Sobbing near the dry goods, asking myself, Am I even Korean anymore if there's no one left to call and ask which brand of seaweed we used to buy?
-- Michelle Zauner (chapter 1 paragraph 2-1)

Importance: Zauner describes the various places within the Asian supermarket H Mart that she finds herself crying when something reminds her of her mother, who was Korean. This quote suggests that Zauner believes her mother's death called her own Korean identity into question, as Chongmi was her direct blood link to this part of her ethnicity. However, as the memoir continues, Zauner describes using food as a means of reinforcing her understanding of herself as a Korean person.

I wonder how many people at H Mart miss their families. How many are thinking of them as they bring their trays back from the different stalls. If they're eating to feel connected, to celebrate these people through food. Which ones weren't able to...
-- Michelle Zauner (chapter 1 paragraph 3)