Asian Grocery Store Near Me: Prices, Tips & Best Irish Stores

There’s a moment every cook knows: you’re halfway through a recipe and realise you need gochujang, fish sauce, or fresh lemongrass, and the local supermarket doesn’t stock it, so you start searching for an Asian grocery store near you. In Dublin, the scene is surprisingly rich, and knowing which market to visit can save you time, broaden your pantry, and often cut your grocery bill.

Tofu (900g) at Asia Market: €3.20 (HappyCow user reviews) ·
Han Sung meal deal: Under €10 for a plate with three sides, rice, and soup (Education in Ireland Blog) ·
Asia Market hours: Mon–Sun 10:00–18:00 (HappyCow)

The following table summarizes key facts about the main Asian grocery stores in Dublin.

Is the Asian market cheaper than the grocery store?

Cost comparison on staple items

• Rice – typically 20–30% cheaper at Asian markets than at Tesco or Dunnes (YouTube: Asia Market walkthrough)
• Noodles – 15–25% less for imported brands
• Spices and condiments – wider selection and lower per-unit prices

Why Asian markets often beat mainstream prices

Asian grocery stores import directly from producers and buy in bulk, passing savings to customers. A 900g block of tofu at Asia Market costs around €3.20, whereas the same weight at a mainstream supermarket can run €5–€6 (HappyCow). The pattern holds for soy sauce, rice vinegar, and curry pastes.

When mainstream supermarkets offer better deals

For dairy, bread, and fresh meat, Irish supermarkets like Tesco and Dunnes Stores often have lower prices due to scale. The trade-off: you’ll pay more for the specialty ingredients that make Asian cooking authentic.

Two stores, one pattern: Asian markets win on specialty staples, but mainstream stores lead on everyday Western groceries.

Is H Mart Chinese or Korean?

H Mart’s origins and ownership

H Mart is a Korean-American supermarket chain founded in 1982 in New York by Korean immigrants (H Mart official site). It remains family-owned and is the largest Korean grocery chain in the United States.

Korean-American grocery chain identity

While H Mart carries products from across Asia, its core identity is Korean. Its stores feature extensive Korean banchan, fresh seafood, and a bakery section that draws from Korean food culture.

Differences between Chinese, Korean, and Japanese grocery stores

• Chinese – focus on dim sum ingredients, wok-ready vegetables, and dried goods (e.g., 99 Ranch)
• Korean – heavy on banchan, Korean BBQ meats, gochujang, and kimchi (e.g., H Mart)
• Japanese – fine teas, dashi, miso, and Panko breadcrumbs (e.g., Mitsuwa)

The distinction matters for shoppers seeking specific Korean ingredients: Han Sung fills the gap in Dublin.

What is so special about H Mart?

Product selection and quality

H Mart is known for its high-quality fresh produce, live seafood tanks, and an enormous array of Korean banchan. The chain operates over 90 stores in the US and Canada (H Mart official site).

In-store experience and prepared foods

Many H Mart locations house food courts, bakeries, and hot deli counters. The experience is designed to be a destination, not just a shop.

H Mart locations and expansion

H Mart has been expanding steadily but has not entered the Irish market. For now, Dubliners rely on local alternatives like Asia Market and Han Sung for comparable Korean products.

For now, Dublin’s Asian markets offer a comparable experience without a dedicated H Mart.

What are the biggest supermarkets in Ireland?

Market share leaders

Tesco holds the largest share of the Irish grocery market, followed by Dunnes Stores and SuperValu. Kantar data for 2023 shows Tesco at 22.5%, Dunnes at 21.3%, and SuperValu at 20.0% (Kantar Worldpanel Ireland).

Store count and geographic spread

Tesco operates 164 stores in Ireland (Tesco Ireland). Dunnes runs 117 stores (Dunnes Stores), and SuperValu has 223 mostly franchised outlets (SuperValu).

Comparison with Asian grocery store presence

Asian grocery stores in Ireland are still a niche segment, concentrated in urban centres. Dublin alone has at least 10 dedicated Asian markets, while Limerick and Drogheda each have several. The sector is growing rapidly, driven by increased demand for Korean and Japanese ingredients.

The growth of Asian markets signals a shift in Irish grocery shopping habits.

What is the Irish equivalent of M&S?

Comparing premium retailers

Marks & Spencer is known for high-quality own-brand food. In Ireland, the closest equivalent is Dunnes Stores, which offers premium own-label ranges such as “Dunnes Stores Simply Better” and “Fior Bhia” (Dunnes Stores).

Dunnes Stores’ premium lines

Dunnes operates 117 stores across Ireland and competes directly with M&S on quality, especially for fresh produce and ready meals.

How Asian grocery stores fill a similar niche

Asian grocery stores offer premium imported goods that mainstream supermarkets rarely stock – real Korean gochujang, Japanese dashi, and fresh Thai basil. For Irish foodies, these stores serve as the specialist equivalent of a premium grocer for Asian cuisine.

What are the big 3 supermarkets?

Global context: big 3 in the UK

In the United Kingdom, the “big three” are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Asda (Wikipedia).

In Ireland: big 3 are Tesco, Dunnes, SuperValu

These three control over 60% of the Irish grocery market. Their strength lies in convenience, own-brand products, and loyalty programmes.

Relevance to Asian grocery shoppers

None of the big three offer the range of Asian ingredients that specialist markets do. For example, you won’t find fresh galangal, kaffir lime leaves, or Korean rice cakes on Tesco’s standard shelves. That’s where the Asian market wins – by filling a gap the big chains ignore.

This comparison highlights why dedicated Asian grocery stores are essential for authentic cooking.

First-time shopper guide: how to navigate an Asian grocery store

1. Start with the produce section – Look for fresh lemongrass, Thai basil, bok choy, and galangal. These are often cheaper and fresher than at mainstream stores.
2. Head to the sauce aisle – Soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and curry pastes are core. Check the labels for authentic brands (e.g., Maggi for soy, Red Boat for fish sauce).
3. Explore the frozen aisle – Frozen dumplings, spring rolls, and mochi are excellent value. Asia Market’s frozen section is particularly well-stocked.
4. Don’t skip the snack aisle – Pocky, shrimp crackers, and Korean corn dogs are found here. Great for a treat.
5. Ask for help – Staff are usually happy to explain unfamiliar products. In Dublin, the team at Asia Market is known for being helpful.
6. Bring cash or card – Most Asian markets accept cards, but smaller ones may prefer cash. Check before you shop.

“Asia Market is handy but pricey for basics. For everyday items like rice and noodles, Vegspot Groceries is better value.”

— Reddit Dublin user, in a thread about best Asian grocery stores (r/Dublin)

“Founded in 1981, Asia Market is the ultimate one-stop destination for the complete Asian Food variety in Ireland.”

— Asia Market website (Asia Market)

“H Mart is a Korean-American supermarket chain that provides quality Asian foods and products.”

— H Mart About Us page (H Mart official site)

For a comprehensive overview of top chains, hours, and delivery options, check out this guide on Asian grocery store near me.

Frequently asked questions

For Dublin cooks who want authentic Asian flavours without paying a premium, the choice is simple: shop at Asia Market or Han Sung for core ingredients and use Tesco for dairy and bread. The savings on rice, noodles, and spices alone can add up to €20–€30 per month. For the rest of Ireland, online delivery from Asia Market makes the same quality accessible even outside the capital.