.png){kind=logo}
The new T&T Supermarket has finally opened in Factoria after years of anticipation. Now Washington’s largest Asian supermarket and the largest T&T in North America, it spans an impressive 76,000 square feet.
T&T was founded in 1993 by Cindy Lee, a Taiwanese immigrant who saw a lack of Asian products in Canadian markets. Determined to bridge this gap, she built T&T into Canada’s largest Asian grocery chain. Now, this beloved supermarket has made its U.S. debut, and it’s been an overwhelming success.
On its opening day, Dec. 5, 2024, crowds packed the parking lot, and the store quickly reached maximum capacity. Lines stretched for nearly two blocks, and even now, weekend visits often involve hour-long waits.
“The lines are really long, but the interior is better decorated compared to Vancouver’s T&T,” sophomore Rylee Tse said.
Although the lines are cumbersome, the Asian community of Bellevue still patiently wait for their turn to access the live seafood, fresh produce, Asian snacks and much more. T&T is also famous for its in-store kitchen and a bakery with many options to choose from. Packaged foods such as steamed buns, dim-sum and fried dishes are hot and ready to be consumed. They are especially famous for their deep-fried dough sticks rolled in a thin pancake or Jian Bing Guo Zi.
Local residents have welcomed this addition not only for its variety of products but also for its convenience. Beyond groceries, T&T offers a quick and delicious meal option for families. It has also introduced Asian spices and ingredients to international audiences, making once-hard-to-find items more accessible.
More than a supermarket, T&T has become a cultural hub where people from all backgrounds can explore and enjoy Asian cuisine and products. Its presence marks an exciting step in bringing more diversity and culinary richness to Bellevue.
