Hotori, a new Asian home goods store with snacks, kitchen gadgets, cookbooks, and more, opened in March in downtown Des Moines. Owners Nam Ho and Torri Myers hope to introduce the metro to Asian cookbooks, Japanese porcelain, Chinese sauces, and Singaporean chocolates.
The couple, who found their inspiration from Ho’s Southern California upbringing, hopes to inspire shoppers to learn more about their cultures. Ho’s family immigrated to the United States from Vietnam, and Myers’ mother is from Korea. Ho moved to Des Moines seven years ago to open Horizon Line, the coffee shop a few doors down from Hotori, while Myers grew up in Des Moines and has a background in retail.
The two share some of their favorite products they sell at the boutique.
Nam Ho’s favorite items at Hotori
1. Hasami porcelain mug: “Handmade in Japan, the appeal of this mug is not only the clean lines and modular aesthetic, but also in the softness of its texture and comfortability in my hands. It’s my favorite cup to use for my morning cup of coffee.” Price: $27
2. Woon Mama’s Way Hot Sauce: “Based in the historic Filipinotown neighborhood of Los Angeles, Woon has been a frequent stop for us when visiting my family back in California. This hot sauce has the perfect amount of spiciness paired with some vinegar-y tang and can be used on everything from noodles and rice to pizza and wings.” Price: $14
3. Rikuya Tokusa donabe: “This classic style donabe is beautiful and has a variety of uses from making rice or soups to steaming vegetables, and even grilling or braising meat. While it may seem intimidating to use initially, the ability to try test recipes using it is extremely enjoyable.” Price: $155
4. Fossa Chocolates: “The unique flavors from this Singaporean chocolate company are surprisingly familiar. Soymilk & Youtiao gives classic glazed doughnut. The Pulut hitam is reminiscent of the classic Southeast Asian dessert it’s named after.” Price: $13.50
5. “Di Ăn” by Tue Nguyen: Thịt kho (braised pork and eggs) was a staple in the Ho household growing up and while nothing beats mom’s cooking, the recipe in this book gets pretty darn close. Full of Vietnamese classics, the recipes are simple for newbies or unique takes on time-honored that are perfect for a quick meal or hosting friends.” Price: $35
Torri’s Myers’ favorite items at Hotori
6. OMA Instant Seaweed Soup: “Satisfying, savory, and nutrient-rich, this instant soup has impressed me. I rarely have a homemade version ready, and it’s such a great meal itself (or as a soup base). Just 1 cup of boiling water and it’s ready in under two minutes!” Price: $45
7. Korean dish scrubbies: “A Korean pastime hobby, these scrubbies are hand crocheted by my mom. They’re great for pots and pans. They’re long-lasting and keep mildewy scents at bay.” Price: $9
8. Sori Yanagi stainless steel serving spoon and fork: “Having a large pair of serving utensils for potlucks or gatherings is always handy. I’ve loved every sleek and sturdy piece of Sori Yanagi stainless kitchen item we’ve brought in.” Price: $26.50
9. The Wanda dog collar by Fren: “Named after her rescue pup, Wanda, Aisha dreamed up this collar using deadstock fabrics. We couldn’t resist these as our shop dogs’ official uniform, and carry a range of sizes in store.” Price: $30
10. Korean kiln sauna candle by Binu Binu: “A fragrance inspired by the scent of traditional Hanjeungmak saunas that burn charcoal in domes insulated with clay walls. Intoxicating scent, gorgeous stainless steel vessel, and eco-friendly, vegan ingredients.” Price: $75
11. Sori Yanagi stainless steel bowl and strainers: “…and before you know it, you’re excited about bowls and strainers. But really, this is lovely every day, elevated, functional kitchenware at its finest. Available in a range of sizes.” Price: $33 to $75
12. Jampot: “I’m extremely proud to carry this product directly from Korea. A small jam operation with seasonal, delicious flavors like Jeju Kumquat Marmalade (the kumquats sourced from Jeju Island) and Star Anise Pear (using Korean pears, much different than what you normally see at the grocery store).” Price: $16
13.-14. Snacks: “If you’re a Midwest chips and party dips lover like me (or a convert, like Nam), the Shiso sour cream-flavored bag of popcorn is my favorite. Seriously addictive!” Price: $9
“Maybe you’re more of a texture snacker? The mochi gummies from Issei are chewy and fruity, a delight!” Price: $5
15. “Korean American” by Eric Kim:” I made a full Thanksgiving dinner out of this cookbook, and it was delicious. Funny enough, the most flavorful casserole I make on repeat is in this cookbook. It’s a staple in our home and the shop.” Price: $32.50
16. Incense by Hyungi: “Traditional Korean incense handmade by Korean-American artist, Hyungi. I was drawn to the unique shapes and traditional techniques Hyungi uses to create her assortment of incenses.” Price: $35-$40
Where to find Hotori
Location: 1417 Walnut St., Des Moines
Contact: instagram.com/hotorimarket
Hours: Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
If you see a new retail business opening or a beloved place closing, send some details to sstapleton@gannett.com.
Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: 16 things to consider buying at Hotori, the new Asian home goods and snacks store
Reporting by Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
