12 North Carolina Asian Grocery Stores Where The Food Is So Good, You’ll Forget You Came To Shop

My grocery list would last about three minutes in one of these stores.

I might walk in needing soy sauce and green onions, then somehow end up upstairs looking at K-pop albums while lunch cooks downstairs.

North Carolina has Asian markets where shopping feels more like wandering through several little worlds at once.

The fun comes from never knowing what will steal my attention next.

A seafood counter can turn into a twenty-minute detour, while a bakery case quietly destroys every plan to leave quickly.

Some stores feel enormous and energetic.

Others are small enough that the kitchen in back becomes the real reason regulars return.

Either way, I know exactly how this trip ends.

The basket gets heavier.

The shopping list becomes irrelevant.

And lunch suddenly becomes part of the grocery budget.

12. H Mart Cary

The first H Mart in North Carolina opened its doors in Cary on December 22, 2016. It moved into a renovated 45,000-square-foot space that used to be a Lowes Foods.

That’s a lot of room, and the store uses it well. You’ll find imported packaged foods, housewares, Korean skincare, and a long run of snacks you’ve probably never seen before.

Produce is a big draw here. Dragon fruit, durian, and crisp Korean pears share the shelves with leafy greens and mushrooms.

Planning a hot pot night at home? The meat section carries pre-sliced and marinated cuts for bulgogi, galbi, and hot pot, so dinner prep gets a lot easier.

Now for the dangerous part. The food court serves ready-to-eat meals across Korean, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese cooking, and the prices stay reasonable.

Think bibimbap, Korean fried chicken, udon, and curry, depending on what the stalls are running that day. Grab a tray, and your shopping list can wait a few minutes.

Sweet tooth calling? The store also houses a Tous les Jours bakery with French-Asian breads, cakes, and pastries.

Weekly specials on Korean products and seafood are worth checking before you fill your cart. Live lobster and giant prawns sit in the seafood area for anyone feeling fancy.

Hours run from 9 AM to 9 PM daily. Weekend afternoons get busy, while weekday mornings tend to stay calmer.

Address: 1961 High House Rd, Cary, NC 27519

11. Grand Asia Market

Back in 1997, this Raleigh market started with 7,500 square feet. Today it stretches across about 30,000, which tells you something about how hungry its shoppers are.

The shelves pull from China, Japan, India, Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and more. It’s a good place to find the sauce your favorite recipe keeps asking for.

Produce runs deep, with several kinds of choy, piles of mushrooms, nagaimo, and lychee. Durian and Asian pears show up for the adventurous.

Head to the meat counter and you’ll see goat, duck, tripe, and Chinese sausages next to standard cuts. The seafood section adds crab, scallops, abalone, and live tanks.

Here’s the sneaky trap, though. A Hong Kong-inspired bakery turns out fresh egg tarts, pineapple buns, and roast pork buns daily.

The sweetness stays subtle, so one bun turns into two pretty fast. Real-fruit smoothies and milk tea with optional tapioca pearls round things out.

Still hungry? A counter-service kitchen offers a hot bar and a menu that mixes comfort picks with bolder choices.

Turnip cake, wonton soup, BBQ pork fried rice, and roast duck with rice all live on that menu. General Tso’s chicken is there too, if you want something familiar.

Need a new pot or a skincare refill? Kitchen tools and imported beauty products are in the dry goods section.

The store opens daily from 10 AM to 7 PM. Weekday mornings are quieter if you hate crowds.

Address: 1253 Buck Jones Rd, Raleigh, NC 27606

10. Super G Mart Charlotte

Whole fresh sturgeon is not a normal grocery item in Charlotte. Super G Mart on Independence Boulevard offers an extensive seafood selection, including live fish and specialty products that can be difficult to find in conventional supermarkets.

That should tell you what kind of place this is. The “G” stands for global, and the store takes that seriously.

It opened on June 21, 2010, inside a 72,000-square-foot former Bi-Lo. Aisles are organized by region, so you can wander from Indian spices to Latin American staples to East and Southeast Asian sauces.

