Photo courtesy of Kabayan Filipino Store and Cafe, Facebook
Recently, H Mart, the largest Asian grocery store in the country, opened its doors in Dallas, and people who love shopping for Asian goods, particularly the market’s signature viral finds and secret treasures, have been in foodie heaven.
But for those of us who hate standing in line and, for better or worse, dislike crowds or don’t have the desire to hop on every trend, the Dallas-Fort Worth area has a slew of amazing locally-owned and Texas-based Asian markets that deserve our praise and patronage.
Whether you’re a fan of Vietnamese cuisine, Korean dishes, Chinese food, Japanese goods, Indian flavors, or Filipino finds, among other various regional favorites, you can find whatever you need spread out across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Below, we’ve highlighted a handful of local favorites with high ratings and word-of-mouth praise from folks around the area. They may not carry H-Mart’s viral peach ice cream, but their shelves are filled with hand-picked meats, fresh produce, and pantry and freezer goods from around the world. Who knows: you might just find the next viral trend in one of these little bespoke markets.
Courtesy of Shin Chon- Facebook
Shin Chon Korean Market
11422 Harry Hines Blvd #210, Dallas, TX 75229
Located in Shopper’s Alley, Shin Chon Korean Market is known to locals as a no-frills but fabulous Korean grocery and dining destination. The magic of Shin Chon is that it combines a simple neighborhood market with an authentic Asian food court. It has become a staple for locals seeking Korean ingredients, ready-to-eat meals, and specialty products not found in mainstream supermarkets.
The market features a curated selection of Korean groceries, including sauces, noodles, frozen foods, meats, and traditional snacks. Customers, many of whom live in the neighborhood, appreciate its availability of specialty items and fresh produce used in Korean cooking. The food court offers a variety of dishes such as ramen, fish cake soup, and kimbap—which has been praised time and again for its flavor and authenticity. Stalls like Moriya Shokudo have earned local acclaim for serving some of the best ramen in the Dallas–Fort Worth area.
Shin Chon is often described as cozy and community-oriented, with friendly staff and a welcoming environment. Visitors enjoy its blend of grocery shopping and dining, which creates a mini “Korea-town” experience within the Harry Hines Boulevard commercial corridor. It is considered a hidden gem for those wanting authentic Korean food and culture without leaving Dallas.
With an average rating above 4.5 across multiple online platforms, Shin Chon Korean Market is recognized for affordability and quality. While it doesn’t have the seemingly endless variety of larger chains like H Mart or Komart, it offers a distinctive local charm and competitive pricing on imported goods. The combination of grocery and eatery has made it a must-visit spot for food lovers exploring Dallas.
Hong Kong Market Place
2615 W Pioneer Pkwy, Grand Prairie, TX 75051, and 29780 Walnut St., Suite 360, Dallas, TX 75243
Hong Kong Market Place is a large Asian supermarket, based in Arlington, that opened its first DFW location within Asia Times Square in Grand Prairie. Established in 1985, it has become a central hub for Asian groceries and cultural experiences in North Texas, known for its extensive selection of international foods and community-focused events. In the spring of 2025, the popular market opened a second location in Dallas.
Over the years, this Texas-based business has expanded through community support into one of the region’s largest Asian grocery destinations. It offers products from across Asia—including China, Vietnam, Japan, Korea, Thailand, and the Philippines—alongside African and European specialty imports.
The store features dedicated departments for fresh seafood, meats, produce, herbs, and dry goods. Live seafood such as lobster, crab, and tilapia complements its variety of imported sauces, snacks, and beverages. Home cooks also love the kitchenware (like their variety of woks) and traditional health items like ginseng and herbal ointments.
Hong Kong Market Place anchors the Asia Times Square retail complex, which promotes cultural exchange through food and events. It organizes annual festivities such as the Mid-Autumn Festival and the HKMKT NightMKT—a free-entry night market celebrating the store’s anniversary with street food, entertainment, and vendor showcases.
Yes, Hong Kong Market Place is a grocery store, but the market fosters a sense of community among diverse DFW residents. Its combination of fresh meats and seafood, authentic curated goods and specialty imports, and cultural events has positioned it as both a shopping destination and a bridge connecting Asian traditions with Texas life.
