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Cherished East Coast-based Asian grocer H Mart has finally landed in Seattle-proper — not downtown, as has been anticipated for years, but rather in the University District. Somehow the opening slipped under the radar, despite the business taking over a two-floor store in a highly visible location along the Ave last month (4216 University Way NE).
In general, H Mart’s selection skews Korean, but gochujang and kimchi are complemented by all manner of greens, noodles, rice, MSG-laden snacks, and more from all over Asia. The U District location may be a bit smaller than other stores, but has most of the dizzying number of sections the convenient chain is known for: fresh produce, meat, and seafood, grab-and-go meals like kimbap, general grocery staples, and, of course, snacks, candies, sweets, treats, and alcohol galore. As a sign out front suggests, there are even cosmetics and cookware available.
A spokesperson at the Northwest headquarters in Algona, Washington, confirmed that proceedings are ongoing for the downtown store, coming to the former Nordstrom Rack space at 1601 2nd Ave., but he couldn’t give a timeline. Meanwhile, the U District location appears to be the company’s sixth in Washington, joining outposts in Lynnwood, Tacoma, Bellevue, and Federal Way. H Mart U District is open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