Produce gets interesting quickly. Winter melon, jackfruit, banana leaves, durian, and yucca root show up in a section that leaves regular supermarkets looking shy.

The seafood department carries live tilapia, blue crab, and lobster. Roasted eel and frozen sea squirts are there too, for the truly curious.

Of course, you’re probably here for lunch now. The onsite food court includes a Korean restaurant and a Hong Kong Bakery.

That bakery’s honey bun comes filled with sweet red bean paste. It’s the kind of snack that makes the checkout line feel shorter.

One more surprise sits inside the building. A space called The Club hosts community events, language classes, and cooking classes.

Delivery and in-store pickup are both offered here. The store is open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM, with weekday mornings generally offering a quieter shopping experience.

Address: 7323 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28227

9. Super G Mart Pineville

Korean hot dogs on one side, burgers and fries on the other, and a full grocery run in between. The Pineville Super G Mart makes multitasking delicious.

This store bills itself as the largest international grocery in the Carolinas. It stocks ingredients from around the world, plus fresh produce, seafood, and a meat market.

The real twist is the attached Asian food court. You can walk right through from the store, no parking lot shuffle required.

That food hall holds roughly 10 to 15 different restaurants. The range runs from Korean hot dogs to classic burgers and fries, so picky eaters have options.

So how do you plan a visit? Many folks eat first, then shop, because nobody makes smart cart decisions while hungry.

The location helps too. Pineville sits just south of Charlotte, which means you can skip some of the city traffic and still get the big-store experience.

Inside, the bakery and prepared foods give you a few more reasons to linger. Fresh produce is a highlight, so save room in the cart for something you’ve never cooked before.

Weekday mornings through early afternoons are the quietest times to visit. Saturday and Sunday afternoons fill up fast, and the free parking lot feels it.

The supermarket opens daily at 9 AM and closes at 9 PM, giving visitors plenty of time to shop and explore the adjoining food hall.

Address: 10500 Centrum Pkwy, Pineville, NC 28134

8. K-Town Market (Kim’s Asian Market) | Asian Grocery Store, Korean Food NC

Where else can you buy gochujang downstairs and limited edition K-pop vinyl upstairs? This Raleigh market treats Korean culture as part of the shopping list.

Also known as Kim’s Asian Market, it stocks fresh produce, frozen foods, pantry staples, and specialty ingredients. The Korean products alone could fill an afternoon of curious browsing.

The kitchen is where things get serious. You can eat in or take out, and the prices stay reasonable.

Soups and stews lead the menu, including short rib soup, kimchi stew, and soft tofu stew. Black bean noodles and spicy seafood noodle soup are ready for noodle fans.

Rice lovers get options too. Bibimbap comes in a hot stone pot, along with kimchi fried rice and a bulgogi rice bowl.

Craving something crunchy? Korean fried chicken comes in original, sweet and spicy, and soy garlic styles, and L.A. galbi covers the barbecue side.

Wash it down with a boba drink. A small bakery also offers grab-and-go treats for the ride home.

Then climb to the second floor, where Oppang K-Pop Store sells albums, photocards, lightsticks, accessories, and merchandise for Korean music fans.

Plan around Monday, since the market closes that day. Hours run 9 AM to 8 PM Tuesday through Saturday and 10 AM to 8 PM on Sunday, with delivery available.

Address: 6014 Duraleigh Rd, Raleigh, NC 27612

7. Asian Market

Picked out a live crab and don’t feel like cooking it? At this Charlotte market, the kitchen can cook fresh or live seafood you buy right there.

That one service tells you a lot. Asian Market on The Plaza takes its fish counter seriously, and it offers fish cleaning too.

The store is large, clean, and organized, with wide aisles. Shelves carry fresh fruit, noodles, spices, frozen goods, and a huge spread of sauces.

Hunting for the snack everyone’s posting online? This market is known for its viral snacks and international produce.

Now, about lunch. The prepared Chinese food sits on the right side of the market, and it’s fresh and fairly priced.

