For those on a long-term stay or studying abroad in Munich, ‘the taste of Asia’ is something you’re bound to miss. While basic soy sauce and tofu can be found in regular German supermarkets, many people will seek out specialty stores for Japanese seasonings, fresh Asian vegetables, thinly sliced meats, and more.
This time, we’ve carefully selected and introduce four reliable Asian supermarkets and Japanese grocery stores in Munich that are beloved by local Japanese and Asian residents. Take note of each store’s strengths and unique local shopping tips to enjoy a fulfilling home-cooked life.
Orient Shop
📍 Address: Rosenheimer Str. 38, 81669 München-Au-Haidhausen, Germany
This is a long-established Asian supermarket in Munich, operating since 1987. It boasts an excellent location, right near Rosenheimer Platz station for the S-Bahn and tram, and across from the City-Hilton hotel. Its biggest draws are the extensive product range and balanced prices. It’s renowned among Asian residents in the city as ‘the cheapest place to get Asian ingredients,’ making it a strong ally for daily grocery runs.
The store is packed with ingredients from various countries including Japan, Korea, Taiwan, China, and Indonesia. Notably, it features a dedicated refrigerated room to keep fresh vegetables lasting longer. You can find crisp Asian vegetables like bok choy and chives there. The frozen food selection is also extensive; while not every Japanese ingredient is available, there’s a rich variety of substitute Chinese and Korean seasonings and ingredients.
As a point of caution, there is no dedicated parking, so if you’re shopping by car, you’ll need to use nearby paid parking lots (such as those at City-Hilton or Holiday Inn). If you plan on buying a lot, it’s recommended to bring a shopping trolley and visit by public transport.
Mikado Japanese Store
📍 Address: Baaderstraße 12, 80469 München-Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt, Germany
This is a Japanese specialty supermarket where local Japanese residents all agree, ‘If you’re missing Japanese food in Munich, this is the place to go!’ It’s easily accessible from Munich Central Station and Marienplatz, and you can find everything you need to prepare Japanese cuisine here.
In addition to rice and basic seasonings, it uniquely offers snacks, frozen mochi, and even Japanese general goods like calligraphy supplies, origami, and chopsticks. With a product selection almost identical to a Japanese supermarket, it’s also highly popular among local Germans who are fans of Japanese food. Items nearing their expiration date are sold at a discount, offering a chance to grab Japanese tastes at a great price.
Another appeal is the homely atmosphere, with Japanese staff always present to greet you with a friendly ‘Konnichiwa!’ (Hello!). This ensures a worry-free shopping experience for international students or expatriates who might be hesitant about their German language skills. When paying, if you choose cash, remember that after the staff scans your items, you insert the money into an automatic self-checkout machine next to the register; knowing this beforehand will make your first visit smoother.
go asia Supermarkt – München Stachus
📍 Address: Karlsplatz 1, 80335 München, Germany
This is the Munich Stachus (Karlsplatz) branch of ‘go asia,’ a large Asian supermarket chain widely established across Germany. Located on the basement floor of a department store, it boasts exceptional accessibility, with direct entry from the subway’s underground passage.
It’s no exaggeration to say that you can find virtually every ingredient from East and Southeast Asia here, from curry roux, soba noodles, dorayaki, and daifuku, to hot pot bases, Chinese noodles, sesame balls, and even ramen bowls and cooking utensils. While the prices may seem slightly higher compared to other local Asian supermarkets, its overwhelming convenience for a quick stop on the way home from work or on a bad weather day is unparalleled.
The store is bright and clean, and always bustling with local German customers enjoying Asian cuisine. The frozen food section is also well-stocked, but since free services like coolants or cooler bags are often not provided, bringing your own cooler bag from home is a smart shopping tip for residents planning to buy frozen items (like gyoza or meat).
All Asian Supermarkt 食全亚洲超市
📍 Address: im UG. des Forum, Theresienhöhe 5, 80339 München, Germany
This is a newly opened, large and clean Asian supermarket located on the basement floor of the ‘Forum’ shopping mall in Schwanthalerhöhe. It’s creating a stir in Munich’s Asian supermarket scene with its affordable prices and high-quality selection.
Here, you can discover deep-cut ingredients from the Chinese-speaking world that are rarely seen in Japanese supermarkets. The selection of meat products, which satisfy Asian palates, is incredibly rich, including cakes and snacks topped with pork floss (rousong), and fresh, high-quality pork spare ribs. The freshness of the vegetables and meats is excellent, and the displays are beautifully organized, earning rave reviews like, ‘It’s been a long time since I found such a wonderful supermarket in Germany.’
A point to note when visiting is that the pin location on Google Maps can sometimes be slightly inaccurate. It’s actually situated on the same basement floor area as other supermarkets like Lidl and Edeka within the Forum. Given its excellent shopping environment, it’s highly recommended as a spot for bulk shopping on weekends.
Tips for Buying Asian Ingredients in Munich
Munich is home to many Asian shops beyond those introduced here. For a self-catering lifestyle, knowing how to utilize these stores effectively is key to enjoying delicious meals while keeping food expenses down.
For example, for daily vegetable and seasoning shopping, it’s recommended to use the more affordably priced ‘Orient Shop’ or ‘All Asian Supermarkt’. When you absolutely need specific Japanese seasonings or wagashi (Japanese sweets) that can’t be substituted, head to ‘Mikado Japanese Store’. Additionally, the ‘go asia’ store, directly connected to the station, is convenient for quick top-ups on your way home or when you want to spontaneously grab a variety of international instant noodles.
While local German supermarkets do sell soy sauce and tofu, Asian supermarkets typically offer a wider variety of tofu (e.g., firm, silken, fried tofu) and often at larger quantities for a lower price. Keep a large eco-bag or cooler bag in your everyday bag and enjoy a fulfilling home-cooked life in Munich.
