Jia Ho Supermarket, located at 692 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111, is a cornerstone of Boston’s Chinatown. Known to locals as a "hidden gem," this market offers an authentic, high-density shopping experience tucked away in the heart of the city. Its name, "Jia Ho" (家和), translates to "Family Harmony," reflecting its mission to serve the everyday needs of the local community.
What Sets It Apart
The "Basement" Vibe: Accessible via a slight descent into a large building footprint, Jia Ho has a classic Chinatown feel—tight aisles packed with a staggering variety of goods, from industrial-sized bags of rice to obscure regional spices.
Extended Hours: Unlike many other neighborhood markets in Chinatown that close at 7:00 PM, Jia Ho is famously open until 8:00 PM, making it the go-to spot for late-working commuters and students.
Competitive Pricing: Despite its prime downtown location, it remains one of the most affordable grocery options in Boston, often beating western supermarkets on produce and pantry staple prices.
Key Departments
1. Fresh Produce & Seafood
The store is highly regarded for its live seafood tanks (fish, crab, and shellfish) and its robust selection of Asian greens like gai lan, bok choy, and napa cabbage. You’ll also find seasonal tropical fruits like lychee, dragon fruit, and durian.
2. The Snack & Beverage Aisle
This is a favorite for younger shoppers and tourists. The shelves are stocked with:
Imported Snacks: A vast collection of Pocky flavors, matcha-infused treats, and unique Lay’s chip flavors (like cucumber or roasted squid).
Specialty Drinks: Bottled milk teas, aloe juices, and a wide array of canned Asian coffees.
3. Frozen Food & Dumplings
Jia Ho is known for its massive freezer section featuring dozens of varieties of frozen dumplings, buns (bao), and specialty items like Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings) that are easy to prepare at home.
4. Household & Specialty Items
Beyond food, the store carries essential Asian kitchenware, including rice cookers, woks, and even American Ginseng, which has its own dedicated section.
Pro-Tips for Visitors
Payment: There is typically a $5 minimum for credit card transactions, so keep some cash on hand for small snack runs.
Parking: Being in Chinatown, street parking is nearly impossible. It is best reached via the MBTA Orange Line (Tufts Medical Center or Chinatown stops), which are only a 2-minute walk away.
Aisles: The aisles are narrow and can get very crowded on weekends; for a more relaxed experience, try visiting on a weekday morning.
The most interesting reviews
- This is a large and well stocked market. It can be a challenge to find things, or to ask for things at the meat counter if you don't speak chinese
- Cheap food, enough Asian food, everything is available
- A lot of interesting things in this shop. I like browsing through. One thing I never seen is the shop helpers smile back or answer to questions!
- Very good selection of meats vegetables and fish.
- Good variety of items. Glad we stopped and shopped.
- The quality of this supermarket's fresh produce, meat and seafood can't be understated. The fish and seafood is fresh and looks good, the meat is well cleaned and packaged, and the vegetables are good quality as well. The store has really good prices especially considering it's downtown location, and the selection on specialty ingredients is excellent. Always clean and chock full of good deals.
