Where to Shop: The Best Local Asian Grocery Stores and Supermarkets in the U.S.

Feb 24, 2025by Bokksu Staff

The Importance of Asian Grocery Stores in the U.S.

In recent years, the demand for authentic Asian ingredients and snacks has surged across the U.S., as food lovers and home chefs seek to recreate traditional Asian flavors in their own kitchens. With the growing popularity of cuisines from Japan, China, Korea, Thailand, and beyond, local Asian grocery stores have become essential destinations for sourcing ingredients to prepare these dishes at home. These specialty markets not only make hard-to-find items accessible but also serve as gateways to the rich culinary traditions of Asia.

Portrait of a confident outdoor market employee. Smiling Asian woman in an apron standing at her outdoor stall.

What to Look for in a Good Asian Grocery Store

When looking for an authentic Asian supermarket, begin by checking out the fresh produce section. A quality Asian grocery store will offer a diverse selection of fresh vegetables and herbs, such as bok choy, napa cabbage, cilantro, and mint, all of which are key ingredients in many Asian recipes. Additionally, a good market will feature a wide range of fresh meat, including various cuts of chicken, as well as an assortment of seafood.

Next, browse the aisles for pantry staples and snacks. Keep an eye out for essentials such as sauces and condiments, along with noodles, rice, and various seasonings. Don't overlook the snack selection, where you can find favorites like Pocky, crispy seaweed, and red bean paste desserts. Finally, check the beverage section for unique options like green tea, flavored ramune sodas, or aloe vera drinks. A store offering such a diverse selection ensures you have everything you need to bring authentic Asian flavors to your kitchen.

Korean seaweed served on a plate on a wooden table.

Top Local Asian Grocery Stores Near Me

With the growing demand for authentic Asian ingredients, several grocery story chains have emerged to meet the needs of consumers across the United States. Here are three popular markets, each offering flavors from different Asian cuisines and cultures:

H Mart: As the largest U.S.-based Asian grocery chain, H Mart is a paradise for Korean food lovers. With 84 locations nationwide, it boasts an impressive range of Korean staples, including kimchi, gochujang (red chili paste), and marinated meats perfect for Korean BBQ. Beyond groceries, H Mart also offers a variety of K-beauty products, making it a one-stop shop for all things Korean.

99 Ranch Market: Established by Tawa Supermarket Inc., 99 Ranch Market has expanded to 58 locations, providing a wide array of Chinese ingredients and products. With the convenience of online shopping and a mobile app for grocery delivery, customers can easily access authentic Chinese goods from anywhere.

Shopping cart filled with Asian ingredients bought at 99 Ranch Market, a Southern California Chinese Supermarket.

Patel Brothers: A go-to destination for Indian cuisine enthusiasts, Patel Brothers offers a vast selection of spices, lentils, flours, and other pantry staples. With 52 locations across 20 states, it stands as the world’s largest Indian-American supermarket chain serving the Indian diaspora.

A Patel Brothers Cash and Carry Indian grocery store in Iselin near Edison.

Asian Supermarkets by Region: East Coast, West Coast, and Beyond

Local Asian supermarkets play an important role in stocking authentic Asian ingredients tailored to the communities they serve. For instance, in New York, Sunrise Mart stands out with its selection of Japanese products like sushi and bento sets. In California, with its diverse Asian community, you'll find Tokyo Central for Japanese items and Shun Fat Supermarket for Southeast Asian specialties. Meanwhile in Texas, H Mart is complemented by local gems like Hong Kong Market, which offers fresh Asian produce and a variety of imported spices.

Exploring the Diverse Offerings of Asian Supermarkets

Asian supermarkets are a treasure trove of ingredients that simplify recreating your favorite dishes at home. The sauces and condiments aisle is stocked with staples like Korean BBQ marinades, Japanese soy sauce, and Thai curry pastes to elevate any dish. You'll also find frozen delights like Chinese dumplings and Japanese gyoza, ideal for appetizers or quick meals.

Barbecue sauce in a saucer with basting brush over rustic barn wood table with copy space.

The snack selection is equally exciting, featuring treats like Filipino polvoron cookies and pork chicharon to Japanese matcha KitKats and Korean Choco Pies. The beverage section is also a highlight, with options like Binggrae flavored milks, Calpico, and more. With their extensive selection, Asian supermarkets provide the ideal ingredients and snacks to bring authentic Asian flavors to your table.

Japanese Markets Near Me: What to Expect

Visiting a Japanese market in the U.S. is like stepping into a little piece of Japan. You can expect to find everything from fresh sushi-grade fish and premium matcha products to a wide variety of instant ramen and savory snacks. With shelves stocked with traditional pantry staples, specialty items, and delightful treats, these markets are a food lover's dream, allowing you to explore the rich flavors of Japan without leaving the country.

The Popularity of Instant Meals and Snacks in Asian Grocery Stores

In today's fast-paced world, where busy lifestyles often leave little time for cooking, instant meals, noodles, and snacks have become go-to staples for quick, easy, and satisfying solutions. The demand for these convenient products has surged, especially in Asian supermarkets, where Japanese and Korean brands are front and center. Japanese favorites like ramen and yakisoba bowls offer authentic flavors in minutes, while Korean instant noodles like Shin Ramyun and Samyang deliver bold, spicy tastes for those seeking something adventurous. Asian snacks, too, have gained popularity for their unique flavors and variety. Japanese treats like Pocky and Umaibo are perfect indulgences, while Korean tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) kits and seaweed chips bring home-style flavors to snack time.

