Mixed Pantry — Local services in Seattle

Mixed Pantry offers a diverse selection of Asian culinary ingredients, and it’s an amazing gathering space for small local businesses. Tak, the owner, is easy to talk to and he’s passionate about bringing the community together, showcasing AAPI talents (in both art and culinary worlds), and revitalizing the Belltown area.

They host chilli crisp and shoyu (soy sauce) tastings here, so you can sample some options before purchasing a full bottle. It is pretty overwhelming to venture into a grocery store and try to figure out which of the 20+ soy sauce brands to buy (my family only used Kikkoman and Maggi, so there wasn’t much incentive for me to venture outside of these brands before), and I’m grateful this space exists to assess the differences. They also frequently hold events in collaboration with other local AAPI businesses. I bought some Tanuki coffee beans, a shoyu brand that Tak recommended, and Kari Kari chilli crisp. There is local Sugimoto tea as well as other condiments, and spreads here, including varieties you won’t find at Uwajimaya.

They have some known but not local to Seattle brands - as soon as I saw Zindrew chilli crisp being sold here, I knew that the ingredients here are well curated and intentional.

It’s a positive and uplifting space, and the store is brightly lit, clean, and organized. The sampling area is designed like a home kitchen counter and the small art space is like a living room - so cozy...

Mixed Pantry is one of my absolute favorite spots in town. The owner is so, so nice and genuinely works to make it a community space--hosting outside vendors, partnering with local businesses, and taking part in neighborhood events. Somehow, he always remembers me, which makes every visit feel personal.

You can taste most things that can be opened (chili oil, crisps, soy sauce, etc.), but the real treasure here is talking to the owner. He has food tips and tricks that will blow your mind. I always leave with a new way to use something I’d never thought of before, that I go on to use regularly.

Some of my repeat buys (and strong recommendations):

Moma Teaves Hot Garlic OG Guiz Chili Crisp (purple jar) Nam Prik Pao from Pink Salt Kitchen (hot, red jar -- ask the owner how to use it, it will change your life if you’re not already cooking with chili jam) Doosra Indian Snack Mix Duck Fat Popcorn

If you love good food, small businesses, and great conversation, make sure this place is on your list. Great place to grab a gift for the foodie in...

What Tak is doing at Mixed Pantry is the Pan Asian condiment and sides Mecca you didn’t know you needed. The samples are generous and out of control delicious and it is impossible to choose just one thing to walk away with. Tak is an affable and sincere dude with a dream for preserving and expanding Asian identity for his family and the community. We bought several jars of delectable sauces and spreads and have been eating them by the spoonful. At $35 you think you don’t need the big jar of Kari Kari crunchy garlicky magic but YOU DO. We’re almost done with the small jar we bought 2 days ago. It’s the responsibility of Seattleites who care about community and good food to keep Mixed Pantry thriving. Cannot recommend this...