Roasted duck, beef chow fun, stewed beef noodle soup, and sesame chicken are among the dishes. Pork belly, roasted eggplant, and greens round out the counter.

A seafood boil is also on the menu. That’s a fun option when you’d rather let someone else handle the shells.

Beyond Asian groceries, you’ll spot Mexican, Caribbean, and Cajun ingredients. A loyalty program adds points and discounts for regular trips.

Since opening in 2020, the market has hosted an annual Mid-Autumn Festival with local partners. Hours run 9:30 AM to 8 PM Monday through Saturday and close at 7 PM Sunday.

Address: 4430 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28215

6. Saigon Market LLC

Breakfast pho at 8:30 in the morning sounds like a great reason to buy groceries. Saigon Market in Fayetteville opens early every day, and the kitchen is ready.

Part Vietnamese restaurant, part market, it keeps things simple. A small seating area sits beside a spacious grocery section.

The pho is a big reason people come back. Banh mi gets its own spotlight, thanks to bread that tastes fresh.

Want something beyond soup and sandwiches? Rice vermicelli bowls come in generous portions, and Vietnamese-style fried rice is on the menu too.

Vegetarians aren’t stuck with a side salad here. The kitchen also offers meat-free choices, including tofu and vegetable bánh mì sandwiches and a pho option listed without meat.

Coffee is available, so your morning can start properly. Dessert is on offer too, if you’d like to end on something sweet.

Once you’ve eaten, the shopping part feels easier. The market sells Vietnamese and Asian foods, seasonal produce, and fresh vegetables at reasonable prices.

It’s a handy stop for anyone in Fayetteville craving Vietnamese flavors at home. The staff is known for being friendly, which never hurts.

The space is casual and quiet, and it works for solo meals or groups. Parking is free and usually plentiful, with takeout and delivery as backups.

Doors stay open from 8:30 AM to 8 PM daily. Tuesday and Thursday evenings tend to be the calmest.

Address: 824 Santee Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28303

5. Philippine Store And Cuisine

A lunch buffet inside a grocery store is a bold move. Philippine Store and Cuisine in Fayetteville pulls it off with home-cooked Filipino dishes.

The setup is straightforward. One side handles Filipino groceries, and the other keeps a rotating spread of homestyle food ready for lunch.

Flavor is the main event here. The cooking leans authentic, the kind that tastes like a family kitchen rather than a chain.

Then there are the homemade buns. They’re a favorite, and they make an easy snack to grab on your way out.

Why does a spot like this matter? Fayetteville has a strong military community, and stores like this give folks from many backgrounds a taste of the Philippines close to home.

If you’re new to Filipino food, a buffet is a friendly place to start. You can try a little of several dishes without committing to one big plate.

Shopping comes after, ideally with a full stomach. The grocery side is a handy stop for Filipino pantry items you may not find at a regular supermarket.

Timing matters with this one. The store closes on Mondays and keeps daytime hours the rest of the week.

It’s open 11 AM to 5 PM Tuesday through Friday. On weekends, the hours run 11 AM to 4 PM, so don’t plan a late visit.

Midweek afternoons are the busiest stretch. Mornings right after opening tend to be quieter.

Address: 4902 Yadkin Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28303

4. New Asia Market

Live lobster, live fish, and blue crabs all in one trip to Stallings? New Asia Market makes the suburbs feel a lot closer to the coast.

The seafood counter is a major draw. Fresh fish of many kinds share space with live tanks, so dinner can be as fresh as you like.

Shelves cover more than one cuisine. You’ll find items from Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipino, and Indian kitchens, among others.

For its area, the store is a decent size. It’s large enough to explore without feeling like a marathon.

Produce is another highlight. Fresh fruit and vegetables make it easy to pick up greens for tonight’s stir-fry.

Of course, the real temptation sits in the fresh food area. It’s cafeteria style, serving Chinese hot food for dine-in or takeout.

There’s some seating, so you can eat right there. That’s a solid plan before tackling the grocery list.

Bakery items and organic products add a few more reasons to wander. It’s worth a slow lap through the snack aisles too.

