Although H Mart is a U.S. based grocery store specializing in Asian (Korean) products, the current climate in Canada to not support American-based operations/goods did not stop the masses from checking out the grand opening. This place can do better by not carrying the usual Coca-Cola, Ferrero Group and the like, but I digress. Even on the second weekend, when I visited, it was packed. It felt like I was walking through a mini-Costco at Mayfair Shopping Centre. I sampled as much Korean food as possible and looked for the deals.

And the range of expanded Asian goods, when compared to other local operations, is the best I’ve seen in ages. I’ve visited T&T Supermarket in Vancouver, and the vast range of products is equally comparable. Had this operation decided on selling only South Korean, Chinese, and Japanese manufactured items, I’d shop very often here. Sadly, the pricing is no better than other places. A careful buyer is best advised to monitor H Mart’s weekly flyers to know where to go to buy those 5 packs of instant ramens!

As for other snack foods, like a large bag of shrimp chips, they are cheaper. However, I didn’t check whether those prices were opening-week specials or their regular prices. (June 6th update: I returned to buy other groceries and found the regular price quite reasonable). Even when compared to Walmart and Fairways during my visit, I stocked up (twice)! A huge mark-up won’t help when there’s plenty of similar stock at the mainstays in town. I’m thinking of Fairways and Walmart for this snack.

As for why I’m loving this place is because they sell (canned) silkworm pupa so I can make that soup I had ages ago at Chimac Korean Pub (review). I have to find a recipe! Overall, I’m impressed. They surpass other businesses when they make and sell fresh takoyaki. By the time I wanted to grab a tray, there were no more plates. My guess is that some items are first come, first served rather than to make them throughout the day and let them go cold. Although these hot plates are just that, I’ll have to make a weekly visit to sample the variety.

Even their deli section proved to be better than other operations. It’s a small section and what’s offered goes beyond the mainstays–tuna or salmon sashimi, offered in generous portions, or slices of Spanish mackerel (which I got) or even arctic surf clam. I was disappointed ages ago when Fujiyas stopped offering the latter. I can imagine they were not as popular, but when I can buy the frozen stuff and have to let the box defrost overnight, that desire to eat them right away might not exist the next day!

Although H Mart does not offer a wide variety of fresh seafood, what’s offered matches what Thrifty’s sells–lobster, crab and spot prawn (when in season). The shellfish collection is quite reasonable and I have to wonder when or if they’ll delve into oysters. Unless this department increases the number of tanks, the selection might get rotated. Unlike T&T’s seafood department with its variety, what’s here is limited.

Overall, I’m impressed and will shop at H Mart as often as I can. They will be more so for when I want a snack at the deli instead of their baked goods at Tour Les Jours. This bakery is a lot more cosmopolitan, the names of the sweets and reports I’ve heard from locals suggest these breads are worth at least one try. When considering all the flavours offered, like cream cheese walnut and matcha, I’m certainly going to be trying them out! Unfortunately, during the busy first month of operation, I suspect the bakers could not keep up with demand and by mid-afternoon, the bins were bare (It still is for those late day shoppers). I’ll just have to try again by coming here earlier in the day.

As for the efficiency of going in and out when the buzz has quieted down, I suspect H Mart will be a new hub for locals and Asians around the Greater Victoria region. Although the number of tills and self-checkouts is small, that may change once a flow is established. It’s about time there’s an operation similar to T&T running on the island. When I heard the latter supermarket might have an agreement with island chains to not start operations here, I was disappointed. Hopefully, after they see just how well this Korean arm is doing, they may want to renegotiate so I can buy geoduck and other fancy seafoods!