Saying that Asian food is all the rage across Arab countries is kind of old news by now. That is how much that cuisine has become an integral aspect of foodie life across the region.
Beyond hitting up restaurants and Asian-themed cafes, the Asian food craze has evolved to include entire convenience stores and supermarkets dedicated to this very cuisine. Let us take a look at some of our favorites.
Korean Food Center – Doha
It is nothing new that Qatar is home to a bustling melting pot of cuisines and cultures. Asian food is no exception, and that is why all the way in Doha is not just one but many Asian food stores. The one we’ll talk about today is called the Korean Food Center. It is known as the one-stop Korean & Asian supermarket in Qatar.
Inside, you’ll be exposed to everything from Korean snacks like their “Oh yes!” (premium chocolate coated cake) to Korean sauces like gochujang, a savory, sweet, and spicy fermented condiment. It is a Korean extravaganza for all those Asian food lovers out there.
Almo Mart – Cairo
In Egypt’s Cairo, an Asian world looms within the big city, thriving in areas like Maadi and Zamalek. There, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese restaurants and cafes are taking over the streets and reaching our hearts. Along with that, all Asian food stores are devoted to offering snacks and grocery items from the Far East.
One of the most popular ones has to be Almo Mart, an Asian convenience store in Nasr City. It has it all: funky Asian drinks like HATA, Yakut, sparkling strawberry, mochi, all types of noodles, Asian sauces, spices, and much more.
There is even a mini restaurant inside where you can also have some Korean corn dogs, Topokki, and bubble tea. You’ll love this place if you are a pure Asian foodie.
99Mini Mart – Dubai
Dubai had to be included on this list as it is the king of international cuisine and literally every foodie’s paradise. It is probably the one city in the Arab world that has restaurants from most countries in the world. Now, Asia is no exception.
Along with massive Asian chains like PF Changs and more authentic eateries like Ying Ji Dim Sum, there are also adorable Asian food stores.
One of our favorites has to be 99 Mart. This store likes to stay on trend, so inside, you’ll find viral Japanese and Korean drinks like HATA and the viral Chinese mango ice cream.
Along with that, you’ll be exposed to some cool snacks like the famous matcha Kit Kats and get to dine in at their mini cafe, where they serve up Japanese dishes.
Chinese Supermarket – Manama
Bahrain isn’t one of the cities that pops up a lot among foodies when it comes to the Arab world, but if you pay close attention, you’ll see that it is, like the UAE and Qatar, a literal bustling world of international cuisines.
That means that they’ve got their own collection of Asian food stores.
The one we’d love to mention is called a Chinese supermarket, and it is found on the ground floor of the Juffair Square Mall. This supermarket is home to a treasure trove of crazy, out-of-the-box Asian snacks and groceries.
We are talking everything from Chinese gourmet shelled chestnuts to dried mango and Mitsuya fruit juice tea. They have it all.
Kimchi Mart – Riyadh
Just like the UAE and Qatar, Saudi Arabia is one of the coolest spots to enjoy international cuisine. This again means that it is home to many supermarkets filled with Asian goodies.
Meet Riyadh’s Kimchi Mart, a haven of Asian snacks, groceries, and more. Inside, there are products similar to those of the other Asian stores we mentioned, like Korean sauces that include gochujang and the viral mango ice cream.
Along with that, they also sell frozen Korean snacks that are eaten warm, such as Hoppang, which are basically steam buns with a filling, and all kinds of mochi. The options are endless!
We introduced to you the creme de la creme of the Asian food world. At these stores, you can get some snacks and hit up the cinema with friends or get some Asian groceries and whip something delicious at home.
