Discover the Best Asian Supermarket Near Me Updated 2025 List

Jul 16, 2025
289 Views


Have you ever craved authentic ramen, Thai curry paste, or fresh kimchi but couldn’t find the right ingredients at your regular grocery store? You’re not alone. In 2025, more people than ever are searching for the best Asian supermarket near me to bring home the flavors of Asia, whether it’s Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Filipino, or Thai cuisine.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to find the top-rated Asian grocery stores near you, what to buy, and how to get the most out of your visit—even if it’s your first time stepping into one.

Why Finding the Right Asian Supermarket Matters

Let me tell you a quick story.

A friend of mine, Sarah, moved from Los Angeles to a small town in Oregon. She missed her weekly bubble tea fix and Korean BBQ weekends. She searched “Asian supermarket near me” and found a store a few miles away. When she visited, it was small but packed with treasures—frozen dumplings, fresh bok choy, soy-marinated eggs, and even handmade mochi.

“It was like I had walked into another world,” she told me. “Everything smelled different, looked different, and tasted better than anything I’d find at the usual grocery store.”

That’s the kind of experience we’re going to help you have, too.

What Makes a Good Asian Supermarket?

Before you dive in, let’s understand what sets the best Asian grocery stores apart from the average ones. Here’s what you should look for:

  • Fresh Asian Produce – Items like Napa cabbage, Thai basil, daikon, and lemongrass.

  • Authentic Imported Brands – Think Kikkoman soy sauce, Sempio gochujang, and Mama noodles.

  • Clean and Organized Aisles – Easy-to-navigate layouts and clean refrigeration.

  • Cultural Diversity – A mix of Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Filipino products.

  • Prepared Foods Section – Pre-made sushi, dumplings, or hot bento meals.

  • Helpful Bilingual Staff – Especially helpful if you’re new to Asian cooking.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Find the Best Asian Supermarket Near You

Here’s a simple, step-by-step process that works whether you’re in a big city or a smaller town:

1. Use Local Maps and Review Apps

Start by searching the phrase “Asian supermarket near me” in your preferred navigation or review app. Look at:

  • Distance from your location

  • Star ratings (ideally above 4.5 stars)

  • Photos and customer reviews

  • Store hours and parking info

2. Look for Specialty Terms

Sometimes stores are listed under terms like:

  • “Korean mart”

  • “Japanese market”

  • “Thai grocery”

  • “Oriental store”
    So search those terms too!

3. Ask Around in Your Community

If you live in a multicultural area, don’t hesitate to ask neighbors, coworkers, or local food bloggers for recommendations. These personal tips often lead you to hidden gems.

4. Visit a Few Stores Before Choosing Your Favorite

Each store has its strengths. One may have a fantastic seafood section, while another offers unbeatable prices on noodles and sauces. Don’t settle until you find one that feels like a second home.

What to Buy at an Asian Supermarket (Essential List)

If you’ve never been to one before, walking through the aisles can feel like entering a new country. Here are some categories and products you should try:

Category

Must-Have Items

Sauces

Soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, sriracha, fish sauce

Noodles & Rice

Ramen, udon, rice noodles, jasmine rice, sticky rice

Snacks

Pocky, shrimp chips, rice crackers, mochi

Frozen Foods

Dumplings, bao buns, spring rolls, edamame

Beverages

Ramune soda, Thai iced tea, milk tea kits

Fresh Produce

Lemongrass, bok choy, ginger, Thai chilies

Pro tip: Don’t forget to check the freezer section—it’s full of easy-to-prepare meals and side dishes that taste just like takeout.

First-Time Tips for Shopping at an Asian Grocery Store

If this is your first visit, here’s what you should know to make the most of it:

  • Go on a weekday to avoid crowds.

  • Bring your bags, as some stores charge for plastic.

  • Don’t be shy—ask staff for recommendations or explanations.

  • Look beyond what you know—try something new each visit.

  • Read labels carefully—most items have English translations.

Best Asian Supermarket Chains by Region (2025 Update)

Here’s a list of the most popular and trusted Asian supermarket chains in different countries, based on community reviews and store offerings.

?? United States

  • H Mart – Best for Korean ingredients, amazing food court.

  • 99 Ranch Market – Great for Chinese and Southeast Asian groceries.

  • Mitsuwa Marketplace – Japanese-focused, great for sushi lovers.

  • Seafood City – Filipino products, household items, and baked goods.

?? United Kingdom

  • Wing Yip – Offers bulk shopping and a wide variety of sauces and spices.

  • Hoo Hing – Good for Chinese products and catering supplies.

  • Loon Fung – Offers fresh produce and rare Southeast Asian ingredients.

?? Canada

  • T&T Supermarket – Large selection of fresh and packaged goods.

  • Oomomo – Japanese-style supermarket with home and kitchen items too.

Hidden Gems: How to Find Local Asian Stores Off the Radar

While big chains are great, smaller family-owned Asian supermarkets near you may carry the most unique items, like:

  • House-made kimchi or pickles

  • Fresh rice cakes and mochi

  • Rare Thai curry pastes

  • Homemade Asian desserts

These stores may not be flashy, but the quality and authenticity often beat the bigger chains. Don’t overlook them!

What to Do If There’s No Asian Supermarket Near You?

Not every town has a dedicated store, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. Here’s what you can do:

  1. Check if major retailers have an Asian section – Walmart, Target, and even Costco often stock basic Asian pantry items.

  2. Look for weekend markets or Asian pop-ups – especially during festivals or holidays.

  3. Order online from trusted Asian grocery stores – Many now deliver frozen and dry goods nationwide.

  4. Visit during travel – If you’re heading to a city, make a list and stock up while you're there.

My First Time at a Local Asian Grocery Store

I still remember my first visit to a small Chinese market tucked behind a hardware store. The bell rang as I entered, and a friendly lady greeted me in Mandarin, then in English when she saw my confused face. She helped me pick the right chili oil, even explaining how to mix it into noodles.

I walked out with a basket of items I couldn’t pronounce—but later that night, I made the best spicy noodles of my life.

That’s what shopping at an Asian supermarket near me became—not just a task, but a mini-adventure.

Why You Should Visit an Asian Supermarket Today

Here’s why people across the world are searching for Asian supermarkets near me:

  • Authenticity – You get real flavors and ingredients, not watered-down versions.

  • Affordability – Many items are cheaper than in regular stores.

  • Cultural connection – You get to experience other traditions, festivals, and cuisines.

  • Unique finds – Discover snacks, sauces, and drinks you won’t find anywhere else.

And most importantly, you get to cook, taste, and enjoy something

Comments
avatar
Please sign in to add comment.