During a long-term stay or study abroad in Turkey, you inevitably start to miss the flavors of Asia. However, if you search for ‘Cappadocia Asian supermarket’ in tourist spots known for their natural beauty, you’ll find very few authentic Asian grocery stores. If you want to enjoy home cooking in regional cities or Cappadocia, it’s common knowledge among locals to stock up in advance in Istanbul, which boasts one of the largest selections in the country.
That’s why this time, we’re spotlighting ‘Çin market 中国超市 China Market,’ an Asian market that enjoys immense popularity among Istanbul locals and students for its ‘wide selection and affordable prices!’ We’ll provide a comprehensive guide to the real shopping scene, useful for everyone from travelers to long-term residents.
Çin market 中国超市 China Market
📍 Address: Gümüşsuyu, Hariciye Konağı Sk. 3 A, 34437 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey
This supermarket, resembling a small Chinatown, is located along Gümüşsuyu Street, which leads from Taksim Square (Istanbul’s city center) towards Beşiktaş. It’s situated right next to the Metro Bus Travel Agency (bus booking center), offering excellent accessibility. Inside, you’ll find an array of Chinese culinary ingredients packed tightly, making it a powerful ally when you crave authentic East Asian cuisine in the Middle East.
Stepping inside, you’re immediately transported to a different world. Ingredients for Cantonese, Sichuan, Shanghai, and Beijing cuisines are largely covered, with an abundant selection of spices, dried goods, and canned foods. While they do stock some vegetables, fresh fish is not available, and meat is limited to a few frozen items. Therefore, it’s best utilized as a ‘hub for seasonings, dried goods, and preserved foods’ rather than for main fresh produce. Most products are large, commercial sizes, which is a great advantage for long-term residents as one purchase lasts a long time.
A point to note is that the staff speak very little Turkish or English. However, the cashier (likely Chinese) is very kind and pleasant, and they’ll be delighted if you greet them with ‘你好 (Nǐ hǎo)’ upon entering. Despite the language barrier, their homely and warm service attracts a loyal local following.
Must-Buy Items and Smart Shopping Tips Here!
The greatest appeal of this supermarket is its incredible cost-performance. While prices in Istanbul are generally on the rise, you can fill your bag with groceries for around 1,500 Lira, an unbelievably reasonable price compared to other stores.
Especially popular among regulars is the tofu, which arrives daily. It’s large in size and affordable, so be sure to grab it if you find it. They also stock instant noodles like Shin Ramyun. A pack of Shin Ramyun that would cost about 400 Lira at a Korean restaurant in Turkey can be bought here for 95 Lira. However, sometimes the contents of the displayed packages might be crushed (like crushed ramen snacks), so it’s recommended to lightly feel the package before buying. Even if it’s sold out, the turnover is high, with large quantities restocked the next day, so consider revisiting another day.
You’ll also find a small selection of Japanese rice and Japanese seasonings, though some might have peculiar Japanese labels made for overseas markets. Nevertheless, you can find valuable items like soy sauce and mirin-like seasonings that will expand your home cooking repertoire. Since the products and manufacturers they stock change frequently, the best tip for enjoying this store is to ‘buy it if you see it.’
How to Enjoy Asian Cuisine in Turkey
During your travels or study abroad, when you get tired of daily kebabs and Turkish cuisine, the presence of an Asian supermarket is truly an oasis. Especially if you’re heading to regional areas like Cappadocia, it’s a smart move to stop by ‘Çin market’ during your Istanbul stay and stash some Asian ingredients in your suitcase.
The store primarily features large, commercial-sized packs, making it perfect for sharing with friends or roommates. Furthermore, its location right next to a bus company office makes it convenient for grabbing snacks, drinks, and a few Asian ingredients just before boarding a long-distance bus. Even if you don’t speak the local language, gestures, smiles, and a little greeting are enough to communicate, so feel free to visit and experience the deep Asian culture of Istanbul.
