Hidden Hangouts: H Mart in Fairfax

Angelique Arintok/Fourth Estate

A one-stop shop and nearby hangout spot

BY ANGELIQUE ARINTOK, STAFF WRITER

A mere 10 to 15 minutes away from the Fairfax campus, H Mart is a hidden gem tucked along Fairfax Boulevard near Duck Donuts and Rita’s Italian Ice.

H Mart is broadly categorized as an Asian grocery store with its fresh produce, imported snacks and miscellaneous home goods. Three things about this store are not always the most advertised, making this the perfect hangout spot for students in the area.

Sheet face masks are all the rage these days. They are the perfect component for rest and relaxation amid all the final exams, papers and presentations coming up these next two weeks.

Angelique Arintok/Fourth Estate

H Mart has a small beauty section within the store that carries a boatload of face masks to choose from, among other beautiful goodies. The options are endless, with varieties that range from about $1 to $3.50 per mask, not to mention hot offers like a “buy 10, get 5 free” deal, or even a “buy 10, get 10 free” deal.

Aside from beauty products at H Mart, the food court at this store is top notch. Still affordable, the food is kept at reasonable prices, like $9.90 for a big plate of fried rice and $10 for tonkatsu, a deep-fried pork cutlet served with rice, sauce and salad. Spicy noodle soup, stews and bibimbaps are among some other menu options. The quickly-made, yet tasty food is served with pickled ginger and kimchi on the side, plus free self-serve soup is available to customers. The hot foods at H Mart are not only delicious Asian treats, but also friendly to college budgets.

Angelique Arintok/Fourth Estate

Right next to the food court is a haven for boba lovers. The H Mart sells fresh iced teas, lemonades, smoothies and boba, serving a wide variety much like Kung Fu Tea, but at the fraction of the price. The menu includes items like a taro smoothie with boba, blueberry smoothie, thai tea and chocolate latte.

Going to H Mart solely for groceries would be such a waste of resources. This spot is so ideal for hangouts, food excursions and shopping that is budget-friendly for all students.