Shin Ramyun Instant Noodles with Eggs and Veggetables

Spotlight on Exclusive International Brands in Local Stores

Asian supermarkets are the perfect place to discover exclusive items that aren't available at your typical grocery store. One of the most exciting finds is the diverse range of regional Lay's potato chip flavors, such as Thailand's Thai Chili Paste or China's Golden Fried Crab, each offering a burst of local flavor. Japanese KitKats are another must-try, with unique flavors like Sakura Matcha and Sweet Potato, showcasing Japan's creative take on classic treats. For those in need of a quick and flavorful meal, these markets offer a variety of cup noodle brands, from Japanese options like Nissin and Ichiran Ramen to Korean favorites like Nongshim and Ottogi. With so many distinct flavors to explore, every shopping trip becomes a global culinary adventure.

Bokksu Market: The Online Japanese Snack Haven

Bokksu Market is the ultimate online destination for those seeking authentic Japanese snacks, instant meals, and unique Asian flavors. Bringing the best of Japan right to your doorstep, Bokksu Market offers exclusive items like regional KitKats, artisanal mochi, and premium ramen bowls that are hard to find anywhere else. Whether you're discovering new tastes or enjoying familiar favorites, Bokksu Market provides a true taste of Japan’s snack culture with every order.

What Sets Bokksu Market Apart from Local Asian Supermarkets?

What sets Bokksu Market apart from local Asian supermarkets is its unmatched focus on authenticity, exclusivity, and convenience. While traditional markets offer a wide range of everyday ingredients, Bokksu Market goes beyond by offering rare snacks, limited-edition Japanese treats, and regional specialties that are often difficult to find. Each product is carefully selected for its quality and cultural significance, bringing the finest flavors and brands from Japan directly to you.

Hershey Waffles: Mandarin Orange

Orange you glad you found this Hershey Waffles snack? It's made with real Hershey's chocolate and a zesty mandarin orange flavor for a burst of citrusy goodness. These delicious waffles are crispy, making them a yummy option for satisfying cravings. Share this indulgent treat with friends, or keep it for yourself (we won't tell!).

Common Allergens: Milk, Eggs, Tree Nuts, Wheat, Soy. Processed in a Facility That Also Contains: Shellfish.

1.94 oz

Combining Local and Online Shopping: The Best of Both Worlds

Combining Bokksu Market with visits to local Asian markets gives food lovers the best of both worlds. Bokksu Market enhances your shopping experience by offering exclusive, premium Japanese products that are often hard to find in-store. Plus, the convenience of online shopping at Bokksu Market allows you to explore a curated selection of top-quality items anytime, without the hassle of traveling or searching through multiple stores.

Lay's Potato Chips: Scallop

Take a trip to the ocean by crunching into these scallop-flavored Lay's Potato Chips. They feature a yummy seafood taste that you won't want to miss. These crispy chips are made with real potatoes for a delightful flavor and satisfying crunch. Toss a few onto your next bowl of ramen for extra crunch.

Common Allergens: Milk, Shellfish, Wheat, Soy.

1.2 oz

Why You Should Visit Both Local Stores and Bokksu Market

Local Asian grocery stores are ideal for everyday shopping, offering fresh produce, pantry essentials, and a wide variety of sauces, noodles, and spices to stock your kitchen. These stores provide a hands-on experience, helping you find the key ingredients for authentic Asian dishes at home. For special occasions or when you're craving something unique, Bokksu Market is the perfect destination, offering rare treats and artisanal snacks. Together, they provide a complete approach to enjoying Asian cuisine—local markets for the essentials and Bokksu Market for those exceptional finds, blending practicality with indulgence.

Enhancing Your Asian Food Experience

Local Asian supermarkets and Bokksu Market combine to offer the ultimate Asian food shopping experience, merging convenience, variety, and exclusivity. Your neighborhood supermarket is perfect for everyday essentials, while Bokksu Market elevates the experience with rare and premium Japanese snacks. With the easy access to local stores and the convenience of shopping online at Bokksu Market, you can enjoy both the must-have staples and the indulgent extras that make exploring Asian cuisine exciting and complete.

Kit Kat Sampler (50 pcs.)

• Indulge in the sweet satisfaction of this Japanese Kit Kat Sampler (50 pcs.), featuring an array of mouthwatering flavors combined with the sweet crunch you know and love from Kit Kats.
• Each mini Kit Kat is individually wrapped, making them the perfect sweet treat for lunches, on-the-go, or whenever you’re craving a rich chocolate treat.
• Japanese Kit Kats are crafted with unique flavors inspired by regional and seasonal ingredients throughout Japan. Explore these exciting tastes without leaving home by receiving this variety pack right to your front door!
• Creamy chocolate enveloping crispy wafers infused with unique flavors in every bite of Kit Kat makes it challenging to put these sweet treats down! Prepare your tastebuds for some of the best chocolate flavors in Japan!
• Each pack has six delightful Kit Kat flavors: From Rich Green Tea, Chocolate & Ehime Iyokan Orange, Milk Tea, Dark Chocolate, Original Chocolate Kohaku (Red & White) and some more.

Please Note: If temperatures in your location are above 28°C (82°F), the chocolate products may get heat damaged in transit. We cannot be held responsible for any temperature-related damages caused during shipping.