Where to Find Asian Groceries and Specialty Foods in South Carolina

Oriental Imports brings Asian ingredients and prepared foods to South Carolina communities

Oriental Imports is a chain of Asian grocery stores across South Carolina that stocks ingredients, prepared foods, and household goods from China, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, Korea, and the Philippines. The stores carry fresh produce, frozen seafood and meat, dried goods, sauces and seasonings, rice and noodles, snacks, and ready-to-eat items like dumplings and spring rolls. Most locations also have a small prepared-food counter or deli section where you can order items made fresh.

The chain operates multiple locations throughout the state, with stores in the Midlands, Lowcountry, and Upstate regions. Each store is independently operated, so inventory and services vary by location. Some stores are larger with extensive produce sections and fresh seafood tanks; others are smaller neighborhood shops focused on pantry staples and frozen goods.

Key Takeaways

• Oriental Imports locations carry fresh and frozen Asian ingredients, prepared foods, and specialty items from multiple Asian countries.
• Store size and inventory vary by location, so calling ahead helps you confirm whether a specific item is in stock.
• Most locations have a deli or prepared-food counter offering fresh dumplings, spring rolls, and other ready-to-eat dishes.
• Prices for bulk items like rice, noodles, and sauces are typically lower than mainstream supermarkets.

What you'll find in produce and fresh sections

Oriental Imports stores stock Asian vegetables that are difficult to find in standard grocery chains: bok choy, gai lan (Chinese broccoli), bitter melon, long beans, water spinach, and various types of mushrooms including shiitake and oyster varieties. Produce changes seasonally and by availability, so winter months may have different selections than summer.

Fresh seafood sections at larger locations include live fish, shrimp, squid, and shellfish. Frozen seafood—shrimp, fish fillets, scallops, and specialty items like fish cakes—is available at all locations. The frozen meat section carries pork, chicken, and beef cuts prepared for Asian cooking, plus items like chicken feet and pork liver that are common in Asian cuisines but rare elsewhere in South Carolina.

Pantry staples and cooking ingredients

The dried goods and pantry sections are where Oriental Imports stores shine for home cooks. You'll find multiple varieties of rice (jasmine, basmati, short-grain, glutinous), dried noodles (ramen, udon, rice noodles, egg noodles), and dried mushrooms. Soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, sriracha, and chili pastes line the shelves in brands you won't see at mainstream stores.

Spice and seasoning aisles carry star anise, Sichuan peppercorns, five-spice powder, and dried chilies. Coconut milk, tamarind paste, and curry pastes represent Southeast Asian cooking. Many stores also stock Asian flours (rice flour, tapioca starch, wheat starch) and specialty items like dried seaweed, nori sheets, and bonito flakes for Japanese cooking.

Prepared foods and deli counters

Most Oriental Imports locations have a deli or prepared-food section where staff make items fresh throughout the day. Common offerings include pork and shrimp dumplings (steamed or fried), spring rolls, egg rolls, and bánh mì sandwiches. Some locations also prepare roasted chicken, char siu pork, and noodle dishes to order.

Prepared-food availability and hours vary by store location. Call ahead to confirm what's available on the day you plan to visit, especially if you're looking for a specific item or need something at a particular time.

Snacks, beverages, and household goods

The snack aisles carry items popular across Asia: shrimp chips, seaweed snacks, mochi, rice crackers, and various candy and cookie brands. Beverage sections include Asian soft drinks, coconut water, herbal teas, and instant coffee. Some stores stock Asian beauty and personal care products, kitchenware, and small appliances.

Prices on bulk items—especially rice, noodles, and sauces—are generally lower than mainstream supermarkets, which makes Oriental Imports a practical choice for regular Asian cooking or for stocking a pantry.

How to find a location near you

Oriental Imports has multiple stores across South Carolina, but the best way to find the one closest to you is to search online for "Oriental Imports" plus your city or region. Store hours and phone numbers vary by location. Calling ahead is worth the effort: you can confirm whether a specific ingredient is in stock, ask about prepared-food availability, and learn about any special orders the store can place for you.

Smaller locations may have limited hours or close on certain days, so a quick call prevents a wasted trip. Staff at Oriental Imports stores are usually familiar with the ingredients they carry and can often suggest how to use items or recommend substitutes if something is out of stock.

What to bring and how to shop efficiently

Bring a list organized by section (produce, frozen, pantry, deli) to move through the store quickly. If you're unfamiliar with an ingredient, take a photo of the package or ask staff—many items have labels in multiple languages, and staff can explain what something is and how it's typically used.

If you're looking for something specific that isn't on the shelf, ask whether the store can order it. Many Oriental Imports locations work with distributors and can bring in items you need, though turnaround time and minimum orders vary. Bring cash or a card—most stores accept both, though some smaller locations may be cash-preferred.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Oriental Imports stores have the same inventory at every location?

No. Each store is independently operated, so inventory varies by location size and local demand. A larger store in a city may have fresh seafood tanks and extensive produce; a smaller neighborhood store may focus on pantry staples and frozen goods. Calling ahead confirms whether a specific item is in stock at your nearest location.

Can I order items that aren't in stock?

Many Oriental Imports locations can place special orders through their distributors, though policies and turnaround times vary by store. Ask the staff whether they can order something specific and what the timeline and any minimum order requirements are.

Are prices lower than regular supermarkets?

Bulk items like rice, noodles, sauces, and frozen goods are typically less expensive at Oriental Imports than at mainstream grocery chains. Produce and fresh items may be comparable or slightly lower depending on the season and what's available.

What payment methods do Oriental Imports stores accept?

Most locations accept both cash and cards, though some smaller stores may prefer cash. Call your nearest location to confirm their payment options before you visit.

Do the stores have staff who speak Asian languages?

Many Oriental Imports locations have staff who speak Mandarin, Vietnamese, Korean, or other Asian languages, which can be helpful if you're looking for something specific or need cooking advice. Not every staff member at every location speaks these languages, so it's not may provide, but it's worth asking.