Asian Aisles Food Market in Columbia: What to Find and How to Shop

What Asian Aisles Food Market carries

Asian Aisles Food Market is a full-service grocery store in Columbia that stocks ingredients, prepared foods, and household items from across Asia—primarily China, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, Korea, and the Philippines. The store occupies a single large space on Devine Street and organizes products by country and category rather than by the Western grocery store layout most shoppers expect.

The produce section carries vegetables and herbs you won't find at chain supermarkets: bitter melon, bok choy, Chinese broccoli, fresh lemongrass, Thai basil, and seasonal items that change with what's available from suppliers. The refrigerated cases hold fresh tofu in multiple textures, fish cakes, Vietnamese cold cuts, and prepared items like spring rolls and dumplings ready to steam or fry at home.

The dry goods aisles stock rice in 5-, 10-, and 25-pound bags; multiple varieties of noodles (ramen, rice noodles, egg noodles, glass noodles); canned vegetables and fruits; coconut milk; fish sauce; soy sauce; oyster sauce; and spice blends. The frozen section includes dim sum, bao, frozen seafood, and prepared entrées. A small section near the front carries snacks, candies, and beverages popular in Asian markets.

Key Takeaways

• Asian Aisles stocks fresh produce and ingredients specific to Asian cuisines that chain groceries do not carry, including fresh herbs, specialty vegetables, and tofu varieties.
• The store organizes products by country and ingredient type rather than following Western grocery store sections, so first-time shoppers should allow extra time to locate items.
• Bulk rice, noodles, and sauces are available at lower per-unit costs than packaged versions at chain stores, making the market practical for regular cooking.
• Staff can answer questions about unfamiliar ingredients and suggest preparation methods, which is especially useful if you are new to cooking with Asian ingredients.

Location and hours

Asian Aisles Food Market is located on Devine Street in Columbia's Five Points neighborhood, a walkable area with street parking and nearby restaurants and shops. The store is open six days a week, typically closing on Mondays; hours are generally 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Hours can shift seasonally or for holidays, so calling ahead is wise if you are making a special trip.

The store is small enough to navigate in 20 to 30 minutes if you know what you want, but browsing and exploring new products can easily take an hour. Parking is street-level and shared with neighboring businesses; during peak evening hours (after 5 p.m.) spaces fill quickly.

What to expect on your first visit

The layout differs from chain supermarkets in ways that can feel disorienting at first. Rather than produce, dairy, and meat in separate zones, items are grouped by origin country and ingredient type. The front of the store holds snacks and beverages; the middle sections contain dry goods, canned items, and sauces; refrigerated cases line the back and sides; and frozen items occupy a dedicated freezer section.

If you arrive looking for a specific ingredient and cannot find it, ask a staff member. They often know whether an item is in stock, where it is shelved, and whether a substitute exists. Many shoppers come with a list of ingredients for a recipe and leave with suggestions for similar products that work just as well.

Prices are generally lower than chain groceries for bulk items like rice and noodles, but comparable or slightly higher for fresh produce and prepared foods. The store accepts cash and card payments.

Produce and fresh items to look for

The produce section rotates with seasons and supplier availability, so what is in stock varies week to week. Year-round staples include bok choy, gai lan (Chinese broccoli), daikon radish, and fresh ginger. In warmer months, expect bitter melon, long beans, Thai basil, Vietnamese mint, and fresh turmeric root. The herb section usually includes cilantro, scallions, and chives alongside less common varieties.

Fresh tofu comes in soft, medium, and firm textures, and the store sometimes carries specialty varieties like silken tofu for desserts or pressed tofu for stir-frying. The refrigerated cases also hold fresh fish, shrimp, and prepared items like Vietnamese pâté, Chinese sausage, and fresh spring rolls.

Pantry staples and bulk options

If you cook Asian food regularly, buying staples here saves money over time. Rice comes in 5-, 10-, and 25-pound bags in varieties like jasmine, white, brown, and sticky rice. Noodles include fresh and dried ramen, thin rice noodles for pho, thick rice noodles for pad thai, egg noodles, and glass noodles for soups and stir-fries.

Sauces and condiments occupy several shelves: soy sauce (light and dark), oyster sauce, fish sauce, hoisin, sriracha, chili pastes, and sesame oil. Canned goods include bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, baby corn, straw mushrooms, and various vegetables in brine. Coconut milk, both full-fat and lite versions, is stocked in multiple brands.

Frozen and prepared foods

The frozen section offers dim sum (har gow, siu mai, and other varieties), bao (steamed buns with pork, red bean, or other fillings), potstickers, spring rolls, and egg rolls. Frozen seafood includes shrimp, squid, and fish. Some prepared entrées are available frozen, though the selection changes seasonally.

These items are meant to be cooked at home—steamed, fried, or boiled—rather than eaten as-is. Most cook in 10 to 15 minutes, making them practical for weeknight meals.

Tips for shopping efficiently

Bring a list organized by ingredient type rather than by store section, since the layout does not follow Western grocery conventions. If you are unfamiliar with an ingredient, write down the recipe name or the dish you want to make; staff can point you toward what you need and suggest brands or quantities.

Peak shopping times are weekday evenings after 5 p.m. and weekend afternoons. If you prefer a quieter experience, visit mid-morning on a weekday. The store can run out of popular fresh items like certain vegetables or prepared foods on busy days, so arriving earlier in the week increases your chances of finding what you want.

If you cannot find an item, ask whether it can be ordered. The store sometimes brings in specialty products on request, though timing and availability depend on suppliers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know how to cook Asian food to shop here?

No. Staff can suggest how to prepare unfamiliar ingredients and recommend products for specific dishes. Many shoppers come in with a recipe and leave with everything they need plus cooking tips. The store also carries prepared items like dumplings and spring rolls if you want to skip the cooking step.

What payment methods does the store accept?

Asian Aisles accepts both cash and card payments. There is no minimum purchase requirement.

Can I find ingredients for specific cuisines, like Vietnamese or Thai?

Yes. The store stocks ingredients for Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Filipino cooking. If you are looking for something specific to one cuisine and cannot find it, ask a staff member—they may have it in stock under a different brand or location, or can tell you whether it is available.

Are prices higher than at chain supermarkets?

Bulk items like rice and noodles are usually cheaper per pound than packaged versions at chain stores. Fresh produce and prepared foods are comparable or slightly higher. Specialty ingredients that chain stores do not carry have no direct price comparison, but are generally less expensive than ordering online with shipping.

What are the best times to visit if I want to avoid crowds?

Weekday mornings and early afternoons are quieter than evenings and weekends. If you are shopping for fresh produce or prepared items, arriving earlier in the week increases your chances of finding full selection, since popular items can sell out on busy days.