His & Her Asian Mart in Columbia: What to Find and How to Shop

What His & Her Asian Mart carries

His & Her Asian Mart is a family-run grocery in Columbia that stocks ingredients and products from across Asia—primarily Southeast Asian, Chinese, and Indian items. The store occupies a modest storefront and focuses on what home cooks actually need: fresh produce when available, frozen proteins, dried goods, sauces, spices, and pantry staples you won't find at mainstream supermarkets.

The produce section rotates with the season and supplier availability. You'll find items like bok choy, bitter melon, Thai basil, lemongrass, and ginger. The frozen section holds dim sum, dumplings, spring rolls, and seafood. The dry goods span multiple cuisines—rice varieties, noodles (ramen, rice noodles, egg noodles), dried mushrooms, and coconut milk. The spice and sauce selection includes fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, curry pastes, and individual spices sold in bulk quantities at lower prices than Western grocery chains.

Key Takeaways

• His & Her Asian Mart stocks fresh and frozen ingredients for Southeast Asian, Chinese, and Indian cooking, with rotating seasonal produce.
• Bulk spices and sauces cost less per ounce than mainstream grocery stores, making it economical for regular home cooks.
• The store is independently owned and operated by a family familiar with the products they sell, so staff can answer questions about how to use unfamiliar items.
• Hours and exact inventory vary, so calling ahead before a special trip ensures the specific item you need is in stock.

Location and hours

His & Her Asian Mart is located in Columbia. The store operates on a schedule that reflects a smaller independent business—hours may shift seasonally or for restocking. Before making a dedicated trip, especially if you're looking for a specific ingredient, call ahead to confirm the store is open and has what you need in stock.

Parking is typically street-level or in a small lot adjacent to the storefront. The store itself is compact, so shopping is usually quick once you know where items are located. First-time visitors should plan 20 to 30 minutes to browse and locate products.

What to expect as a first-time shopper

The layout is organized by product type rather than by cuisine, so sauces and condiments are grouped together, frozen items in one section, and dry goods in another. Labels are often in English and the original language, though some items may have minimal labeling. Staff are accustomed to customers unfamiliar with products and can point you toward what you need or suggest substitutions if something is out of stock.

Prices are marked on shelves or items themselves. Payment methods typically include cash and card, though it's worth confirming when you call. The store does not usually offer online ordering or delivery, so shopping is in-person only.

Common ingredients you can find here

If you cook Southeast Asian food—Thai, Vietnamese, Laotian, or Filipino—you'll find fish sauce, shrimp paste, tamarind paste, and fresh herbs like Thai basil and cilantro. For Chinese cooking, the store stocks soy sauce in multiple varieties, oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and dried shiitake mushrooms. Indian cooking staples include whole spices like cumin seeds, coriander seeds, fenugreek, and asafetida, plus curry leaves and coconut milk.

Rice varieties include jasmine, basmati, sticky rice, and short-grain white rice sold in bulk. Noodles span ramen, rice noodles, egg noodles, and glass noodles. Frozen proteins include shrimp, fish, and specialty items like fish cakes or tofu sheets. The store also carries packaged snacks, instant noodles, and beverages common in Asian households.

When to shop and what to bring

Weekday mornings and early afternoons tend to be quieter than evenings or weekends, so you'll have more time to browse without a line. Bring a list of what you need, especially if you're looking for something specific—the store's inventory changes based on what suppliers deliver and what customers buy. Reusable bags are practical since you may carry multiple items, though the store provides bags if needed.

Cash is always accepted, but confirming payment methods ahead of time prevents a wasted trip. If you're new to an ingredient, don't hesitate to ask staff how to use it or what dish it's typically part of—that knowledge is part of what makes a family-run market valuable.

Why shop at an independent Asian market instead of a chain

Chain supermarkets stock some Asian products, but usually at higher per-unit costs and with less variety. An independent market like His & Her carries multiple brands and types of the same item—three kinds of fish sauce, five rice varieties, ten spice options—because the owners know what home cooks actually use. Bulk spices are cheaper by weight. Frozen items are often fresher and more specialized than what chains rotate through.

The owners and staff are familiar with the products themselves and can answer questions about quality, substitutions, or how to prepare something unfamiliar. That personal knowledge is something you won't get from a chain employee restocking shelves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do they have fresh produce year-round?

Produce availability depends on the season and what suppliers deliver. Staples like ginger, garlic, and onions are usually in stock, but specialty items like Thai basil or bitter melon may be seasonal or occasional. Call ahead if you're looking for something specific.

Can I return items or exchange them?

Return and exchange policies vary by store. Ask about the policy when you purchase, especially for fresh or frozen items. Most independent markets accept returns of unopened, undamaged products within a reasonable timeframe.

What if I don't know how to use an ingredient I buy?

Staff can suggest dishes or cooking methods for unfamiliar items. You can also ask whether an ingredient is typically used raw, cooked, or as a condiment, and what flavors it brings to a dish. Online recipe resources and cooking forums are also helpful once you know the ingredient's name.

Are prices negotiable or do they offer bulk discounts?

Prices are typically fixed as marked. However, buying larger quantities of bulk spices or dry goods often costs less per unit than smaller packages. Ask staff whether buying a larger amount of something reduces the per-ounce price.

Do they carry products for specific diets or restrictions?

The store carries many naturally gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian items, particularly rice, noodles, vegetables, and legumes. Check labels for specific dietary information, and ask staff if you're unsure whether a product meets your needs.