Your Lifeline in NYC! Inside New York’s Asian Supermarket Scene
For long-term stays or student life in New York, the biggest headaches are often ‘food expenses’ and ‘cravings for Japanese and Asian cuisine.’ With dining out costs skyrocketing in and around Manhattan, locals and residents regularly cook at home or utilize supermarket bentos.
So, this time, we’ve carefully selected 5 must-know Asian supermarkets, primarily focusing on Manhattan and Chinatown. This isn’t just an introduction to their product range; we’re providing a practical guide rooted in real local life, covering aspects like ‘where to buy what cheaply,’ ‘which bentos are hot,’ and ‘unwritten rules only locals know.’
Sunrise Mart
📍 Address: 12 E 41st St, New York, NY 10017, United States
Located in the absolute prime location of Midtown, Sunrise Mart is an oasis for expatriates and students working nearby. While its supermarket selection is solid, what attracts most visitors here are the ‘bentos’ and the ‘eat-in’ option.
Next to the grocery section, there’s a corner selling bentos and hot meals, which you can enjoy directly in the second-floor eat-in space. The ramen at the food court comes highly recommended. It’s surprisingly affordable for being in the heart of Manhattan, and the homemade chashu (braised pork) is praised by locals as ‘delicious enough that you’d struggle to find its equal even in Japan.’ Also, when you’re a bit peckish, the inexpensive and tasty sugar toast is a good target.
On the other hand, real reviews include critical opinions like ‘bentos might taste better at other stores’ and ‘some drinks are a hit or miss,’ as well as occasional confusion regarding some staff members’ dry customer service. Don’t expect excessive service; rather, utilize it pragmatically as ‘a valuable replenishment base where you can easily get a taste of Japan in Manhattan’—that’s the smart survival tactic of locals.
Katagiri
📍 Address: 370 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10017, United States
Established in 1907, ‘Katagiri’ is the oldest Japanese grocery store in America. Despite its location near Grand Central Station, it’s known for selling some items at unbelievably low prices.
For example, a 500ml bottle of corn tea costs less than $2, and Japanese snacks like Jagariko and Koala’s March are priced so low that they might even be cheaper than at Asian supermarkets outside Manhattan. The store isn’t large, but it’s organized with a layout similar to Japanese supermarkets, making it easy to find what you need. The freshness of the sushi and sashimi is also high, making it a valuable spot for daily grocery shopping.
What’s even better is the ‘Onigiri Gonbei’ counter inside the store. During lunchtime, their generously filled mentaiko (spicy cod roe) and deliciously ‘junk food’ SPAM onigiri are extremely popular. While there’s a good variety of bentos, many recommend focusing on the ‘high cost-performance of snacks and tea rather than the bentos themselves.’ Therefore, the combination of ‘Gonbei’s onigiri + incredibly cheap Japanese tea & snacks’ can be considered the ultimate lunch hack here.
Hashi Market
📍 Address: 363 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10013, United States
Since opening in the Tribeca district, ‘Hashi Market’ has been creating a buzz with its cleanliness and sophisticated product selection. It’s like a mini-department store, offering not only groceries but also Japanese skincare products, daily necessities, and even stationery.
From warm prepared foods and cold delis to bentos and even trendy sweets like Hattendo’s ‘Sweet Potato Cream Buns,’ its appealing lineup often leads to over-shopping. An eat-in space is also available, where you can enjoy your purchased sushi or cake right away.
The best local insider tip here is the daily discount sale on hot and cold prepared foods after 8 PM. In the high-priced Tribeca area, this late-night discount is an unmissable saving opportunity for long-term residents. Moreover, the presence of an adorable ‘store cat’ relaxing by the window also soothes the hearts of students tired from city life.
Asia Market
📍 Address: 71 1/2 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10013, United States
Tucked away in a corner of Manhattan’s Chinatown, ‘Asia Market’ stands apart from Japanese, Chinese, or Korean supermarkets, specializing in Southeast Asian ingredients (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, etc.), making it a deep-dive spot.
The store is packed with niche spices and ingredients like banana flowers and fresh ‘Kerupuk’ (Indonesian shrimp crackers), said to be found only here in Manhattan. You can find unique, locally-flavored cookies and snacks, not just the run-of-the-mill items sold in souvenir shops, making it perfect for finding original souvenirs.
Long-time regulars have pointed out critically that ‘the store is darker and moldier than before,’ but this too contributes to the authentic atmosphere of a local market. It’s an indispensable secret base for anyone wanting to try authentic Southeast Asian home cooking or for enthusiasts searching for rare condiments.
Hong Kong Supermarket
📍 Address: 157 Hester St, New York, NY 10013, United States
Boasting one of the largest areas in Chinatown, ‘Hong Kong Supermarket’ offers an incredible buzz, making you feel as if you’ve wandered into a local Hong Kong market. The two-story store is piled high with Chinese ingredients, alongside items from Japan and Korea.
Its biggest draw is the overwhelming ‘affordability.’ You can find huge daikon radishes and green vegetables, rarely seen in typical American supermarkets, at incredibly low prices. The fresh produce section features live frogs, softshell turtles, and black bass, making for a visually striking experience. However, according to local reviews, ‘meats are recommended and cheap, but seafood requires a keen eye for freshness.’ This spot is geared towards intermediate to advanced home cooks.
As a shopping tip, checkouts can get very crowded, and credit card use often has a minimum purchase amount (around $5 or more), so it’s a golden rule to have cash ready for small purchases. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the chaotic local vibrancy while stocking up on incredibly cheap ingredients and snacks.
[Column] Smart Strategies for Asian Supermarkets in New York
To master Asian supermarkets in New York, a few tricks are necessary. Firstly, Japanese supermarkets (Sunrise Mart, Katagiri, Hashi Market) offer very high-quality bentos and prepared foods, making them your strongest allies when you want to avoid eating out and opt for ‘nakashoku’ (ready-to-eat meals). Lunchtime gets crowded with nearby office workers, so it’s a smart survival strategy to shift your timing slightly or aim for evening discount hours.
On the other hand, Chinatown supermarkets (Asia Market and Hong Kong Supermarket) should be utilized as ‘home-cooking supply bases’ for buying seasonings, vegetables, and meats cheaply in bulk. Don’t expect the same level of excessive customer service or perfect hygiene management as in Japanese supermarkets. The local way is to go in with a clear goal of ‘getting what you need at a low price’ and enjoy it like a treasure hunt.
