I often shop at two specific Chinese supermarkets, living in the northern suburbs in Cape Town: Live Mart and 96 Chinese Supermarket. These two are Taiwanese-owned stores, which means I can always purchase brands that I grew up with. There are fresh and preserved Asian ingredients, imported junk food, cooking essentials, exotic spices, Asian beverages, rice wine and duck eggs. Asian supermarkets have quite a diverse selection of Asian products compared to your average South African grocery store.
Southern Suburbs:
Korea Mart
451 Premier Centre, Main road, Observatory
021 448 3420
Lian Shin Supermarket
Chinatown in Ottery (on the corner of New Ottery road and Woodlands road)
Mainland China Supermarket
Grove Building, Grove Ave, Claremont
021 683 7298
Cape Town:
New Asian Spice Supermarket
186 Main road, Sea Point
021 434 0598
South Asia Chinese Supermarket
48A Main road, Sea Point
021 434 0654
Northern Suburbs:
Live Mart (Supermarket, Bakery, Cafe – my favourite bubble tea spot)
Unit 5 Ringer Park, No.1 Printers Way, Montague Gardens
021 551 7960
Email: livemart888@yahoo.com.tw
Lian Shin Supermarket
Sable Square
Bosmansdam Rd, Century City
Ding Ho Asian Foods,
Unit 2 V.R.P Park, Track Crescent, Montague Gardens
021 555 2426
dingho@gmail.com
Mun Fong Chinese Supermarket
Fruit & Veg City Centre, Monte Vista Boulevard, Monte Vista
021 558 7840
N1 City Asian Supermarket
Shop 22A N1 Value Centre, 1 Solly Smiedt Street, Goodwood
021 595 2092/3
Email:admin@chinesesupermarket.co.za
Grand Royal China Chinese Supermarket (excellent for a wide variety of ingredients)
Shop Cape Grand China, Racecourse Rd , Milnerton
96 Chinese Supermarket (next to the butchery)
94a Monte Vista Boulevard, Monte Vista
021 558 0199
Tian Tian Chinese Supermarket
Porterfield Road, Blouberg
Blouberg (Tableview West Coast side)
Winfield Asian Supermarket
Inside the Food Lovers shopping centre in Sandown Road, Sunningdale (Tableview area)
Other Areas
Azen Foods
Unit 3 Pil-Air Park, Airport Industria
Tel: 021 385 0002
e-mail: cpt@azenfoods.co.za
If you know of one in Cape Town that is not on the list, feel free to comment and I’ll update the list.
155 Responses
Hila
thanks for the great list!
unfortunately Taste of Asia is not there anymore
Ming-Cheau
Thanks Hila 🙂 Deleting it from the list now.
Asian supermarkets in Cape Town - Food | Getaway Travel Blog
[…] Originally posted on Butterfingers […]
zelda
Oh what a nice List you have for Cape Town I envy you ~ wish I’d known some in Durban~thats so helpful to have listings.
Jamie-lee Manuel
Hi Zelda. I noticed you’re looking for a similar shop in Durban. I know this is 5 years late but are you still looking?
erilene
thanks for your comprehensive list. originally from jhb and missing chinatown in cyrildene, I have asked many people but only ever got referred to the one in ottery which had scant offerings in comparison.
