herbs, and fruit like strawberries,” says Dennis Ahn, owner of the new Korean Kasia Market. Shown is the hydroponic garden, which is located in the front of the market. The hydroponic method of growing plants uses a water-based nutrient solution rather than soil. “When we grow our own produce, we minimize the carbon footprint, and with hydroponics, there are no pesticides used,” he adds.

Next Generation

“We have 15,000 square feet of green house space, and with our hydroponics, in addition to lettuce, we’ll grow broccoli, cauliflower, strawberries, and other produce. When the farm is up and running, we will have many more hydroponic products.

“We believe that is going to be the future of farming. “With the increase in droughts, flooding, and severe storms, there has to be a means to give the next generation of farmers a way to farm.

“My idea is that we can reach out to other nearby farms and let the community know about them and their products, helping to let people know where their food comes from,” he continues.

“I hope to teach second-generation farmers. If I can show another generation that this can work out and that stores like ours and ShopRite and others will use products from local farms and that something like this can work, we could have more younger people becoming farmers, and save a lot of farms from being sold. I see so many farms in the area being sold. If we can create a program that is profitable, then we can show the next generation that farming can work for them.”

Ahn’s emphasis on near zero waste is also evidenced in the market. Three bins are prominently displayed. One is for recycling, another is for organic waste, and the third for trash.

“The goal is to bring the organic waste back to the farm,” he explains. “We can create compost with that.”

Important Plans

With these important plans for the future, Ahn is very focused on offering customers the best products he can find in his market. Spacious, exceptionally clean, and attractive, Kasia Market offers aisle after aisle of choices. And it also provides a congenial shopping experience with its decor and displays, including colorful Asian lanterns hovering above the neatly organized and well-marked products.

An abundant selection of fresh fish is highlighted with live lobster, tilapia, and striped bass featured. Also included is a big assortment of fresh, but not alive, rainbow trout, fluke, and sea bass, as well as shrimp, clam, crab choices, and much more.

The freshly butchered meat section offers grass fed beef, and specially processed halal meat is also available.

“The meat can be cut to order, so you get just the cut and the amount you want,” points out Ahn. “Also, our dairy section includes a variety of choices, such as those for people with lactose intolerance. We have the very healthy organic A2 milk form the Alexandre Company in California. It is certified regenerative milk.”

Produce includes vegetables from all over, such as Korean specialties, and even special pandan from the Philippines, as well as locally-sourced fruits and vegetables.

Juices of all kinds, cider, jams, jellies, honey, sauces, seaweed snacks, cookies and crackers, frozen food, kitchen and cooking products and supplies — the list goes on. Everything you would expect in a grocery store —and more, as the Korean and Asian fusion focus is key.

Eat-In, Take-Out

“We are also including a number of Indian specialties,” reports Ahn. ‘We have a variety of choices, so now Indian residents can shop right here too.”

The eat-in and take-out dining options are a real favorite with customers. Whether they are looking for sushi or the very popular Korean fried chicken (in a unique glaze with chili oil), the Sushi Station, Kasia Kitchen, and The Hungry Tiger offer an array of favorites. Two freshly made soups are available every day, as are kimbap, kimchi, dalgona, corn-based bubble teas in many flavors, homemade Ube banana pudding, and the highly sought-after bingsu shaved ice dessert.

Catering is also available, and this will be an increasing part of the business, notes Ahn. “We think we have something very special to offer, and our customers agree.”

Another specialty at Kasia is its full line of Navia Korean cosmetics and skincare.

“These are very popular with customers,” he says. “Korean cosmetics have very strong restrictions on ingredients. Fewer chemicals are allowed, and they are healthier for the skin.”

203,000 Views

As he reflects on Kasia’s success in just a few months, Ahn is optimistic. “When you’re a startup business, the challenge is getting people to know about you, but we are very encouraged. We already have regulars, and new people are finding us all the time. Customers are all ages, including families and teens. Many are from Princeton and the area, but they are also from as far away as Staten Island and even Rhode Island. Some people are often driving an hour or more for our food.

“One customer in Rhode Island actually made a video, saying how much she liked us. She especially loved the kimchi. We have been getting a lot of customers online. We have had 203,000 views on TikTok.”

Ahn is very encouraged with the response, and has also instituted a number of events and activities, such as demos, tastings, and also special sales. He is looking forward to offering cooking classes in the near future.”

As he looks ahead, despite the long hours and ongoing challenges, he knows that he is in the right place, at the right time. “I enjoy people. I enjoy our staff (with 87 on board), including several chefs.

“I also very much enjoy our customers, talking with them, hearing their ideas, introducing them to our products, and finding special items for them. And always, I want the store to be comfortable and welcoming for everyone. We work hard for it to be the best it can be.”

Kasia Market is open Sunday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For further information, call (908) 576-3804. Visit the website at kasiamarket.com.