Mae's Famous Asian Food: What to Find and How to Shop

What Mae's Famous Asian Food carries

Mae's Famous Asian Food is a specialty grocer in South Carolina stocked with ingredients and prepared items from across Asia—primarily Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, and Filipino products. The store carries fresh produce like bok choy, gai lan, and specialty mushrooms; frozen proteins including shrimp, fish cakes, and dim sum; sauces and pastes for everyday cooking; and ready-to-eat items like spring rolls and roasted duck. The inventory shifts with seasons and supplier availability, so what you find on a given visit may differ from the last.

The store also stocks a selection of packaged goods: rice varieties (jasmine, sticky, brown), noodles (ramen, rice noodles, egg noodles), canned coconut milk, fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and spice blends. A refrigerated section holds tofu, fresh noodles, and prepared items. Many customers visit specifically for hard-to-find items that mainstream grocers do not carry—certain brands of soy sauce, specific types of rice paper, or fresh herbs like Thai basil and cilantro in larger bundles than typical supermarkets offer.

Key Takeaways

• Mae's carries fresh Asian produce, frozen proteins, and specialty sauces and pastes that mainstream grocers often do not stock.
• The store focuses on Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, and Filipino ingredients, with inventory that changes based on season and supplier availability.
• Ready-to-eat items like dim sum, spring rolls, and roasted duck are available for customers who want prepared food rather than raw ingredients.
• Prices on specialty items are often lower than what you would pay at a mainstream supermarket's international aisle.

Where to find Mae's and store hours

Mae's Famous Asian Food operates as a brick-and-mortar location in South Carolina. The exact address, phone number, and current hours of operation change, so contact the store directly or search online for the most up-to-date information before visiting. Many specialty grocers adjust their hours seasonally or for holidays, so a quick call ahead prevents a wasted trip.

Parking is typically available on-site or nearby, depending on the location. The store is usually smaller than a conventional supermarket, so shopping trips tend to be quicker if you know what you are looking for—though browsing the aisles often turns up items you did not expect to find.

What to bring and how to pay

Bring a list of what you need, especially if you are looking for a specific brand or item. Staff can often point you toward products or suggest substitutes if something is out of stock. Many specialty grocers have regular customers who know the layout well, and staff are usually familiar with common requests.

Mae's accepts cash and card payments. Some specialty grocers offer discounts for cash purchases or have loyalty programs, so ask at the register whether either applies. Prices on bulk items like rice or noodles are often lower if you buy larger quantities, which makes sense if you cook Asian food regularly or share purchases with family.

Fresh produce and proteins at Mae's

The produce section rotates based on what is in season and what suppliers deliver. You will typically find leafy greens like bok choy, gai lan, and Chinese broccoli; root vegetables like daikon and taro; and specialty items like bitter melon, long beans, and fresh lemongrass. Herbs arrive fresh several times a week—Thai basil, Vietnamese cilantro, and Chinese chives are common finds. Prices are usually lower than mainstream supermarkets because the store buys directly from regional distributors.

The frozen section holds proteins that are harder to find elsewhere: shrimp (whole and peeled), fish cakes, squid, and specialty cuts of pork and chicken. Dim sum items—har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai (pork dumplings), and char siu bao (barbecue pork buns)—are often available frozen and can be steamed at home. Some stores also carry frozen prepared dishes like fried rice or noodle bowls for quick meals.

Pantry staples and cooking ingredients

Mae's stocks the core ingredients for Asian cooking: multiple types of soy sauce (light, dark, tamari), fish sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sriracha. Rice varieties include jasmine, sticky (glutinous), brown, and sometimes specialty types like black rice or red rice. Noodle options span ramen, rice noodles, egg noodles, and udon. Canned and jarred goods include coconut milk, bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, and pickled vegetables.

Spice and seasoning sections carry items like five-spice powder, white pepper, star anise, and dried chilies. Oils include sesame oil, peanut oil, and sometimes specialty varieties. Many customers stock up on these items because buying from a specialty grocer is cheaper than purchasing small quantities from a mainstream supermarket's international aisle. A single large bottle of soy sauce or fish sauce costs less and lasts longer than buying the tiny bottles at a chain grocery store.

Ready-to-eat and prepared foods

Mae's often has a prepared-food section or deli counter with items ready to take home. Roasted duck, barbecue pork, and roasted chicken are common offerings. Spring rolls (both fried and fresh), egg rolls, and other appetizers are frequently available. Some locations also offer prepared noodle dishes, fried rice, or stir-fried vegetables that you can heat at home or eat immediately.

These prepared items are useful if you want an Asian meal without cooking, or if you are shopping for ingredients and want to grab lunch at the same time. Prices are typically lower than restaurant takeout, and the food reflects the same regional cuisines the store emphasizes in its ingredient selection.

Shopping tips for first-time visitors

If you are new to Mae's, arrive without a strict time pressure so you can explore. Labels on packaged goods are often in Asian languages, English, or both—staff can help translate or explain what something is if you are unsure. Do not hesitate to ask; specialty grocers expect questions from customers trying new ingredients.

Bring reusable bags if you plan to buy produce or frozen items in bulk. Many specialty grocers do not provide bags, or charge a small fee. If you are cooking a specific dish and need an ingredient you cannot find, ask whether the store can order it or suggest a substitute. Regular customers often discover that staff will set aside items if you call ahead, especially for seasonal or hard-to-find products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know how to cook Asian food to shop at Mae's?

No. The store sells prepared foods and simple ingredients like rice and noodles that anyone can cook. Staff can suggest how to use unfamiliar items or recommend prepared dishes if you want to try Asian food without cooking from scratch.

Are prices at Mae's cheaper than a regular supermarket?

Usually, yes—especially on bulk items like rice, noodles, and sauces. Specialty grocers buy directly from regional distributors, which lowers costs. Mainstream supermarkets mark up their international aisle items significantly because they buy in smaller quantities.

What if I cannot find something I am looking for?

Ask staff whether they can order it or suggest a substitute. Many specialty grocers have regular suppliers and can bring in items if you give them a few days' notice. If a substitute exists, staff usually know what works in place of the original ingredient.

Can I return items if I do not like them?

Return policies vary by store. Ask at the register what Mae's policy is on returns or exchanges. Most specialty grocers accept returns on unopened items within a reasonable timeframe, though policies differ from chain supermarkets.

Does Mae's offer online ordering or delivery?

Some specialty grocers offer online ordering or work with delivery services, but this varies. Contact the store directly to ask whether they ship or partner with delivery platforms. Many smaller specialty grocers operate in-store only.