can´t wait for my next day off . . . 🙂
Sweet Douhua (Black Bean/Soy Pudding) 豆花 |
[…] My family serves it with a simple brown sugar syrup, but ever since I had douhua from Taiwan in December, I add tapioca pearls in mine as well now. Simply boil 1/4 Cup brown sugar to 1 Cups of water till it thickens in a pot on the stove, then allow to cool. There are two ways to make this dairy-free pudding. You can buy a premix packet, follow the quantity instruction on the bag and mix boiled soy milk with the powder from the bag (this is often a guaranteed fool-proof method) or make the mixture from scratch. Unlike premix boxes for muffins, cakes and brownies, the mixture is a mere combination of corn flour and gypsum powder. For the pictures, I used a premix pack that can be bought at any local Chinese supermarket in Cape Town. […]
What's in Chinese 5 Spice Powder | Butterfingers
[…] can find Chinese 5-Spices from any local supermarket or Chinese supermarket (click here for listings of Asian Supermarkets in Cape […]
What’s in Chinese 5 Spices |
[…] can find Chinese 5-Spices from any local supermarket or Chinese supermarket (click here for listings of Asian Supermarkets in Cape […]
Georgie Wheals
I am looking for Chinese Five Spice in Paarl, can you help me
Ming-Cheau
Hi Georgie
I tweeted your question out and this was a useful response:
from @vintagevixenCT “Lots in the Boland! Try Wellington as well (10mins away) in the Main Road. Mostly all in the centre of the town.”
What’s in Chinese 5 Spice Powder | Getaway Travel Blog
[…] can find Chinese 5-Spices from any local supermarket or Chinese supermarket (click here for listings of Asian Supermarkets in Cape […]
Roshana
Please I’m looking for any stores in the southen suburbs than stock nori wasabi peanuts in tin 240g
Ming-Cheau
Hi Roshana
Nori Wasabi Peanuts is a very common snack in the Asian community. Try any Asian supermarket. This is my favourite brand – http://tinyurl.com/8uxt846
Norah
Hi there – want to know where I can find Balut (duck eggs) – want to use it for fear factor. Any ideas
Ming-Cheau
Hi Norah! Unfortunately, I have never come across those in South Africa. I believe it’s too much of a delicacy to be popular. I can’t work up the courage to even try it myself. Maybe have a look at Century Eggs? They are preserved eggs, black in colour and easy to find.
Emily
Hi. I am looking for a middle person to help us organize asian goodies from capetown to eastern cape. Can we do business together? Call me 079240740.
cheers,
Emily
Ming-Cheau
Hi Emily, maybe contact supermarket owners listed in this post for that? There might be some interested in bringing more Asian goods in from the Eastern Cape!
Kenny
There are a wholesale company called ” Azen Foods” also does all the variety of Asian ingredients to the food industry. They are situate in Unit 3 Pil-Air Park, Airport Industria. Tel: 021 385 0002. e-mail: cpt@azenfoods.co.za
Ming-Cheau
Thank you Kenny 🙂
chrisna
Hallo Ming-Cheau
I want to kindly ask you a honest question please. I bought rice flour from Lian Shin Supermarket. It however doesn’t taste like rice flour. I even compared the taste with some rice flour i have in my cupboard, which i bought at the Wholefoods store. Should I be worried? Can you maybe assist me, so I can find out if it is indeed real rice flour? I am allergic to normal flours and thus cannot afford to have something, which will make me sick.
Ming-Cheau
Rice flours from Asian Stores should be legit, mostly because rice is a stable in Asia, so it’s unlikely that they’re use ‘wheat’ flour as a substitute. Rice flour should appear like corn flour, and if it smells and tastes odd – it might just be expired. I hope this helps! You should also try out glutinous rice flour, that’s gluten-free.
Tarin
Hey there, do you know if anyone of these stock Matcha Green Tea please?
Poova
Hi Tarin I am also looking for Matcha Green Tea. Have you found a good supplier in Cape Town?
Ming-Cheau
Hi Poova 🙂 Check out N1 City’s Asian supermarket, they have stocked before.
Abi
Does anyone know where I can get glutinous rice flour for mochi? Any info will be much appreciated!