Kazy’s Gourmet Shop
9256 Markville Dr., Dallas, TX 75243
Someone had to be first, and it was Kazy’s. Opened in 1982, Kazy’s Gourmet Shop was the area’s very first Japanese grocery store and seafood wholesaler in Dallas. Family-owned since its founding, it is recognized as the city’s key supplier of sushi-grade fish to local restaurants and home chefs’ dinner tables. The shop also features a retail market and sushi bar serving out-of-this-world, made-to-order meals.
Originally opened by Kazuya Kurokawa, Kazy’s began as a wholesale distributor providing fresh and frozen seafood to Dallas-area sushi chefs. Over time, it expanded into a public retail market offering Japanese groceries, teas, tableware, and cooking tools. Its remodel in the late 2010s introduced an updated façade and refreshed sushi bar while maintaining its “hidden-gem” appeal.
Kazy’s remains HACCP-certified and continues to supply high-quality seafood to restaurants throughout North Texas. Retail customers can purchase the same sushi-grade fish for home use or enjoy lunch options such as sashimi, udon, and teriyaki bowls from the in-store sushi counter. The business also stocks specialty Hawaiian imports, including Aloha Shoyu and Portuguese sausage, so the 28th state can enjoy some 50th state staples.
While Kazy’s has a modern website and clean commercial storefront, underneath the shiny exterior, it also serves as a community bridge between Japanese culture and modern Texas. Its combination of grocery, sushi bar, and wholesale operation connects local diners with authentic Japanese flavors at accessible prices, contributing to the area’s growing appreciation for Japanese cuisine.
Desi Bros. Farmers Market
100 Central Expy Suite 26C, Richardson, Texas
Located in Richardson Heights Village, Desi Brothers Farmers Market is an Indian and South Asian grocery store that’s part of the Austin-based Desi Brothers chain. This fresh-produce-focused market is also known for its wide variety of authentic Indian, South Asian, and Middle Eastern groceries, serving as a hub for the region’s multicultural community.
The Richardson location opened in August 2023 as the brand’s first North Texas store, expanding its footprint beyond Austin. The opening was celebrated with a community event and has since become a go-to destination for Indian and Middle Eastern groceries.
The market specializes in a broad selection of South Asian groceries, including staples such as basmati rice, dals, spices, frozen foods, and snacks. It also carries fresh produce, bakery items, sweets, and pooja (religious) supplies, catering to both household and festive needs. Many of its products are sourced from trusted Indian brands and are curated to maintain traditional flavor and quality.
Desi Brothers Farmers Market makes it easy to shop however you prefer. You can browse the aisles in person or order online, with same-day home delivery available through services like Quicklly. The focus is on keeping things convenient and high-quality without losing that neighborhood-market feel, so it still feels like a community space—even if you’re an introvert who loves shopping from your couch.
With an average rating above 4.5 from local reviewers, the store is praised for its cleanliness, organized layout, and wide selection of authentic goods and produce. While we all love big Indian markets like Patel Bros, it’s nice to see a Texas-based Indian market that seamlessly blends traditional South Asian grocery shopping with modern retail capabilities.
Kabayan Filipino Store & Cafe
2305 S State Hwy 121, Ste 165, Lewisville, TX 75067, and 19009 Preston Rd #209, Dallas, TX 75252
Kabayan Filipino Store & Cafe is a Filipino grocery and dining spot with two locations in Lewisville and Dallas, offering an authentic taste of Philippine cuisine and culture to the community. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and traditional home-style dishes, it has become a go-to gathering place for both Filipino expatriates and local food lovers.
Founded in 2016 by Noelito “Jojo” Villanueva, Kabayan began as a way to provide Filipino goods and meals to a growing Filipino-American population in North Texas. The word “Kabayan” means “fellow countryman” in Tagalog, which fits with the stores’ vibe and spirit. The cafe soon evolved from a small store into a hub (and then two) for Filipino cuisine and social events.
The establishment serves a variety of popular Filipino dishes such as pork adobo, crispy lechon, lumpia (Filipino egg rolls), pork BBQ skewers, and halo-halo, a shaved ice dessert with tropical toppings. Meals are served cafeteria-style, emphasizing affordability and homemade flavor. The adjoining grocery section sells authentic Filipino products—sauces, noodles, pastries, and specialty snacks—rarely found in mainstream supermarkets.
With an average rating of 4.5 stars from its customers, Kabayan has certainly made its way from humble beginnings. This casual and community-oriented spot, with its down-to-earth, friendly staff and occasional live music, feels more like a neighborhood hub than a store. You’ll hear people describe it as a “hidden gem” or a place that reminds them of home, especially if they love delectable Filipino food.
