Brooklyn, a melting pot of diverse cultures, is more than just a place to shop for self-catering long-term residents and international students; ‘Asian supermarkets’ are a vital lifeline and cultural oasis for recreating the tastes of home.
However, information is scarcer than in Manhattan, leaving many unsure about what each store sells or how to best utilize them. This guide selects five ‘worth-the-trip’ Asian supermarkets in Brooklyn, from a massive complex for Japanese daily goods to a deep Taiwanese ingredient boutique and a bustling giant Chinese supermarket. We’ll share smart shopping tips practiced by locals and absolute must-buy items.
Japan Village
📍 Address: 934 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11232, United States
A gigantic Japanese food theme park suddenly appears in a corner of Brooklyn’s Industry City: that’s ‘Japan Village.’ Its excellent accessibility, just a one-minute walk from the D・N・R line’s 36th Street station, is also a major draw, attracting many families and young locals on weekends. The ‘Sunrise Mart’ supermarket is packed with ingredients and seasonings from all over Japan, making it an essential spot for grocery shopping.
Beyond groceries, the diverse food court within the facility is not to be missed. Among the abundant options like udon, soba, ramen, and sushi, ‘Moriya’s’ extra-large Gyudon (beef bowl) is particularly popular with locals. At a New York-unbeatable price of $11, it’s praised for offering more volume than a ‘tokumori’ (extra-large portion) in Japan. The option to choose between white or brown rice is a thoughtful touch for health-conscious locals. With DAISO and BOOKOFF also on the second floor, it’s the ultimate lifeline for completing shopping and dining in one go.
Hashi Market
📍 Address: 299 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
A next-generation Japanese and Asian convenience store, ‘Hashi Market,’ has newly opened in Downtown Brooklyn. The store features a beautifully sophisticated layout, like a mini department store basement, offering everything from fresh vegetables to blind box figures and skincare products – catering to every need. Just walking through the store is an exciting experience.
Notably, the quality of the onigiri and hot snacks available in-store is exceptional. The onigiri, with their exquisite balance of rice and fillings, are immensely popular for lunch among international students and local office workers. While some say prices are a bit higher overall, locals aim for the ‘time-sensitive discounts.’ After 7 PM, bentos, onigiri, sushi, and other prepared foods are discounted by 50% – a powerful insider trick. For late-night snacks or planning the next day’s lunch, no other store is as useful.
Yun Hai Shop 雲海嚴選柑仔店
📍 Address: 170 Montrose Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11206, United States
Located in East Williamsburg, ‘Yun Hai Shop’ is more than just a supermarket; it’s a storytelling space that conveys Taiwanese food culture and the passion of artisans. Originally an online select shop, it gained a devoted following and opened a physical store. Situated next to the popular Taiwanese restaurant ‘Win Son,’ it’s a spot where you can experience authentic local culture.
Inside, you’ll find craft ingredients hard to find elsewhere, such as additive-free dried fruits directly sourced from Taiwanese farmers, traditionally made soy sauce, and exquisite milk oolong tea. What truly catches the eye, however, is the ‘Tatung rice cooker (大同電鍋),’ a Taiwanese household staple. It’s a huge hit among long-term residents, as this single appliance can recreate authentic flavors, from cooking rice to steaming and stewing. While prices may be higher than in typical supermarkets, the experience of encountering the tastes of home and genuine quality is truly priceless.
Fei Long Market
📍 Address: 6301 8th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220, United States
In Sunset Park (8th Avenue), the heart of Brooklyn’s Chinese community, ‘Fei Long Market (飛龍超級市場)’ is a landmark. On weekends, its vast free parking lot fills up with cars, and the store becomes a gigantic supermarket enveloped in overwhelming chaos and vibrancy, with shopping carts and customers bustling everywhere.
Its greatest appeal is the overwhelming variety of ingredients that support self-catering enthusiasts. Ultra-thin sliced meats (beef, pork, lamb) essential for hot pot, fresh Asian leafy greens, and live fish sold in tanks are sights rarely seen in Japanese supermarkets. Also, the frozen food section boasts a rich variety of xiao long bao and dumplings, lauded for ‘easily upgrading home cooking for those living alone.’ English signage is scarce, and staff interaction is very dynamic, but that’s all part of enjoying the deep local energy.
Old Town Asian Market Inc
📍 Address: 774 56th St, Brooklyn, NY 11220, United States
Tucked away on a street in the same Sunset Park area, ‘Old Town Asian Market Inc’ is a niche gem known to those in the know. In an area teeming with Chinese supermarkets, it stands out as a rare specialty store focusing on Southeast Asian ingredients from Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.
Inside, you’ll find over 100 kinds of local drinks imported directly from Malaysia, Maggi instant noodles (Assam Laksa, Curry, Tom Yum flavors, etc.), Milo, and authentic curry pastes and spices, packed wall-to-wall. Some Southeast Asian immigrants have even expressed finding ‘the taste of home I’ve been looking for brought tears to my eyes’ due to its specialized and authentic selection. Parking on the street is typically the norm, but for those who want to cook authentic ethnic cuisine, this secret base is an absolute must-visit.
Insider Tips: How to Master Brooklyn’s Asian Supermarkets
Brooklyn’s Asian supermarkets operate a little differently from typical Japanese supermarkets. Here are some shopping tips practiced by locals:
First, ‘self-check expiration dates.’ Especially in local, privately-owned stores or when buying imported snacks and drinks, it’s not uncommon to find expired products on the shelves. It’s an unspoken rule here to ‘check thoroughly and confirm before putting items in your cart’ at your own risk.
Next, ‘target time-sensitive discounts.’ Many stores, like Hashi Market and Mitsuki Japanese Market, offer half-price discounts on bentos and onigiri a few hours before closing. Shopping late at night for a late snack or the next day’s lunch is a smart money-saving trick for long-term residents.
Finally, ‘a large eco-bag and comfortable attire.’ Giant supermarkets like Fei Long Market get crowded with carts and people on weekends. The best way to navigate these deep markets is to keep your hands free, bring a sturdy reusable bag, and be ready to move nimbly.
