Discovering the Best Local Asian Supermarkets Near Hollywood
‘I want to cook my own meals near Hollywood, but I can’t find a supermarket that sells Japanese ingredients or authentic Asian deli items…’ This is a common hurdle for international students, expatriates, and long-term travelers staying in Los Angeles. In reality, large Asian supermarkets are scarce in the heart of Hollywood, so locals often drive or take Uber to areas like Little Tokyo or San Gabriel Valley (SGV) for their grocery shopping.
This article focuses on ‘must-visit’ Asian supermarkets in the Greater Los Angeles area, easily accessible from Hollywood, and introduces carefully selected, highly popular stores on both the West and East Coasts of the U.S. Rather than just listing products, we’ll explain real-world tips, like ‘what time is best to go’ and ‘what to order,’ making this a bible for your life in America.
Marukai
📍 Address: 123 Astronaut Ellison S Onizuka St #105, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA
Located in the heart of Little Tokyo, Downtown Los Angeles, Marukai is truly an oasis in the desert for mid-to-long-term visitors craving a taste of Japan. It’s easily accessible from Hollywood, about a 20-30 minute drive, and is also favored by Japanese tourists staying at hotels like ‘DoubleTree by Hilton’ or ‘Miyako Hotel’ specifically to see Shohei Ohtani.
Stepping inside, you might even hear the familiar theme song of ‘Don Quijote.’ That’s because Marukai is now under the Don Quijote umbrella, boasting an impressive selection of Japanese seasonings, snacks, and frozen foods. On busy days, the bento (lunchbox) and fresh sushi sections are perfect for a quick taste of Japan.
A real shopping tip: be mindful of the ‘shorter expiration dates’ typical of American supermarkets. Make it a habit to self-check dates carefully before purchasing. Also, some staff members can be unhelpful, so utilizing the ‘self-checkout’ lanes, introduced in 2025, can make your shopping experience smoother and stress-free. Note that a few blocks south of the store is the ‘Skid Row’ area, known for its poor public safety, so exercise caution when visiting at night or wandering around.
Asia Supermarket 亞洲超級市場
📍 Address: 910 W Valley Blvd, Alhambra, CA 91803, USA
Asia Supermarket (亞洲超級市場) in Alhambra, a suburb of Los Angeles, might seem like an unpretentious local Chinese supermarket at first glance. While its selection is more focused compared to larger stores like H Mart, it’s a strong ally for nearby residents, offering fresh produce and fruits at affordable prices. However, the true charm of this supermarket lies in its treasure trove of ‘authentic Burmese cuisine,’ which has impressed even LA’s food critics and the ‘LA Times.’
Near the entrance, the deli counter (Asia Food Express) and refrigerated section offer authentic Burmese dishes rarely seen in Los Angeles. Must-tries include the yellow ‘Shan Tofu’ made from chickpeas and the rice noodle salad generously topped with fried garlic. Additionally, there’s a wide selection of preserved foods perfect as accompaniments for drinks, such as dried shrimp with chili and pickled tea leaves.
On weekends, you’ll find exquisite biryani available for takeout, and Friday nights feature special sushi discounts – plenty of local events known to those in the know. If you’re looking to ‘incorporate unique Asian flavors into your home cooking’ or ‘try niche deli items that locals rave about,’ this is the perfect spot. Since checkout staff primarily speak Chinese or Burmese and English might be limited, the local way to enjoy it is to simply grab any deli item that catches your eye.
Suruki Supermarket
📍 Address: 71 E 4th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA
Away from Los Angeles, in the San Francisco Bay Area (San Mateo), Suruki Supermarket stands as an overwhelmingly popular Japanese grocery store, established in 1974. The interior exudes the ambiance of a nostalgic Japanese countryside shop, but its ‘fresh fish counter’ at the back boasts top-tier quality among all Asian supermarkets in the U.S.
The absolute must-do here is to order a ‘sashimi platter’ directly from the counter. Simply say, ‘Please make a two-person platter with lean tuna, scallops, and yellowtail!’ and they’ll slice fresh sashimi on the spot and arrange a beautiful platter for you. Flexible orders are possible, such as a platter for three adults for about $30, or $10 each of Chutoro (medium fatty tuna) and Otoro (fatty tuna), allowing local foodies to enjoy DIY ‘omakase sushi.’
While the bento section is also well-stocked, there are discerning voices suggesting that some bento (like Oyakodon) can have inconsistent quality depending on the day, possibly due to rising prices and staff shortages. This is precisely why, when you visit Suruki, focusing ‘solely on fresh fish’ is the correct strategy. Additionally, a time sale for deli items and more begins daily at 4 PM, with items selling out in just 15 minutes due to enthusiastic demand. If you have time, be sure to experience this buzz.
H Mart
📍 Address: 38 W 32nd St 2nd floor, New York, NY 10001, USA
Finally, we introduce H Mart, the king of Korean supermarkets, located right in the heart of Manhattan’s Koreatown (32nd St) in New York. While H Mart operates nationwide, this particular store is a special space, with its tall, narrow structure packing in virtually every Asian ingredient imaginable.
Given its location in high-cost Midtown Manhattan, the overall pricing can be steep, but local students and office workers flock here for two main reasons: the ‘second-floor food court’ and the ‘first-floor deli section.’ On the second floor, you can find sushi, Korean rice balls (onigiri), corn dogs, and more, offering a significantly cheaper lunch option than street-level eateries. It also stocks popular K-Beauty cosmetics, allowing you to combine grocery shopping with trend spotting.
In the first-floor supermarket area, must-buys include delicious kimchi and ‘frozen pork belly.’ Thinly sliced pork belly, hard to find in typical American supermarkets, is easy to cut and stores well, making it a strong ally for those who cook at home. Smaller deli items tend to be pricier, so a smart local strategy is to buy family-sized portions to share or to combine your shopping with the specialty deli stores a few doors down.
[Column] Mastering Your Stay in America: Tips for Utilizing Asian Supermarkets
Living in America, Asian supermarkets are more than just places to shop; they’re a ‘comfort zone.’ However, if you approach them with the same mindset as Japanese supermarkets, you might feel a bit lost. Here are three tips to make the most of local supermarkets.
First, ‘don’t hesitate to use the fresh fish and meat counters.’ Rather than pre-packaged items, ordering directly from the staff behind the counter by saying ‘Thinly sliced, please’ or ‘Sashimi-grade’ will yield significantly fresher ingredients that better suit your needs.
Second, ‘self-defense regarding expiration dates.’ Many stores have relaxed shelf management, so make it a habit to always check dates before putting anything into your basket, even for dried goods or seasonings. This is common knowledge for locals.
Third, ‘mastering local events and sales.’ Each store has its own peak times, such as Friday-only sushi sales or half-price time sales in the evening. Instead of just casually shopping, aiming for these timings allows you to save on groceries while experiencing the vibrant atmosphere. Use the supermarkets introduced here as your base to enjoy a fulfilling stay in America!
