How to Do Your Holiday Shopping at an East Asian Supermarket

For years, a ceramic tea mug with an infuser top was my parents’ go-to gift for teachers, hairdressers, and other casual acquaintances — basically anyone who qualified for a $20 or under “it’s the thought that counts” type of gift. While everyone currently clamors for a Stanley or whatever the status mug might be at the moment, these ceramic mugs provide a more quaint experience: all that keeps your beverage warm is a lid on top. This design in particular recalls those childhood gifting moments — it’s a “classic” porcelain pattern — but for a slightly more modern feel, the blue and white dragon sticks out nicely. — EDJ

The Japanese 3-D block company Nanoblock is seemingly ubiquitous now (there’s a whole section dedicated to them at my local Japanese supermarket), many nodding to Pokemon and anime characters. But among their food-dedicated offerings are mini sets dedicated to sushi, chocolate, and burgers and fries. The sets are true to their name; the tiny blocks make a finished product usually just inches tall, which makes the item a great stocking stuffer and the completed project a fun little desk accessory. I’m partial to this ramen set, which looks just like the emoji. — EDJ

This set of Malaysian teas from Boh — which I’ve seen on shelves at 99 Ranch before — is perfect for a tea enthusiast in search of variety and bold, fruity flavors. I’ve gifted this exact pack before and it’s always a crowd-pleaser thanks to the strength of the tea, the unique aromas of each blend, and the options between caffeinated and caffeine-free sachets. Of all the teas in this gift box, my personal favorite is the lychee rose tea that bursts with juicy lychee notes and a hint of floral rose, but the earl grey with tangerine and passion fruit teas also offer unique and fragrant sips. — KT

A beautiful serving bowl or other dish always makes for an appreciated hostess gift, and most Asian markets will have a decent selection, from items designed for everyday to those that look more “special occasion.” Consider this Japanese-made ceramic serving bowl that can also double as your countertop fruit bowl. — EDJ

A box of Ferrero Rocher 

I’m not exactly sure when Ferrero Rocher became the go-to holiday gift, but now they’re everywhere: at pharmacies, Costco, and yes, even your local Asian grocery store. Perhaps it’s the dazzling gold foil that makes these chocolate bon bons look like holiday ornaments, or the luxurious and robust flavor of hazelnut. Whatever the case, no one is ever disappointed to receive a box of Ferrero Rocher. — KT

If you have a meal prepper on your list, consider upgrading their take-out container collection with a new lunchbox set. The Dorbo Neko two-tied bento box from the Kyoto-based Bento&Co includes one food compartment with an insert to separate mains and sides, while the lid features a silicone gasket to securely fasten the lid. It’s plastic — so dishwasher and microwave safe — but a hand-sanded design detail on the side adds texture to mimic the look of charcoal. Pair the box with a set of wooden chopsticks and spoons if you like; either way, it makes sad desk lunches feel slightly less sad. — EDJ

I was taught to never show up empty-handed when visiting someone else’s home, and that a surefire host gift is fresh fruit. My fruit of preference are Korean pears; they’re golden and juicy, travel well, and are always packaged in an impressive way thanks to all the foam netting used to protect them. A box of tangerines, however, are also a welcome, auspicious symbol. — KT

Any stationery enthusiast already knows that Asian supermarkets are full of gems: military-precise ballpoint and paint pens, delicate papers and notepads, sticky notes in unexpected shapes, planners and calendars, washi tape. I’m particularly a sucker for die-cut letter sets like this one from Furukawa Paper, which often come in food shapes (I have a set devoted to retro milk jugs and another to tinned fish). The brand also makes sticky notepads and stickers in similar edible themes. — EDJ

No one’s going to be mad at receiving candy in their stocking; but gifters get bonus points for harder-to-find flavors or introducing something new. My all-time favorite gummy candy are the Japanese Kasuagi Frutia brand (particularly the peach and strawberry flavors), though other solid, ubiquitous options include the cola-flavored Fettuccine and the sour-fruity Pure brands. — EDJ

If you’ve ever sipped Thai tea in any capacity, the chances of you drinking Cha Tra Mue are extremely high. This is one of — if not the — most trusted brand of Thai tea in all of Thailand. This vanilla-scented assam tea is great for making large batches of Thai tea, but I love incorporating it into desserts like butter mochi and tea-ramisu. Just know the tea is quite strong; a little goes a long way. — KT

Every year, blind boxes are a go-to stocking stuffer between my husband and I— it’s  guaranteed that an East Asian supermarket will have some of these near the register, usually highlighting the popular anime of the moment. But food’s a frequent theme as well, and I love this Animal Bread option as it has a functional use purpose (I can always use more fridge decor, tbh); there are also boxes devoted to everything from “secret tea time” to breakfast.  — EDJ

If you, like me, have been mesmerized by the subset of Reels and TikToks that involves creating hyper-stylized bentos for kids, Japanese supermarkets are the best place to find all the cutters, molds, and punches that one would need. I’m most likely to use rice ball molds as opposed to finicky little star-shaped hole punches; this sea animal themed set includes three molds and a cutter mat. — EDJ

You’ve likely seen the extremely cute Iwako eraser sets before: They tend to sit near the checkout at supermarkets, toy stores, stationery shops, and boutiques that sell anything someone might consider a gift. I have several of these, including the “Chinese dim sum” set and the “Japanese sweets” grouping, on display on random surfaces throughout my house. Can’t say I’ve ever attempted to erase something with them, but that’s clearly not the point.  — EDJ