H-Mart Coquitlam

This is probably the largest H-mart in the lower mainland. They stock a variety of Asian goods with a strong emphasis on Korean goods. Theres also a bakery, fish section, a cafeteria, and the usual grocery sections. When it gets busy expect to be lined up for a bit before paying. The prices also seem somewhat high compared to other supermarkets in the area. Customer service is also lacking at times.

Loved the hot kitchen foods which are discounted in the evenings. Lots of korean foods and snacks. I also like their cooked sweet potatoes. I like the variety of frozen foods, products, ready to eat meals.

The sashimi in this store is fresh.nHighly recommend Budae Jjigae kit.These pre-packaged bundles typically include everything you need.nAlso the cakes here all look really good.nNote: The cake prices in this picture are not today’s prices; they are from the beginning of the month.

I have been a loyal customer of this H Mart for many years. Living just 10 minutes away, this has always been my go to Korean supermarket. Out of all the locations, this one has always been my favourite. The store is clean, well stocked, and usually offers a good selection of produce, meats, and specialty items. I have never had a problem shopping here.nnThat is why it makes me genuinely sad to write this. Last week, I bought a watermelon labelled as “Sugar Daddy” from this location. What caught my eye was that it was clearly marked as seedless. I don’t mind paying a little more when something delivers on quality. You pay for what you get, right?nnOr so I thought.nnRight after I bought it, I left town for a 3-day conference. I came home yesterday and was honestly looking forward to cutting into the watermelon. But the moment I cut it in half, the very first thing I saw was seeds. Not just one or two — this watermelon was filled with them.nnThe feeling I had was not anger. It was pure disappointment. Disappointment because I trusted the H-mart brand. Disappointment because I had always had good experiences here and never thought I needed to double check things how on a watermelon?. Disappointment because I did not keep the receipt, simply because I had never needed to before. I trusted that what I was buying was exactly what it claimed to be.nnSigh…

H Mart is an essential market for me. It provides many of the familiar foods and ingredients that I rely on in my daily life. More than that, it brings a comforting sense of Korea that helps ease homesickness and makes living far from home a little easier.nWalking through the store often feels like being back in Korea, surrounded by familiar flavors and products. It’s one of the places that makes adapting to life abroad more manageable. I’m always grateful that H Mart is here.