Asian Food, Shopping and Restaurants in Lynnwood, Washington

Lynnwood, Washington, has a considerable Asian population. It wouldn't take long for a new immigrant or local who just moved from another area to find Asian restaurants and grocery stores. But with so much to do and so many choices, you might want to know where you can start. Here are some of my favorite places to get Asian food in our city.

H Mart

Location: 3301 184th St SW, Lynnwood, WA. 425-776-0858

If you've never heard of H Mart or Han Ah Reum, it's a Korean-owned supermarket chain with outlets throughout the U.S. and Canada. Recently they opened a huge store just north of Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood. I wondered why I didn't come there sooner since it's just around the corner where I live.H Mart is the place to shop for Asian foods!

H Mart specializes in Korean foods, of course, from kimchi to traditional sweets. But you can find other stuff here from Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines and other Asian countries. I was pleased to find my favorite Thai noodle brands there at lower prices than in Central Market. I've also found half an aisle dedicated to my favorite desserts!

You can't miss the grocery store. Once you'll notice left and right wings with various countries' flags on display. The grocery section is located on the right side. You will also find a food court in that direction.

Great King Buffet

Location: 4309 198th St SW, Lynnwood, WA 98036-6725

One thing I hate about Lynnwood restaurants (and others) is the large portions. I don't like paying $20-$30 for food I'm not going to eat. (And who likes leftovers unless it's Italian cuisine?) But at the Great King Buffet, you don't have to worry about that. For a flat rate, you can get all the food you want, and only what you want.

The menu isn't spectacular. But you will be fed. It includes Mongolian beef, chicken BBQ, shrimp balls, fried rice, breads, pizza, apple pie, salmon and stir-fried vegetables. I always finish up with cut peaches and pineapple with tapioca. One dining session for two costs some $18. Could be more or less depending on day and time. See their menu for details.

Don't be fooled by a "Grand Opening" sign if you see one. They've been around for a while, I was told!

Wong's China Kitchen

Location: 4309 196th St SW, Lynnwood, WA 98036

I come to Wong's China Kitchen just for their chicken fried rice. Not only is it very good to me, their portions are also generous. One box of the chicken fried rice would feed me 2-3 times. The price is fair too.

But that's about all I like about Wong's Kitchen. The inside décor is depressing. The old video game board only adds to it. It makes me glad we're having takeout! Plus none of their other stuff I tried was that good.

Having access to your favorite Asian foods - or any cuisine for that matter - is important to staying happy where you live. All immigrants and expats who've returned to their country know that. I'm happy I'm in Lynnwood, Washington. It may not come close to California as an Asian hub. But what's here is enough to give you a taste of home.