Though its produce section is lush with bunches of salad greens, mustard greens, bok chois and herbs, it's Korean Korner's meat counter that offers some interesting cuts. There's a short rib that's so thick it makes a foolproof braise. Spare ribs come in regular lengths as well as finger-food size. Flank steak and other meats are also available marinated. In the fish department are whole fish ready for filleting, skining or just gutting by the fishmonger. There's a wide range of kimchi in self-serve bowls as well as ready-boxed and a kitchen where you can watch the women prepare food you can eat there at a number of tables or take home. The area's Russian community respect its stock of teas, which include Korean types like roasted corn tea that may stump all but the peninsula's nationals.

With a nod to the area's Latino community, there's a range of cheese, from queso fresco and crema latina to hard Honduran cheese, and sausages like the longaniza from Mexico.

Household goods, buckets and blankets have their own corner, too. 

Korean Korner, 12207 Veirs Mill Rd,  Silver Spring, 301 933 2000.