Jarern Chai Asian Grocer – Sydney, NSW

Palisa Anderson and the Chat Thai/Boon Cafe team are behind Jarern Chai Asian Grocer. Let’s get one thing straight – this isn’t your regular cramped maze of overflowing shelves. Jarern Chai is more Asian Eataly than supermarket; think industrial chandeliers, chic typography and plate glass windows behind which lives exotic produce and elusive smallgoods. Paradise pears, Thai chillies and banana bells spill out of hessian-lined crates. There’s traditional metal tiffins and stylish metal sieves, too. The best part? Boon cafe is onsite to sate any mid-shopping munchies, one fried chicken and papaya salad sandwich at a time. 425 Pitt St, Sydney http://www.booncafe.com/

Chan’s Asian Supermarket ­– Erina, NSW

Central Coasties need not schlep over to Sydney for their Asian grocery stock-up. Chan’s is crammed with everything you need to recreate the magic of your recent overseas indulgences including tofu, noodles, fish balls, teas, crockery, fresh Asian produce, plus Peking Duck and BBQ Pork. You’re one step closer to bringing yum cha back to your place – DIY Lazy Susan. Shop 3 Erina Mall, 216 Central Coast Hwy, Erina http://www.asiansupermarket.com.au/

Thai Kee IGA X-Press Supermarket – Haymarket, NSW

Fresh fruit and veg hails directly from Thai Kee’s close friends at Flemington Markets. You’ll be able to nab everything from holy basil to lemongrass and durian. As well as IGA’s regular supermarket stalwarts, there’s products and kitchenware from all corners: Japanese bento boxes, miso bowls and dashi; Vietnamese clay pots, fresh egg noodles and pho ingredients; and kim chi plus all the spices you need to make your own KFC (Korean Fried Chicken). And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Level 1 Market City, 9-13 Hay St, Haymarket http://www.thaikee.com.au/

Minh Phat ­Asian Supermarket – Richmond VIC

Since 1988, Minh Phat has been serving the good people of Richmond, opening as an offshoot of their popular store opposite the Queen Vic Markets. This behemoth of a grocer offers everything you could ever need in the way of Asian goods: there’s aisles dedicated to just tea or noodles next to the more exotic tea-tree mushrooms, duck eggs and shrimp skins. It’s here you can stock up on all your claypots, knives and crockery, too. 2-8 Nicholson St, Abbotsford

Hometown Asian Supermarket – Melbourne, VIC

With a focus on Japanese and Malaysian cuisines, Hometown is a step above. There’s hand-rolled udon noodles arriving straight from Japan, the much touted Kurobata pork and a stunning range of sake and umeshu (plum wine) greeting you at the door, the latter of which most make the trip for on its own. Sweets, including a huge selection of moon cakes come the season, also abound. Shop 2, 440 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne

KT Mart – Melbourne, VIC

Korea Town, or KT Mart to those in the know, is a well-stocked supermarket, particularly when it comes to all things Korean. There’s pickles and fresh kim-chi aplenty and enough chilli paste to send your senses into meltdown at a swift glance. And, there’s no shortage of dumplings or gyoza either for that last minute party platter or midnight snack. KT Mart also draws in the masses thanks to its exhaustive selection of speciality rice on offer from right throughout the continent. 600 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne

Hong Lan Asian Food & Seafood – West End, QLD

It’s easy to underestimate Hong Lan but beneath its fading façade and peeling paint lies a treasure trove of ingredients. Think spices, noodles, rice, roti, tapioca, rice paper, Chinese buns and durian cake. There’s also a green produce section packed with herbs and veg, a vast freezer aisle and a hefty range of seafood.
56 Vulture Street, West End

Hong Kong Supermarket – Clayton, VIC

The self-proclaimed home to the largest selection of Asian grocery items in Melbourne is Hong Kong Supermarket. As its name suggests, the shopping space hosts a range of edible goods from Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Korea and more. Since 1989, Hong Kong Supermarket has delivered asian goodies (including liquor, cooking equipment, medicine, snacks and an impressive deli range) to the masses. 395-365 Clayton Rd, Clayton
www.hongkongsupermarket.com.au

TANG Asian Food Emporium – Melbourne, VIC

Melbourne CBD institution Tang was formerly known as the Great Eastern Food Centre. And while its name may have changed, its focus on quality Asian edible delights has not. For 35 years, the community supermarket has been dishing out Asian delicacies from 10am to 11pm each day. Among its extensive stock you’ll find regional foods that range from noodles to tea, sauce and sweets.  There are also plenty of frozen dishes and a decent sake and plum wine collection to boot. 185 Russel St, Melbourne
www.tangfoodemporium.com.au

VHT Perth – Perth, WA

Considering it prides itself on being a ‘one stop shop for all your Asian food needs’, you would expect VHT Perth to know a thing or two about regional Asian flavours. Since 1983, the supermarket has imported a range of quality asian products for both the public and hospitality sectors, ranging from the dried and the frozen to fresh produce. But the jewel in the VHT crown may be the outlet’s ongoing reputation for affordability. 412 William St, Perth
www.vhtperth.com