What Are the Best Local Asian Markets in the U.S.?
If you’ve ever done an internet search for “Asian market near me,” you were probably overwhelmed by the many different options that popped up. We've decided to make your life easier by providing tips on finding the ideal place to shop for your Asian groceries. We also curated our own vetted list of the best Asian markets in the U.S. And for when you do find what you need, we’ve included a guide on what to expect at these places!
The Rise of Asian Markets in the U.S.
Asian food markets located in the United States are responsible for providing Americans with thousands of grocery products from China, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, Vietnam, and other Asian countries. Some of these markets cater to a specific Asian culture, such as Japanese, Thai, or Taiwanese. However, many others cater to multiple Asian groups. These markets are essentially for immigrants from the East living in the U.S. who would otherwise lack access to authentic Asian flavors. However, US citizens have come to appreciate them just as much.
Discovering Local Asian Markets Near Me
Asian markets are common in cities with a large population of ethnically Asian people who are either immigrants or dual citizens. New York, California, and Texas are great examples. You can tell by the presence of ethnic enclaves such as Chinatowns, Koreatowns, Little Indias, or Japantowns in those states.
If you live in such a region, there’s a big chance that you will find a local Asian market near you. Go to any of the ethnic neighborhoods in an urban center like New York City, San Francisco, or Dallas, and you’ll find Asian markets. They are typically surrounded by strip malls with Asian themes.
What to Expect at an Asian Food Market
The only difference between an Asian food market and a mainstream grocery store in the U.S. is the type of products they stock. Asian markets sell specialty ingredients and products. Also, the prices of these goods are surprisingly more affordable than those sold at typical stores. The following is an overview of typical products available at local Asian markets:
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Pantry ingredients (spices, seasonings, rice, flour, etc.)
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Fresh produce (vegetables, mushrooms, fruits, etc.)
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Sweets (cookies, chocolates, rice cakes, candies, etc.)
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Snacks (cheese, crackers, puffs, nuts, etc.)
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Beverages (tea, soda, juice, coffee, beer, milk, etc.)
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Instant food (ramen, soup packets, dried meat, dried seafood, etc.)
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Condiments (hot sauce, dips, vinegar, soy sauce, spreads, etc.)
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Household goods (noodle bowls, bamboo mats, chopsticks, specialty pans, etc.)
Top 5 Asian Markets Across the U.S.
The Asian market model in the U.S. can take the form of a single-store business or a supermarket chain across multiple locations. The chains are a lot more consistent, reliable, and affordable. However, single-location markets offer more unique products and authentic cultural immersion. There are markets that focus on one cuisine and others with a diverse range of food sources. Let’s take a look at five popular local Asian markets across the U.S.
H Mart
With over 84 domestic locations, H Mart is the largest Asian supermarket chain in the U.S. The company is headquartered in New Jersey and boasts stores in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. H Mart was founded by a South Korean immigrant in 1982 as a small grocery store in Queens, New York. Today, the supermarket chain is famous for its Korean foods and lifestyle products.
99 Ranch Market
The 99 Ranch Market is one of H Mart’s biggest competitors. Established in 1984, the Asian-American supermarket chain is a subsidiary of Tawa Supermarket Inc., which also owns another chain called 168 Market. 99 Ranch Market has been the go-to option for ethnic Chinese living in the U.S. However, its 58+ US stores sell goods from various Asian regions, including China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. They also sell products made by Chinese-American and all-American brands.
Mitsuwa Marketplace
Mitsuwa Marketplace is one of the largest Japanese supermarket chains in America. Although the company only has 12 stores, it has gained a large chunk of the Japanese-American shoppers in California (its headquarters), New Jersey, Hawaii, Texas, and Illinois. Mitsuwa Marketplace is relatively new to the game, having burst onto the scene in 1998. The stores are famous for selling high-quality, fresh, and authentic Japanese produce, ingredients, condiments, and consumer goods.
Wagaya Groceries
Anyone shopping in Atlanta for food and cooking items from Japan or East Asia can stop by Wagaya Groceries for everything they need to make a tasty dish. This Japanese grocery store has come a long way since its opening in 2020. Popular offerings include snacks, sweets, instant food, pre-cooked meals, fruits, and vegetables. It is located in Atlanta, Georgia.
Patel Brothers
Patel Brothers is the largest Indian supermarket chain not just in the U.S. but also the entire world. The majority of the company’s 20 US branches are located on the eastern side of the country, which has a large population of ethnic Indians. The company was founded by Mafat Patel and Tulsi Patel, two Indian brothers, hence its name. Patel Brothers sells products from South Asian cuisine, especially Indian, Bangladeshi, and Pakistani. These include beverages, kitchen utensils, pantry ingredients, spices, and instant food.
A Deeper Dive Into the Regional Variety of Asian Markets
These markets serve as gateways to diverse cuisines, offering products from different parts of Asia. Their offerings can be mixed or segmented based on countries such as Japan, Korea, China, Thailand, and Vietnam. However, the vast majority of food products come from Chinese cuisine.
The Cultural Significance of Shopping at Asian Markets
Asian supermarkets mean a lot more to local communities than regular grocery stores. Oftentimes, they’re a reflection of the Asian culinary and shopping culture. For example, one might not expect to find live fish swimming around in a tank when they enter a Western grocery store. However, that is a common practice in Asian seafood markets.
