The Bay Area is experiencing an absolute explosion of Asian mega-markets, and honestly, it’s the best thing that’s happened to our snack culture in years. From the massive H Mart that just opened in Dublin (drawing 10,000 people on day one) to Tokyo Central’s chaotic two-hour opening-day lines in Emeryville, these aren’t just grocery stores, they’re cultural landmarks that are reshaping how we eat.

This surge isn’t random. Asian Americans are the fastest-growing ethnic group in the United States, and Americans overall are obsessed with Asian culture, from K-pop to anime to mukbang videos. The numbers back it up: as recently as 2024, sales of Asian and ethnic food items in groceries grew almost four times faster than overall grocery sales. We’re not just grabbing generic “Asian food” anymore, people are actively seeking out Korean tteokbokki, Filipino adobo, and Malaysian rendang with the enthusiasm of seasoned travelers.

We decided to hit up some of the Bay Area’s most popular mega-markets and taste-test their snack selection. What we discovered was a jaw-dropping variety of treats that go way beyond what you’d find at your typical Safeway.

At Tokyo Central in Emeryville, the dehydrated shiitake mushroom snacks ($7) were addictive little crunchy balloons that’ll definitely make you thirsty. Their matcha churro ($3) hit different, that perfect fusion of Mexican and Japanese that somehow just works. If you’re into sushi, grab one of their fresh sashimi trays, which sometimes feature rare sea urchin at a discount.

H Mart’s food court delivered serious value with Korean dosirak boxes ($11.99) packed with protein, spicy rice, and multiple banchan sides. Their snack aisle is basically a playground: Pepero chocolate sticks with K-pop star faces for the younger crowd, Korean-style Turtle Chips that taste like sweet-and-spicy chicken, and Homerun Ball chocolate puffs that are perfect for ballpark trips.

99 Ranch Market in Richmond offered roasted duck ($18 for a half) that was juicy and reasonably priced, plus shelf after shelf of wild chip flavors like cucumber, yuzu, and Asian BBQ. Osaka Marketplace’s matcha mochi donuts ($3.50) and daifuku packets ($5.99) are legitimately dangerous if you have any self-control issues.

Mega Mart’s ramen onanda ($2) and Basque cheesecake baked in kabocha squash ($6) showcase how these stores are constantly pushing creativity. Mitsuwa in San Jose functions like an entire Japantown under one roof, complete with a food court and 18 different mochi flavors. And if you’re looking for Indian groceries, New India Bazar stocks everything from countless chutney varieties ($2.99 each) to freshly made paneer specialties.

The best part? These places are actually affordable. You can grab a full meal and several snacks without breaking the bank. Next time you’re craving something beyond basic grocery-store fare, skip the chains and hit up one of these megastores. Your taste buds, and your wallet, will thank you.