Philadelphia is a vibrant city known for its diverse food scene and cultural richness. In particular, the Asian community has brought a plethora of flavors and culinary traditions to the city, making Philadelphia a haven for Asian cuisine enthusiasts. If you’re looking to explore the vibrant world of Asian flavors, you’ll want to check out the best Asian supermarkets in Philadelphia in 2024.
These Asian supermarkets cater to the diverse Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities in Philadelphia, offering an extensive selection of authentic Asian groceries and ingredients from various Asian countries. Whether you’re searching for Indian spices, Thai ingredients, or Vietnamese produce, these supermarkets have got you covered.
Here, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top Asian supermarkets in Philadelphia that you should visit in 2024. From specialty stores with a focus on South Asian ingredients to markets that offer a wide range of Asian produce, each supermarket has its unique offerings and specialties.
So, get ready to embark on a culinary adventure as we explore the best Asian supermarkets in Philadelphia in 2024. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook, an adventurous foodie, or someone looking to explore a new world of flavors, these supermarkets will delight your taste buds and provide you with all the ingredients you need to recreate authentic Asian dishes right in your own kitchen.
International Foods & Spices
Located at 4203 Walnut Street in West Philly, International Foods & Spices is your go-to destination for Indian spices and South Asian ingredients. This South Asian specialty grocery store offers a wide range of high-quality spices that will elevate your culinary creations. From the aromatic cumin to the fragrant cinnamon bark, you’ll find everything you need to add authentic flavors to your dishes.
In addition to the essential Indian spices like bay leaves, cardamom, cloves, and turmeric, International Foods & Spices also stocks dry boxed masalas. These ready-to-use spice blends make it convenient to prepare traditional Indian dishes with just a sprinkle of flavor. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll love their DIY Indian dessert-making kits, which provide all the necessary ingredients to create delightful Indian sweets in the comfort of your own kitchen.
But that’s not all! International Foods & Spices also caters to Middle Eastern cuisine enthusiasts, offering a variety of Middle Eastern products to diversify your cooking. Whether you’re in search of specialty ingredients or everyday essentials, this South Asian specialty grocery store has you covered.
Select Spices and Products Available at International Foods & Spices
Spices
Products
Cumin
Dry boxed masalas
Bay leaves
DIY Indian dessert-making kits
Cinnamon bark
Middle Eastern ingredients
Cardamom
Cloves
Turmeric
Discover the richness of Indian spices and explore the diverse world of South Asian cuisine at International Foods & Spices. Stock up on essential ingredients and unleash your culinary creativity today.
Aslam Market
Located at 2330 S. Seventh Street in South Philly, Aslam Market is a hidden gem for those in search of Indian and American groceries. However, this small grocery store has expanded its offerings over the years to cater to the diverse Southeast Asian and Central American immigrant communities in the area.
At Aslam Market, you’ll find an array of ingredients and products that reflect the rich culinary traditions of these communities. Whether you’re craving flavors from Nepal, India, Burma, or Indonesia, this market has you covered.
Here are some highlights of what you can expect to find at Aslam Market:
Mixes to make momo, the delicious Nepalese dumplings
A variety of Indian sweets for those with a sweet tooth
Burmese sweet curry paste, perfect for adding depth to your dishes
Indonesian instant noodles to satisfy your late-night cravings
But it’s not just home cooks who flock to Aslam Market. Gyro cart vendors in the area also frequent this grocery store to get their hands on special spice blends that make their dishes stand out.
This image showcases the vibrant variety of products you can find at Aslam Market. From colorful spices to exotic ingredients, this market truly captures the essence of the Southeast Asian and Central American immigrant communities it serves.
So, if you’re looking to explore the diverse flavors of South Philadelphia, make sure to visit Aslam Market and discover the hidden treasures that await you.
Products
Origin
Mixes for momo
Nepal
Indian sweets
India
Burmese sweet curry paste
Burma
Indonesian instant noodles
Indonesia
Explore the diverse flavors of Aslam Market and bring the taste of Southeast Asia and Central America to your kitchen.
Oregon Market
Looking for a one-stop destination to find all your Lao and Thai ingredients? Look no further than Oregon Market, a hidden gem located at 320 W. Oregon Avenue. This market is highly recommended by Catzie Vilayphonh, founder of Laos In The House, for its extensive selection of authentic Lao and Thai products.
At Oregon Market, you’ll find a wide range of ingredients that are essential for recreating traditional Lao and Thai dishes at home. From fish sauce and shrimp paste to chile pastes and curry gravy, they have everything you need to add that distinct flavor to your recipes. The market also stocks popular brands like Pantai, known for their high-quality fermented fish sauce.