Ming-Cheau
Hi Abi! Any Asian supermarket should have that. If you say mochi to any Asian, they’ll know exactly what you’re talking about 🙂
Jannes
Hi Ming-Cheau, very nice site. Do you know of any suppliers online shop? I live in a rural area but would like to try “Bubble Tea” and other exotic dishes. Unfortunately Cape Town is the nearest city but as i am physically disabled it is very difficult to get there. Can you help please? Thank you
shelley
Please let me know where i can buy good quality black rice and red rice
thanks
shelley
forgot to add, must be in cape town
Ming-Cheau
Hi Shelley! Have a look at the Chinese Supermarkets nearby your vicinity, they often have a variety of grains. Otherwise, my suggestion is to check out health or spice shops.
Shamila
Hi Ming-Cheau, any idea where I can find Mi ABC Noodles? Thank you.
Ming-Cheau
Hi Shamila! Unfortunately I haven’t used the brand before. There is ‘New Asian Spice Supermarket’ on main road in Sea Point, they aren’t Chinese or Taiwanese, so they might stock Indonesian products. Happy hunting!
Stacey-Lee
Hi there!
Thanks for the useful info!
You don’t perhaps know if any of these places sells Singer or Chang Beer? I am hooked after tasting it in Thailand, but can’t seem to find it here!
thanks
Ming-Cheau
In Cape Town, I know that the liquor store on Roeland street sells Singer. Some Asian supermarkets also stock them on their shelves. I hope this helps, good luck!
Bronwyn Southgate
Im desperately looking for shaoxing rice wine. Here can i find it?
Ming-Cheau
Hi Bronwyn! Unfortunately, due to the liquor licensing situation we had a few years ago in South Africa, Asian supermarkets tend not to sell rice wine anymore as it’s classified as alcohol. My suggestion is to ask the store owner.
Amy-Louise
Hiya! Thanks for the list!
I was wondering if I would find basil/sabja seeds at one of these stores?
I’d like to use it in puddings/drinks etc but no clue where to get it and apparently using gardening basil seeds is a bad idea (pesticides).
Thanks!
Ming-Cheau
Hi Amy 🙂 You should be able to ask for them at Chinese Supermarkets, I’ve come across basil seeds before at Live Mart, which was in Durbanville, but now relocated to Montague Gardens.
Suki
Subja seeds are easy to find at Indian spice shops. If you’re in CPT city centre Atlas Trading in Wale Street Bo Kaap will have.
They may be labelled subja/sabja/falooda seeds 🙂
Tanya
Thank you for the very helpful list! I was so disappointed to discover that Live Mart had moved, I frequented the store a lot. The owners are such lovely people and so helpful. They gave me lots of advice:) I will be visiting them at their new venue soon:) I just have one question – where in the Northern Suburbs can I find duck. Apart from an organic duck farm in Paarl and a store in Tokai, I’ve been unable to find duck in the Northern Suburbs:( I don’t have a car so I’m looking for a shop close by. I live in Parow North.
Ming-Cheau
Hey Tanya! Yes, Live Mart’s relocated, it’s closer to me so I’m not complaining 😛 Regrading duck, I reckon your best bet would be to find a butcher close by. Many Asian Supermarkets also sell frozen duck in their freezers, but if you’re looking for Fresh Duck, I suggest you contact a nearby butcher to help you source it 🙂
Louise
Hi there!
Do you happen to know if any of these stock mushroom soy sauce?
Thank you!
Ming-Cheau
Hi Louise, I’ll check for you when I get back to Cape Town tomorrow, I’ve never used it before, but I’m sure it should be easily accessible.
Thai Kitchen
Both Azen and the Thai Supermarket stock the Healthy Boy brand and N1 the Mountain brand
Muneeb
Hello Ming-Cheau
I am desperately looking for roasted red chili paste (not red curry paste) – there must be a place in Cape Town as all Thai restuarants use it. I really hope you can help.
thanks
Muneeb
Ming-Cheau
Hi Muneeb, unfortunately I’m not too sure. My blog focuses on Taiwanese and Chinese food, which is a tad different from Thai. I suggest you check out some of our local Spars – they tend to stock items from a wide selection of International cuisines. Hope this helps!