Stallings sits just southeast of Charlotte in Union County. That makes this an easy stop for anyone in the eastern Charlotte suburbs of North Carolina.

Hours run 9:30 AM to 7 PM most days, stretching to 8 PM on Friday and Saturday. Weekday mornings are the quietest windows.

Address: 4400 Potter Rd, Stallings, NC 28104

3. Alounemay Asian Market And The Lao Kitchen

Lao food doesn’t get nearly enough attention in North Carolina. This small Greensboro market quietly fixes that with a kitchen in the back.

Out front, you’ll find Asian groceries. Head toward the rear, and The Lao Kitchen starts calling your name.

Spicy pork larb is a headliner. Fresh spring rolls and papaya salad bring crunch and brightness to the table.

Bring your spice tolerance, because heat is part of the fun here. If you’re cautious, ask about milder picks.

Banh mi is on the menu as well. Bubble tea gives you something cold and sweet to balance the fire.

Plant-based eaters get a real treat. The kitchen also lists vegan-friendly options, although diners with specific dietary needs should confirm ingredients before ordering.

The space is clean, casual, and quiet. Free Wi-Fi makes it an easy spot for a solo lunch, and dogs are welcome inside.

Prices stay reasonable, which makes a regular lunch habit pretty tempting. Takeout and delivery are available if you’d rather eat at home.

Now for the schedule, which is unusual. It’s open 10 AM to 4 PM Monday through Thursday and 9 AM to 6 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Sundays are closed, and the kitchen doesn’t take reservations. Parking is free, so just show up hungry before the afternoon slips away.

Address: 2601 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27403

2. Li Ming’s Global Mart

Peking duck by the half is a very convincing argument for leaving the cart parked. At Li Ming’s Global Mart in Durham, you can order the whole bird or just half.

The store sits in the Westgate Shopping Center. Inside, it’s well organized and packed with Chinese groceries and more.

You’ll see fresh produce, exotic fruits, meat, and seafood, including live options. A full-service butcher shop handles the cuts.

Pantry lovers can lose track of time here. Sauces, noodles, rice varieties, and snacks fill the aisles.

The freezer section deserves its own visit. Dumplings come in a wide variety, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

Then comes the food court. Kung pao chicken, mapo tofu, spicy salted prawns, and whole steamed fish all appear on the menu.

Sautéed Chinese eggplant is there for veggie fans. The hot bar often runs a two items plus rice combo, which is great for indecisive eaters.

Right next door, a bakery turns out fresh pastries and buns. The red bean and cheese bun is a popular pick.

Need a new knife or cleaning tools? A home goods area covers cutlery and daily kitchen basics.

The market and food court keep the same daily hours, 9 AM to 8 PM. Weekend afternoons get crowded, so weekday mornings are your friend.

Address: 3400 Westgate Dr, Durham, NC 27707

1. A&C Supermarket

A box lunch is a humble thing until you find a really good one. At A&C Supermarket in Raleigh, the box lunch is a big reason to stop by.

This South Raleigh market is a full Asian grocery with a serious seafood setup. The fresh fish counter in the back is a highlight.

Produce gets plenty of attention too. Fresh fruits and vegetables make it easy to stock up for the week.

The store is also known for exotic Asian foods at good prices. That makes it a smart stop when your recipe calls for something unusual.

So what’s the move here? Grab a box lunch first, then shop with a clear head and a happy stomach.

Prepared foods and a bakery section add more temptation. It’s a quick visit kind of store, perfect for a lunch break errand.

Planning a seafood dinner? The extensive selection gives you options beyond the usual supermarket shrimp.

It’s a handy pick for anyone on the south side of Raleigh. You can skip a longer drive across town for Asian groceries.

A&C Supermarket welcomes shoppers throughout the week, although its published operating hours vary between sources, so checking before visiting is recommended.

Weekend afternoons and Friday evenings are the busiest. Tuesday and Thursday mornings are the calmest times to grab lunch and browse.

Address: 3210-131 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27603