But the offerings at Oregon Market don’t stop at sauces and spices. They also provide an impressive assortment of produce that is often hard to find elsewhere. You’ll discover specialty items like makrut lime leaves, Piper betel, Thai eggplants, and an array of tropical fruits. Treat yourself to the exotic flavors of durian, jackfruit, and green papaya, which can elevate your culinary adventures.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook exploring Lao and Thai cuisine for the first time, Oregon Market is the place to go. Their expansive selection of Lao/Thai ingredients, including fish sauce, tropical fruits, and other hard-to-find products, will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Southeast Asia.
Experience the flavors of Lao and Thai cuisine like never before. Visit Oregon Market and let your culinary journey begin.
Stock up on Lao/Thai Ingredients at Oregon Market:
Pantai fermented fish sauce
Shrimp paste
Chile pastes
Curry gravy
Mama Noodles
Cured sausages
Makrut lime leaves
Piper betel
Thai eggplants
Tropical fruits like durian, jackfruit, and green papaya
Mt Laurel Wine & Spirits
Mt Laurel Wine & Spirits, located at 3747 Church Road in Mount Laurel Township, New Jersey, is not your ordinary liquor store. It boasts possibly the largest selection of Korean alcohol on the East Coast. From different brands of soju to makgeolli, beopju, and baekseju, they have it all. These rice-based wines are essential for many Korean meals, especially barbecue. The store also offers a variety of sake options, making it a must-visit for fans of Korean and Japanese spirits.
1st Oriental Supermarket
Experience a vibrant world of flavors at 1st Oriental Supermarket, located at 1111 S. Sixth Street in the Washington Avenue Markets. This bustling supermarket is a paradise for tropical fruit enthusiasts and those in search of authentic Asian ingredients. Stock up on a wide variety of tropical fruits like juicy lychee, exotic dragon fruit, refreshing coconuts, and tangy Vietnamese soursop. With each bite, you’ll be transported to the tropical havens of Asia.
But the allure of 1st Oriental Supermarket doesn’t stop at tropical fruits. Step into their expansive butcher and seafood section, where you’ll find a treasure trove of specialty cuts and offal. Indulge in the rich flavors of pork blood, savor the succulent tenderness of bone-in pork belly, or embark on a culinary adventure with duck heads and spareribs for stew. This section is a haven for food enthusiasts looking to experiment with unique ingredients and elevate their cooking.
If you’re passionate about Philippine cuisine, 1st Oriental Supermarket has everything you need to create your favorite dishes. From savory adobo to flavorful pancit, you’ll find a variety of ingredients that are essential for authentic Filipino cooking. Dive into the vibrant flavors of canh chua ca, a sweet-and-sour catfish soup bursting with tangy tamarind and aromatic herbs. With the high-quality ingredients available at 1st Oriental Supermarket, you can bring the taste of the Philippines to your kitchen.
Selection of Tropical Fruits at 1st Oriental Supermarket:
Tropical Fruits
Description
Lychee
Sweet and fragrant fruit with a delicate texture.
Dragon Fruit
Vibrant fruit with a mildly sweet taste and a striking appearance.
Coconut
Refreshing tropical staple, perfect for beverages and desserts.
Vietnamese Soursop
Exotic fruit with a unique tangy flavor and creamy texture.
Embark on a culinary journey at 1st Oriental Supermarket and immerse yourself in the diverse flavors of Asia. Whether you’re in search of tropical fruits, specialty cuts, or ingredients for Philippine cooking, this supermarket is a haven for food enthusiasts and adventurous home cooks. Discover the vibrant colors, enticing aromas, and unforgettable tastes that await you at 1st Oriental Supermarket.
Heng Fa and Hung Vuong Markets
Heng Fa and Hung Vuong Markets are two prominent Asian supermarkets with multiple locations throughout Philadelphia, Allentown, and South Jersey. These markets provide a diverse selection of Vietnamese and Chinese produce and products, catering to the needs of the local Asian communities.
Heng Fa Market:
The Heng Fa Market, located at 130 N. 10th Street in Chinatown, offers a plethora of fresh fruits and vegetables, including a variety of Chinese greens like snow pea leaves, Chinese eggplants, and garlic chives. This small but vibrant market is a go-to destination for those seeking specific Chinese ingredients to elevate their cooking.
Hung Vuong Market:
The Hung Vuong Market, situated at 1122 Washington Avenue in the Washington Avenue Markets, immerses visitors in a Southeast Asian food wonderland. With an impressive seafood selection, staples like rice paper, dried shrimps, and fried shallots, and ready-made Vietnamese meals, this market is a haven for those craving the flavors of Vietnam.
Whether you’re searching for fresh produce, specialty ingredients, or ready-to-eat meals, Heng Fa and Hung Vuong Markets have you covered. Explore the bounty of Vietnamese and Chinese produce and products available at these markets, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culinary traditions of Asia.
Why Visit Heng Fa and Hung Vuong Markets?