Noorjehaan ebrahim
Hi muneeb
Did u manage to find roasted chilli paste? I’m also looking and can’t find. Would want it to be a nice tasting one.
SJ van Zyl
Anybody know where I can find Durian fruit?
Ming-Cheau
Hi SJ, you won’t find it in South Africa. If you’re lucky, you could find them in Durban area, as they have a similar humidity to Asian countries.
Criss
Seen it twice in the Spar at Picketberg, West Coast
Shaan
I heard that live mart moved where did they move to or is it still in Montague gardens?
Ming-Cheau
They moved from Bellville to Montague and have signed a 3-year lease there if I’m correct 🙂 They should be in Montague for a while.
Shaan
Thank you do you know if they are open on Saturdays i want real bubble tea had it in America at two different Asian restaurants and fell in love with it and now i want more
Ming-Cheau
I’ve responded to you on Twitter 🙂
Bayley
Hi I see on your list the Chinese supper market in Race Coarse Road but no phone number any idea’s?
Ming-Cheau
Hi Bayley, unfortunately not, they are quite well-equipped, and they’re owned by the same owners of N1 City’s Chinese Supermarket.
Yuri
Hi there! Thank you so much for the list. I am Japanese and I just moved to South Africa recently. We live near Mossel Bay, so going to Cape Town will e my only hope to get some good Japanese stuff! Do any of the above shops have good stock of Japanese food as well? Do you know if any of them has Natto(Japanese fermented beans…). I am so excited to check them out on Monday as I am going there!!
Jean
Hi Yuri, are you still living near Mossel Bay? I am a chinese Malaysian living in Mossel Bay.
Maybe we can set up a network of asians living in the area.
Cheers,
Jean
Julie
Hi,
Thanks for the great list.
I’ve been looking for silken tofu since moving to South Africa. I’m a vegan, and a lot of great vegan desserts are made with silken tofu. I can only find firm and extra-firm tofu in South Africa, which don’t work for desserts.
Does anyone know if any of these stores sell it?
Thanks!
Ming-Cheau
It’s a pleasure, many local Asian supermarkets make their own fresh silken tofu, so have a look in their fridges, or even just ask. They could always make a plan for you 🙂
Andy
Where can I buy glass noodles in Cape Town? They are also known as bean noodles, or soy glass noodles.
Ming-Cheau
Hi Andy, you should be able to find them at any local Asian supermarket, or even Spar 🙂
Henriette Blesing
Can anybody tell me where I can find “Hong Kong Dragon Beard Candy” in Cape Town?
Magda
There is a U-Seng Chinese Supermarket in Blouberg.
Ming-Cheau
Thanks Magda!
Ekes Gonini
Thanks for your list – very handy. You do mention New Asian Spice in Sea Point – it’s a great little store. It’s actually owned by a Chinese-Thai family, and its main focus is on Thai ingredients. So if anyone out there is looking for things like galangal and krachai in brine, roasted chili paste, etc. – steer them in that direction.
Emma
Hi!
I was wondering if anyone knows of anywhere near Brackenfell/Bellville/Durbanville where I can get things like rice noodles, tofu and glutinous rice flour? I’ve just moved here from Joburg and am finding it very hard to cater for the gluten-free and vegan people in my household. Any advice would be much appreciated!
Ming-Cheau
Hi there
96 in Monte Vista is a good spot that’s close to you, and N1 City also has a China Town.
JD
Hi Ming-Cheau,
Do you know of any more shops close to the city bowl/sea point?
Most of the good places like Myriad in Sea Point don’t seem to be around anymore.
Thanks!
Georges
Hi Ming
I’m new in town, is there anywhere that I can find frozen packed dumplings in the City Bowl? Or do you know any restaurant which sells them raw in bulk? (I am currently carless to go to your list of markets.) thanks.
