Where Can You Find the Best Asian Grocery Stores in Melbourne?

Melbourne is home to a wide range of Asian grocery stores where you can find ingredients from China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and other parts of Asia. Whether you are searching for Japanese noodles, Korean snacks, Thai curry pastes, Chinese sauces or fresh Asian vegetables, the city has plenty of options.

Melbourne CBD is a convenient place to start, especially around Elizabeth Street, Russell Street and Chinatown. For more specialised ingredients, neighbourhood stores in Fitzroy, Balwyn and Abbotsford are also worth exploring.

1. TANG – The Asian Food Emporium

TANG – The Asian Food Emporium is a useful destination for shoppers looking for a broad selection of Asian ingredients in the city centre. It stocks products from several Asian food traditions, making it a practical stop when preparing meals at home.

• Best for: Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Southeast Asian pantry ingredients.

• Address: 185 Russell Street, Melbourne VIC 3000.

• Phone: (03) 9663 3716.

• Opening hours: Listed as 10 a.m.–11 p.m. daily; confirm before visiting.

Why visit: Its central location and wide range make it a good starting point for a general Asian grocery shop.

2. Hometown Asian Supermarket

Located on Elizabeth Street, Hometown Asian Supermarket is a popular CBD option for imported groceries, packaged foods, noodles, sauces and snacks. It is especially convenient for city residents, students and visitors staying nearby.

• Best for: Everyday Asian groceries, noodles, sauces and snacks.

• Address: Shop 2, 440 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne VIC 3000.

• Phone: (03) 9663 2603.

• Opening hours: Listed as 8:30 a.m.–11:30 p.m. Monday–Saturday and 9 a.m.–11:30 p.m. Sunday.

Why visit: It offers a convenient central location and a broad range of products from different Asian cuisines.

3. KT MART

KT MART is a convenient option for shoppers looking for Korean groceries and popular Asian convenience foods. You can browse instant noodles, packaged snacks, drinks, frozen foods and cooking essentials.

• Best for: Korean snacks, instant noodles and quick grocery trips.

• Address: 289 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne VIC 3000.

• Opening hours: Listed as 10 a.m.–10:30 p.m. daily.

Why visit: It is a handy stop in the CBD if you want Korean favourites alongside other Asian products.

4. KimChi Asian Groceries

For shoppers exploring Fitzroy, KimChi Asian Groceries is worth a visit. Its Asian grocery selection makes it a useful neighbourhood option for stocking up on pantry essentials and exploring products for home-cooked Asian meals.

• Best for: Asian pantry staples, sauces, noodles and packaged foods.

• Address: 161–163 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065.

• Phone: (03) 9416 3438.

• Opening hours: Listed as 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Sunday–Thursday and 10 a.m.–11 p.m. Friday–Saturday.

Why visit: It is a good alternative if you are shopping outside the CBD.

5. Hinoki Japanese Pantry

If you love Japanese cooking, Hinoki Japanese Pantry is a specialised shop worth exploring. It is known for Japanese pantry ingredients and products that can be harder to find in a standard supermarket.

• Best for: Japanese cooking ingredients and specialty pantry products.

• Address: 279 Smith Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065.

• Phone: (03) 9417 4531.

• Opening hours: Listed Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; closed Monday.

Why visit: Choose this store if you want a more focused Japanese grocery selection rather than a general Asian supermarket.

6. East West Marketplace

East West Marketplace is a convenient option in Docklands, offering products from several Asian countries, including China, Japan, Korea, Thailand and Malaysia. It also carries everyday items and skincare products.

• Best for: Mixed Asian groceries, snacks and everyday essentials.

• Address: Shop T08, 94 Waterfront Way, Docklands VIC 3008.

• Phone: 0468 893 990.

• Opening hours: Listed as 9:30 a.m.–9 p.m. Monday–Wednesday and Sunday, and until 10 p.m. Thursday–Saturday.

Why visit: It is a practical choice if you live in Docklands or want to shop for products from multiple Asian cuisines in one place.

7. Ichiba Junction Japanese Grocery

For people in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, Ichiba Junction Japanese Grocery offers another option for Japanese food shopping. Its more specialised focus makes it worth considering when you need Japanese ingredients away from the city centre.

• Best for: Japanese groceries and cooking essentials.

• Address: 435 Whitehorse Road, Balwyn VIC 3103.

• Phone: (03) 9836 6537.

• Opening hours: Listed as 9 a.m.–8 p.m. daily.

Why visit: It is a useful alternative to travelling into the CBD for Japanese groceries.

Which Asian grocery store should you choose?

Tips for shopping at Asian grocery stores

• Compare prices between stores, especially for rice, noodles, sauces and frozen products.

• Check labels and ingredients if you have dietary restrictions.

• Visit specialised stores for harder-to-find ingredients such as Japanese miso, Korean gochujang or Thai curry pastes.

• Check opening hours before travelling, as store schedules and product ranges can change.