Without these stores, many ethnic Asians will find it impossible to get access to traditional ingredients and snacks not found in mainstream grocery stores. Western substitutes of such products may exist, but more often than not, they don’t provide authentic flavors or ingredients.
The Convenience of Shopping at Asian Markets
Shopping at physical Asian food markets gives you access to fresh produce, chicken, pork, beef, and seafood. Freshness is an important attribute in Asian culinary practices, and these establishments have the facilities to maintain traditional standards.
They also offer unrivalled cultural immersion and celebration, giving shoppers a sense of belonging every time they shop millions of miles away from home. Many of these stores also maintain affordable pricing models that play a huge role in grocery shopping within Asia. Some of their products are the cheapest in their categories. They also offer regular in-store promotions and discounts.
Challenges of Finding Certain Asian Snacks Locally
Finding niche or limited-edition snacks in local Asian markets located in Western countries can be difficult for many reasons. One of them is the sheer number of brands selling snacks on the Asian continent. We’re talking about thousands of companies from 48 countries. Some of the best snack makers in Asia are small, family-owned businesses. Many US Asian stores can’t import all of the good brands. Hence, they often stick to the most popular ones. The result is that you may struggle to find lesser-known brands, even though they make quality snacks.
Another challenge is the difficulty in finding exclusive international flavors. Top companies like Lay’s and Kit Kat occasionally release new flavors for a specific region in Japan, China, or Korea. Your local Japanese market may not get access to those flavors because it’s located in the U.S. Read on to find out a simple solution to all of these challenges.
Bokksu Market: Expanding Your Access to Asian Snacks
Introducing Bokksu Market, an online platform that offers hard-to-find Asian snacks, beverages, and treats that may not be available at local markets. We source snacks from both popular brands and lesser-known businesses with decades of experience in the industry. You can also rely on us for all kinds of international flavors, including those made exclusively for Japan, Taiwan, China, or Korea.
Bokksu is not responsible for the accuracy of the products’ nutritional or allergen information. Warning: California’s Proposition 65 may be in effect. For more information,visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. Some Bokksu Market products are produced overseas and may have a Production Date printed on the packaging, rather than a Best Buy Date as is standard in North America. If your product appears expired, do not be alarmed! This is most likely the Production Date. All items have been double checked to ensure they are not expired and safe to eat.
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Unique Products Available at Bokksu Market
We’ve curated a list showcasing a few exclusive items available at Bokksu Market. Use it to complement the local market experience:
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Japanese Kit Kat (Rich Green Tea): This Japan-exclusive Kit Kat snack is one of the best-selling items on our site. It features wafers coated with a blend of white chocolate and matcha sourced from Uji, Kyoto, the green tea capital of Japan.
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Kubota Daifuku Mochi (Strawberry): Kubota may not be a household brand name in the U.S., but they’re one of the best makers of mochi (traditional rice cakes) in Japan. We offer one of their greatest creations, a pack of mochi balls flavored with real strawberries.
Bokksu is not responsible for the accuracy of the products’ nutritional or allergen information. Warning: California’s Proposition 65 may be in effect. For more information,visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. Some Bokksu Market products are produced overseas and may have a Production Date printed on the packaging, rather than a Best Buy Date as is standard in North America. If your product appears expired, do not be alarmed! This is most likely the Production Date. All items have been double checked to ensure they are not expired and safe to eat.
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Lay's Potato Chips (Cucumber): This Lay’s chips was created for the Chinese market only. Thanks to Bokksu Market, you can now enjoy it in the U.S. The product features a salty and refreshing cucumber flavor.
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Calbee Potato Chips (Honey Butter): Get a taste of the buttery richness of honey with your potato chips. This product is the reason for the famous honey-butter craze in South Korea in the 2010s.
How Bokksu Market Complements Your Local Asian Market Experience
Asian markets are great for shopping, but Bokksu Market allows you to expand the selection of snacks and products available to you. Also, if you don’t have access to physical Asian markets or you’re simply looking for exclusive items on sale, you can count on Bokksu Market.
Bokksu is not responsible for the accuracy of the products’ nutritional or allergen information. Warning: California’s Proposition 65 may be in effect. For more information,visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. Some Bokksu Market products are produced overseas and may have a Production Date printed on the packaging, rather than a Best Buy Date as is standard in North America. If your product appears expired, do not be alarmed! This is most likely the Production Date. All items have been double checked to ensure they are not expired and safe to eat.
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Finding Balance: Supporting Both Local Asian Markets and Bokksu Market
Visit local Asian markets for fresh and culturally immersive shopping. If you want to add rare, exclusive, or convenient snack and ingredient options to your home, we recommend that you take a look at the Bokksu Market collection.
Bokksu is not responsible for the accuracy of the products’ nutritional or allergen information. Warning: California’s Proposition 65 may be in effect. For more information,visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. Some Bokksu Market products are produced overseas and may have a Production Date printed on the packaging, rather than a Best Buy Date as is standard in North America. If your product appears expired, do not be alarmed! This is most likely the Production Date. All items have been double checked to ensure they are not expired and safe to eat.
Disclaimer
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The Best of Both Worlds—Local Markets and Bokksu Market
Why stick to everyday Asian products when you can include rare finds in your shopping cart? Feel free to combine local market shopping with the convenience and exclusivity of Bokksu Market for a complete Asian food experience.
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