88 Oriental Market: Asian Groceries and Prepared Foods in Columbia

What 88 Oriental Market Carries

88 Oriental Market is a full-service Asian grocery store in Columbia that stocks fresh produce, pantry staples, and prepared foods from across East and Southeast Asia. The store carries ingredients you won't find at chain supermarkets: fresh bok choy, gai lan, and bitter melon; multiple varieties of rice and noodles; soy sauce, fish sauce, and oyster sauce from different brands and regions; frozen dumplings, spring rolls, and dim sum; and fresh and frozen seafood including whole fish, shrimp, and squid.

The prepared food section offers ready-to-eat items like roasted chicken, barbecue pork, and steamed buns. The store also stocks Asian snacks, beverages, and frozen desserts. Prices tend to be lower than mainstream grocers for Asian specialty items, since 88 Oriental Market buys directly from distributors rather than through middlemen.

The store is located on Devine Street in Columbia's Five Points neighborhood, an area with other independent grocers and restaurants. Parking is available on the street and in nearby lots. Hours vary by season, so calling ahead before your first visit is worth the time.

Key Takeaways

• 88 Oriental Market stocks fresh Asian vegetables, multiple rice and noodle varieties, and sauces and condiments that mainstream grocers do not carry.
• The store has a prepared food section with roasted meats, dumplings, and steamed buns ready to take home.
• Prices on Asian specialty items are typically lower than chain supermarkets because the store sources directly from distributors.
• The store is in Five Points on Devine Street, with street and lot parking available nearby.

Fresh Produce and Vegetables

88 Oriental Market receives regular shipments of vegetables common in Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, and Filipino cooking. You'll find bok choy, gai lan (Chinese broccoli), bitter melon, long beans, water spinach, and tatsoi. The store also carries Asian pears, dragon fruit, and lychee when in season. Produce quality is high because the store turns inventory quickly—these items move fast.

Prices fluctuate with the season and availability. During peak growing months, Asian vegetables cost less than they do in winter. If you're looking for something specific and don't see it, staff can often order it for you or tell you when the next shipment arrives.

Pantry Staples and Cooking Ingredients

The dry goods section is where 88 Oriental Market distinguishes itself from general grocers. You can choose from jasmine rice, basmati, sticky rice, brown rice, and specialty varieties. Noodle options include ramen, udon, rice noodles, egg noodles, and wheat noodles in multiple thicknesses. The store carries soy sauce from brands like Kikkoman, Pearl River Bridge, and San-J, plus fish sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, and sriracha.

Spice and seasoning aisles stock star anise, Sichuan peppercorns, dried chilies, and pre-made curry pastes. Canned and jarred goods include coconut milk, bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, and pickled vegetables. Oils include sesame oil, peanut oil, and vegetable oil in bulk sizes. Prices on these items are often 20 to 40 percent lower than at mainstream supermarkets, especially on larger containers.

Frozen Foods and Prepared Items

The frozen section holds dumplings, spring rolls, potstickers, and dim sum from brands like Dynasty and Hong Kong style makers. You'll find frozen shrimp, squid, and whole fish. The prepared food counter offers roasted chicken, barbecue pork, steamed buns, and sometimes egg rolls and fried items. These are made fresh or received daily and sold by the piece or by weight.

Prepared items are priced lower than restaurant takeout and higher than raw ingredients—a reasonable middle ground if you want a quick meal without cooking. Quality varies by item and time of day; items made earlier in the day may be fresher than those made at opening.

Beverages and Snacks

88 Oriental Market stocks Asian soft drinks, juices, and ready-to-drink teas that you won't find at chain stores. Brands include Pocari Sweat, Ramune, various bubble tea drinks, and canned Thai iced tea. The snack aisle carries dried seaweed, prawn crackers, rice crackers, and cookies from across Asia. Frozen desserts include mochi ice cream, popsicles, and other treats.

Prices on beverages and snacks are competitive with online retailers but without shipping time or fees. The selection rotates based on what distributors have in stock, so you may find different brands and flavors on different visits.

How to Shop Efficiently

If you're new to the store, spend your first visit browsing without a specific list. Staff are usually willing to answer questions about unfamiliar ingredients or suggest substitutions if something is out of stock. Many items are labeled in English and Chinese, but not all—taking a photo of a recipe or ingredient name on your phone can help you find what you need.

Peak shopping times are weekday evenings and weekend afternoons. If you prefer a quieter experience, visit on weekday mornings. The store accepts cash and cards. Bring your own bags or purchase bags at checkout. If you're buying in bulk—rice, oil, or sauces—ask about volume discounts, which the store sometimes offers on larger quantities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 88 Oriental Market take special orders?

Yes. If you need something specific that isn't in stock, ask a staff member. They can often order items for you, though it may take a week or more depending on the distributor. Call ahead with your request rather than showing up and hoping.

What payment methods does the store accept?

88 Oriental Market accepts both cash and card. There is no minimum purchase for card payments, though some independent grocers prefer cash for small transactions to avoid fees.

Are prices negotiable on bulk purchases?

The store sometimes offers discounts on large quantities of rice, oil, sauces, and other shelf-stable items. Ask a staff member about bulk pricing before you check out. Discounts are not may provide but are worth asking about if you're buying multiple units of the same item.

Can I find ingredients for specific cuisines?

Yes. The store stocks ingredients for Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Filipino, Korean, and Japanese cooking. If you're making a specific dish and need help finding an ingredient, describe it to staff—they often know multiple names for the same item and can point you in the right direction.

Does the store have a website or social media?

88 Oriental Market maintains a limited online presence. Your best option is to call the store directly with questions about current inventory, hours, or special orders. This also lets you confirm they have what you need before making the trip.