Here are a few reasons why Heng Fa and Hung Vuong Markets should be on your list of must-visit Asian supermarkets:
Wide selection of fresh fruits and vegetables
Specialty Chinese and Vietnamese ingredients
Impressive seafood section
Ready-made Vietnamese meals
Convenient locations in Philadelphia, Allentown, and South Jersey
Whether you’re a passionate home cook, an adventurous foodie, or someone looking to explore different culinary traditions, Heng Fa and Hung Vuong Markets have everything you need to create authentic Vietnamese and Chinese dishes in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Hung Vuong Food Market
Hung Vuong Food Market is a vibrant and bustling Asian supermarket located in the Mayfair/Tacony neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia. This expansive market, situated at 6410-42 Frankford Avenue, is a larger version of the renowned Hung Vuong Market in Philadelphia Chinatown. Serving as a hub for the Fujianese and Vietnamese communities in the area, this market offers a diverse selection of fresh produce, tantalizing spices, and a wide range of culinary essentials.
At Hung Vuong Food Market, you’ll find an impressive assortment of exotic fruits and vegetables, including the crisp and nutritious bok choy, Shanghai tips, aromatic bitter melon, and an assortment of cabbages to elevate your cooking. Their commitment to quality and variety extends to their spice and herb offerings, featuring treasures like goji berries, snow fungus, lotus seeds, and fragrant white cardamom pods.
The seafood section at Hung Vuong Food Market is truly extraordinary, brimming with an array of mollusks and shellfish. Whether you’re seeking succulent shrimp, delicate clams, or plump mussels, this market provides the freshest and finest selection to satisfy all seafood enthusiasts’ cravings.
Experience the vibrant flavors and colorful ingredients of Asian cuisine with a visit to Hung Vuong Food Market in Northeast Philadelphia. From the exotic produce section to the aromatic spice aisle and the bountiful seafood display, this market is a treasure trove for both aspiring and seasoned home cooks.
Experience the Vibrancy of Hung Vuong Food Market
Market
Location
Specialties
Hung Vuong Food Market
6410-42 Frankford Avenue, Northeast Philadelphia
Fresh bok choy, Shanghai tips, bitter melon, and assorted cabbages
Spices and herbs such as goji berries, snow fungus, lotus seeds, and white cardamom pods
An impressive variety of mollusks and shellfish from the seafood section
Indulge your senses with the vibrant colors, flavors, and aromas of Asian cuisine at Hung Vuong Food Market in Northeast Philadelphia. Discover fresh produce, exotic spices, and a captivating seafood selection that will elevate your culinary creations to new heights.
The Markets on Washington Avenue
The strip of grocery stores along Washington Avenue in South Philly is a haven for food enthusiasts seeking a taste of authentic Asian cuisine. These markets cater primarily to the Vietnamese and Chinese communities, offering a wide variety of produce and products that showcase the vibrant flavors of these cuisines.
But that’s not all. The Markets on Washington Avenue also feature an array of Thai, Indonesian, Filipino, Japanese, and Korean foodstuffs, providing a diverse range of ingredients and products that cater to the culinary needs of different Asian cuisines.
Visitors to these markets can immerse themselves in a world of culinary delights, browsing through aisles stocked with fresh and exotic produce, staple ingredients, fragrant spices, and essential cooking tools. Whether you’re looking for specific ingredients for your favorite Thai curry, Filipino adobo, or Korean barbecue, you’ll find everything you need to recreate authentic Asian dishes in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Don’t miss out on exploring the Markets on Washington Avenue, where the vibrant sights, smells, and tastes of Asian cuisine transport you to a world of delectable flavors and culinary traditions.
FDR’s Southeast Asian Market
FDR’s Southeast Asian Market, located in FDR Park at 1500 Pattison Avenue & S. Broad Street, has gained recognition as one of the best food markets in the nation. This market offers a culinary journey through the vibrant flavors of Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos. With over 70 vendors, there is a wide array of delicious and authentic Southeast Asian cuisine for you to explore.
When visiting FDR’s Southeast Asian Market, you’ll have the opportunity to savor the rich taste of Vietnamese coffee, refresh yourself with sugar cane juice, and indulge in the mouthwatering stuffed Cambodian chicken wings. And for dessert, don’t miss out on the popular mango sticky rice, a delightful and sweet ending to your culinary adventure.
What makes FDR’s Southeast Asian Market even more special is its strong connection to the immigrant community. Many of the vendors here are refugees who have resettled in Philadelphia, showcasing their resilience and bringing their cultural heritage to life through their delicious offerings. It’s more than just a marketplace; it’s a symbol of diversity and unity.
In order to make the market even more accessible and visible to food enthusiasts, plans are underway to relocate it to a new location within FDR Park. This move will create even greater opportunities for visitors to experience the best of Southeast Asian cuisine while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of FDR Park.
Source – Read entire story here