Take your tastebuds on a trip to the Far East without going too far. Whether you’re looking some spicy Bulgogi (Korean beef barbecue) or are looking for curry cubes to make your famous crockpot Japanese Chicken Curry, we have some great Asian food marts that will satisfy your hunger for whatever you’re craving.
May is Asian American, Native Hawai’ian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which makes it a perfect time to hop on the 1 Line and explore these local businesses!
International District/Chinatown Station
Uwajimaya in the CID (1-minute walk)
Think of “Waji’s” as the superstore for anything Asian, from fresh seafood to all the ingredients to make your go-to Asian feast and even the dishes to serve it in. Uwajimaya has been around since 1928 and is one of the largest Asian grocery retailers in the Pacific Northwest. It has evolved beyond just a grocery store and has become a destination for anyone who wants to experience Asian food culture.
Lam’s Seafood Asian Market (4-minute walk)
In the early 1990s, Lam's was a tiny grocery store, barely 700 square feet. Like many small businesses in the Little Saigon area of Seattle International District/Chinatown, it was family-run.
Located on South King Street, Lam's has expanded its horizons. The store, now 10 times the size of its original location, is more than just a seafood market. It offers a wide range of products, from the freshest seafood and quality meats to a variety of fresh produce, fruits, and vegetables. For those in search of authentic Southeast Asian cuisine and grocery items, Lam's is the ultimate destination.
Capitol Hill Station
M2M Mart (Next door to the light rail station)
If you’re looking for a convenient Asian Food Mart that’s easy to pop in and out of, M2M Mart is just the ticket. Here, you’ll find a wide selection of Asian food items, including hot meals, snacks, munchies, coffee, and a pastry shop to get your caffeine and sugar fix.
University Street Station
Oriental Mart (12-minute walk)
Oriental Mart has been around forever. (Like, since the 1970s!) This three-generation, family-owned business offers a wide selection of traditional Asian spices, sauces, and grocery products.
“But what if I have a hankering for pork lumpia or Chicken Adobo?” “Bring it on!” says Oriental Mart because they have an 18-seat lunch counter serving award-winning Filipino cuisine.
Visit their shop for a selection of authentic Filipino dishes and other novelties. It is located on Pike Place next to Frank’s Quality Produce in the world-famous Pike Place Market.
U District Station
H Mart (3-minute walk)
It’s been said, “If you love Uwajimaya, you’re going to freak out about H Mart’s vast selection of Asian foodstuff.” After all, the “H” in H Mart is short for “Han Ah Reum,” which means “One arm full of groceries.” Probably because you’ll be using your other hand to stuff your face full of deliciousness, like “Gimbap" (Korean Sushi).
And if you’re looking for the best side dish to go with your bottle (or bottles) of Soji, grab some bulgogi and kimchi, which are made in-house from scratch daily.
Mount Baker Station
Mekong Asian Market (9-minute walk)
Founded in 1986, Mekong Asian Market is your “one-stop Asian shop.” They have everything you need from all over Asia—Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, heck, they even have American products. “They’re not from Asia!” I know! That’s how complete their store is.
Whether you’re looking groceries or even personal care products like ointments, balms, and medications, stop by and check out Mekong’s. You will not be disappointed.
Othello Station
Vientiane Grocery (15-minute walk)
Vientiane Grocery, a gem of an Asian grocery store and deli, can be found nestled away in a strip mall along MLK Way.
Along with being a fantastic grocery store with the freshest local and organic produce, meats, snacks and more, you’ll also find their deli to be the definition of deliciousness.
Vientiane takes its name from the capital of Laos and serves dishes from the small nation whose flavors traverse its border with northeastern Thailand. Try Nam Khao, a crispy rice salad made with spicy sausage, or Lao sausages with sticky rice, which is “Chef’s Kiss.”
Do you have a favorite market that we missed? Tag us on social media @SoundTransit and let us know!