Do you ever get tired of shopping at the same grocery stores and markets with the same food options? Maybe you even want to dabble in cooking new meals or trying new foods? It may sometimes feel like a chore going to the grocery store. That's why it's important to venture out to different international markets around town.
This list of 10 Asian markets in the Greater New Orleans area will help you embark on a journey of exploring different Asian cuisines, tasting new foods, and even spicing up your cooking at home.
10 Asian Markets in the GNO
1. Hong Kong Food Market
925 Behrman Hwy. #3, Terrytown, (504) 394-7075, facebook.com/hkmfnola
From fresh seafood to exotic Asian snacks that can't be found just anywhere, the Hong Kong Food Market on the Westbank has it all. This massive market also has a huge selection of Asian wine and spirits.
If you're not into cooking but you're looking for fresh Asian meals, they have a variety of pre-made meals like spring rolls, banh mi, and BBQ buns to grab and go. This store has something for everyone.
2. 88 Farmers Market
5990 Lapalco Blvd., Marrero, (504) 302-1321
Another Westbank favorite Asian market, the 88 Farmers Market in Marrero is great option if you're looking for fresh produce, fish, and hard to come by Asian goods. For all the tea lovers out there, check out their variety of different teas to make a homemade boba or matcha tea.
They also have everyone's favorite: fresh Korean BBQ. Along with all of their food options, they also sell household items such as pots, pans, and ornate bowls.
3. Golden City Asian Food Market
2712 N. Arnoult Rd., Metairie, (504) 780-8588, facebook.com/GoldenCityNOLA
This Metairie gem holds all kinds of Asian food treasures. Who doesn't love fresh seafood? Not just any seafood, but kinds that you can't find at a regular grocery store. Lobsters, crabs, mussels, fish, and even sea urchins. You name it, they have it.
Go buy some fresh fish from their market, seaweed paper, and sushi-grade rice to make homemade sushi rolls. Make sure to check out their large selection of sauces to dip your sushi in. Don't forget about grabbing a drink on your way out. The variety of canned juices, coffees, and teas is so big, you have to come back for a second trip.
4. Kien Giang Market
1900 Lafayette St. #10, Gretna, (504) 368-5042
Open seven days a week, the Kien Giang Market is home to fresh vegetables, fruit, fish, and so many Asian goodies. Sometimes it can be hard to find Asian spices at the regular grocery store, but don't worry, this market a huge selection.
Stop by to pick up some spices to make a homemade meal. Don't feel like cooking? Check out their pre-made Asian meals for a quick lunch or dinner.
5. Minh Canh Market
4661 Alcee Fortier Blvd., New Orleans, (504) 253-9840
Looking for an Asian market that isn't in Metairie or the Westbank? Minh Canh Market in the East is a great option for those who don't want to make the commute to outside Orleans Parish. This market may be smaller, but it has just as many options.
Who knew there were so many noodle varieties? They have rice noodles, sweet potato noodles, thin noodles, thick noodles, and ramen noodles. With all those noodle variations you can find here, the cooking possibilities are endless.
6. Viet My Supermarket
4656 Alcee Fortier Blvd., New Orleans, (504) 254-0682
Located right next to Minh Canh Market, Viet My Supermarket is another location for those in the East. Almost all regular supermarkets carry the same variety of fresh produce: apples, bananas, oranges, and other basic fruits, but not Viet My Market.
This market offers so much more. Fresh papaya, rambutans, and saba are some of the exotic fruits on offer that are hard to find.
7. Dong Khanh Oriental Market
3709 Westbank Expressway H, Harvey, (504) 341-3639
This isn't just any Asian market; it's a great supermarket. From Asian snacks to produce to desserts, this market has all things you can possibly be looking for.
The variety of unique Asian desserts is remarkable. They have special Vietnamese desserts from outside suppliers but also tons of packaged desserts that are hard to come by. If you are a sweet treat lover and want to try out some Asian desserts, this is definitely the place for you.
8. Ben Thanh Supermarket
2101 8th St., Harvey, (504) 366-5118
Unlike many of the other Asian markets listed here, they sell po-boys. Not Vietnamese banh mi, but traditional New Orleans po-boys.
It is a smaller Asian market, but it still carries fresh foods, produce, snacks, and all kinds of frozen food items. This spot also has a hot food bar if you are looking for some quick meal options.
9. Oriental Market
3324 Transcontinental Dr., Metairie, (504) 457-4567
Another Metairie market, the options at the Oriental Market are truly endless. Head to this market if you are looking for some of the best Asian pastries, pre-made meals, sauces, and other treats.
The frozen food section has a bunch of Asian specialities like dumplings, buns, tofu, chicken, and so much more. They also sell some beautiful household dishes, chopsticks, and sake cups and glasses.
10. International Market
3940 Barron Street, Metairie, (504) 888-8832
The International Market on Barron Street is home to a variety of different cultural foods and cuisines, but also has tons of Asian options. This market will expand your taste to many other cultures.
Explore and take in the many different goods on offer, including Indian treats, Middle Eastern desserts, Asian spices, Mediterranean, and Latin American cuisines. They sell produce, frozen meals, teas, spices, wines, and pretty much everything you can imagine from other cultures that local grocery stores don't have.
Looking for other international markets?
Although shopping for groceries feels like a mundane activity, spicing up your grocery shopping by dabbling into new cuisines can be a great way to make grocery shopping more exciting. There are many different cultural markets around the city, especially Asian markets.
After trying out some of the best Asian markets, you might even want to expand your horizon to other cultures. If so, check out some more international markets right here in New Orleans.
