Han's Asian Market in Columbia: Fresh Produce, Specialty Ingredients, and Hard-to-Find Staples

What Han's Asian Market carries and where to find it

Han's Asian Market is a full-service grocery in Columbia that stocks fresh produce, meat, seafood, and pantry items focused on Asian cuisines—primarily Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Southeast Asian ingredients. The store is located at 7620 Two Notch Road in the Shandon area, about ten minutes northeast of downtown. You'll find everything from fresh bok choy and ginger root to frozen dumplings, soy sauce varieties, rice noodles, and specialty sauces that are difficult to locate at conventional supermarkets.

The produce section rotates with the seasons and includes items like bitter melon, luffa squash, fresh turmeric, and Thai basil alongside more common vegetables. The meat counter offers pork cuts suited to Asian cooking—including pork belly and bone-in chicken thighs—and the seafood section carries fresh and frozen options like whole fish, shrimp, and squid. The frozen section is extensive, with dumplings, spring rolls, and prepared items from multiple brands.

Key Takeaways

• Han's stocks fresh Asian produce, specialty proteins, and pantry staples that mainstream grocery stores often don't carry or carry in limited quantities.
• The store is located on Two Notch Road in Columbia's Shandon neighborhood and is open most days, though hours vary by season.
• Prices on specialty items are typically lower than Asian sections in chain supermarkets, especially for bulk purchases of rice, noodles, and sauces.
• The store accepts cash and cards, and parking is available in the shopping center lot.

Produce and fresh ingredients you won't find everywhere

The produce selection changes based on what's in season and what suppliers have available. In spring and summer, you'll find fresh herbs like Thai basil, cilantro with roots attached, and Vietnamese coriander. Year-round staples include multiple varieties of ginger, fresh turmeric root, galangal, lemongrass, and garlic in bulk. The leafy greens section includes bok choy, gai lan (Chinese broccoli), water spinach, and mustard greens in varieties you won't see at Food Lion or Publix.

Root vegetables and squashes rotate seasonally but often include bitter melon, fuzzy melon, long beans, and various Asian squash varieties. If you're cooking Vietnamese pho, Thai curry, or Chinese stir-fry regularly, Han's makes it possible to buy exactly what a recipe calls for rather than substituting. Prices per pound are competitive, and the turnover is fast enough that produce stays fresh.

Meat and seafood for Asian cooking

The meat counter sells pork in cuts optimized for Asian dishes—pork belly with skin, pork shoulder, and bone-in pieces that work better for broth-based dishes than boneless cuts. Chicken is available whole or in parts, with bone-in thighs and drumsticks more common than boneless breasts. Beef is stocked in thin-sliced cuts suitable for hot pot or stir-fry, and ground pork is available fresh daily.

The seafood section includes whole fish (often tilapia, carp, or snapper depending on the day), fresh shrimp, squid, and frozen options like fish cakes and fish balls used in soups. Prices are generally lower than specialty seafood shops, and staff can clean and fillet fish to order if you ask. The frozen seafood section is reliable for items like frozen scallops and pre-cooked shrimp when fresh isn't available.

Pantry staples and sauces

The dry goods section is where Han's becomes indispensable for regular Asian cooking. You'll find multiple brands and types of rice—jasmine, short-grain, sticky rice, and specialty varieties—often in bulk sizes that cost less per pound than smaller packages at chain stores. Noodle selection includes fresh egg noodles, dried rice noodles, wheat noodles, and ramen in various thicknesses. Dried mushrooms, wood ear fungus, and other ingredients for soups and stir-fries are stocked year-round.

The sauce and condiment aisle carries soy sauce in multiple grades (light, dark, and premium), fish sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, sriracha, chili paste, and vinegars specific to different Asian cuisines. Brands include both mainstream options and smaller producers that specialize in particular regions. Prices on these items are typically 20 to 40 percent lower than the Asian section of a conventional supermarket, especially if you buy larger bottles or multiple items.

Frozen and prepared items

The frozen section stocks dumplings and spring rolls from multiple manufacturers, including some made fresh in-house or by local producers. You'll find pork and shrimp dumplings, vegetable varieties, and specialty items like shrimp paste and frozen tofu. Prepared items like frozen fried rice, noodle dishes, and dim sum components are available, though the selection changes based on what's in stock.

Frozen seafood includes shrimp, squid, fish cakes, and fish balls used in pho and other soups. Ice cream and frozen desserts with Asian flavors—like mochi, red bean, and taro—are stocked seasonally. The frozen section is worth browsing even if you came in for fresh ingredients, as prices on prepared items are often lower than takeout.

Hours, payment, and what to know before you go

Han's is open most days, though hours vary seasonally and may shift around holidays. It's worth calling ahead at the store number or checking their posted hours before making a trip, especially on weekends or during holiday periods. The store accepts both cash and card payments, and there is parking available in the shopping center lot on Two Notch Road.

The store can be busy during evening hours and on weekends, particularly around dinner time. If you're looking for a specific item, calling ahead can save a trip—staff can tell you whether something is in stock and sometimes hold items for you. The store is family-owned and staff are generally knowledgeable about ingredients and can offer suggestions if you describe what you're cooking.

Why Han's matters for Columbia's food culture

Han's Asian Market serves a practical purpose for people cooking Asian food regularly, but it also reflects Columbia's growing Asian community and the city's expanding food culture. The store makes it possible to cook authentic dishes without substitutions or long drives to larger cities. For home cooks, restaurant workers, and people from Asian countries living in Columbia, Han's provides access to ingredients that define regional cuisines.

The store's presence on Two Notch Road is part of a broader cluster of Asian-owned businesses in that area, including restaurants and other shops. Supporting Han's means supporting a local business that serves a specific community need and contributes to the neighborhood's character.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do they have fresh herbs like Thai basil and cilantro with roots?

Yes, Thai basil, cilantro with roots, and Vietnamese coriander are stocked seasonally, particularly in spring and summer. Availability varies, so if you need them for a specific meal, calling ahead is a good idea. Year-round, they carry regular cilantro and multiple varieties of fresh ginger and garlic.

Can they clean and fillet fish for me?

Yes, staff at the seafood counter can clean and fillet whole fish to order. It's worth asking when you select your fish, and they'll prepare it while you shop or wait. This service is included with your purchase.

What's the best time to shop if you want the freshest produce?

Early morning or early afternoon tends to be when produce is freshest and selection is fullest. Evening and weekend afternoons can be busy, and some items may be picked over. Calling ahead if you're looking for something specific is always a good strategy.

Do they sell items in bulk, and are there discounts for larger quantities?

Yes, rice, noodles, and sauces are available in bulk sizes. Prices per unit are lower on larger packages compared to smaller ones. For very large orders, it's worth asking staff whether they can offer additional discounts or special pricing.

Is there parking, and is the store accessible?

Parking is available in the shopping center lot on Two Notch Road. The store entrance is accessible, though the layout is compact and can be crowded during peak hours. If you have mobility concerns, calling ahead to ask about the best time to visit is helpful.