I have better luck with Latin grocers in that regard. The only specialty Asian grocer in a few hours radius doesn't even have fresh produce. The only produce they do sell is old and literally has an H Mart label on it lol. They will sell you some black market kimchi if you ask though.

Found a hole in the wall Japanese restaurant when I was doing minor traveling for a doctor's appointment. There were 4 tables and 3 employees. One table was 3 dudes talking about how they don't understand their sons' obsession with Minecraft and another table was me. Anime themes were just blasting from a bluetooth speaker. Food was the best Japanese food I've ever had and was so goddamn cheap for what it was. I have to go back to the area twice in September and I intend to eat there again each time because it was such a good experience.