Georges
Ming-Cheau
Hi Georges
To my knowledge, there aren’t Asian supermarkets in the City Bowl, you’ll need to make a mission to Sea Point, and check in the freezer sections. Most of them should have.
Jacques
Hi Ming
I want to make my own dashi, but find it hard to get Bonito flakes and Kombu here in the northern suburbs.
Do you perhaps know where I could try? I found a packet of Hon-Dashi @ N1 citys supermarket, but would like to make my own.
Thanks
Alisha
Hi
I am looking for a store that supplies things like smoked eel, trout eggs, small eggs for california rolls.
All of these things for a sushi restaurant in Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania. I am in Cape Town now but will be traveling through to East Africa to take over the goods and potentially looking for a long time relation with the supplier.
Regards
Alisha
caronne cotton
Thank you for amazing list!
Would you know where to find the Boba product, instant rainbow tapioca pearls? Any help will be appreciated.
Thank you.
Anthony Breakey
Man I can’t wait to start cooking all things Asian foods, being medically boarded means I get to spend a lot of time at home, this is my new hobby which I already know is going to be my latest passion! Are there any Asian supermarkets on the Garden Route, George, Knysna, Mossel Bay etc? Which of the above mentioned Supermarkets are the most economical? Thanks for a great site. Anthony
Ming-Cheau
Hi Anthony, unfortunately I won’t be able to help you there. I’m not familiar with the areas. However, Spar and Checkers often have a rad Asian range in-store.
Craig
hi. Where could I buy sake ? Thanks.
Ming-Cheau
Hi Craig, you should be able to in supermarkets now like Spar or Checkers, or speciality stores.
Fran
Hi,
Thanks for your list! Do you know which supermarkets sell Asian toiletries? I’m looking for a Japanese shampoo/conditioner called Shiseido Tsubaki. It’s a supermarket brand.
Thanks!
Fran
Ming-Cheau
Unfortunately not, I only specialise in food. Good luck!
tom
Hello,
This is a bit off topic, but could you recommend a place to buy a good wok? There seems to be very little information on where to buy a decent wok in SA on the internet.
I’ve been desperately looking for a carbon steel, spun or hammered, round-bottomed wok that does NOT come with a non-stick surface. The round-bottomed cantonese-style woks at my local chinese supermarket were all quite badly rusted. Do you know if any of the above supermarkets have a good wok selection?
Thanks!
Ming-Cheau
Hmmm, you can check out N1 City Chinese Supermarket, the same owners also have a spot opposite Milnerton Stodels at Grand China Mall. They supply to restaurants etc, so they’re likely able to help you 🙂
Nervina
Hi, I also am in the same boat as Tom! Authentic woks are impossible to find in Cape Town! The ones at my local Chinese store has some, but wonky, unstable handles & also a bit rusty. Is this normal? Would love to know where to go and have friends who are also interested because the expensive non stick ones eventually fail you…
Ming-Cheau
Hi Nervina, I highly recommend you go to N1 City’s Chinese Supermarket, close by the Fruit and Veg. They supply the restaurant industry with Asian products, including woks and gas tops – so maybe check them out, I’m sure they’ll be able to help you.
Nervina
Thank you sooo much! So excited to be getting this lead…will be getting there asap and will spread the word. Love your site and your Asian store listing. So very useful.
Nervina
Hi Tom
I know it’s a few months since your post last November but I was just interested to know if you were able to track down an authentic carbon steel wok? I, like you, have been on the hunt ever since my second expensive “non-stick” wok quickly became very sticky, rusty & started peeling and flaking off in our food after just a few months use. I did find one at an online store but it is too small for a family of 4. Would like a restaurant size, around 35cm? Would really appreciate any tip offs! 🙂 Thanks.
Joel
Hi im a Cape Townian born japanese guy, and im also asking where can i find Natto? Or guaranteed to find a good bottle of sake?
Ming-Cheau
Hi Joel, I can point you towards Kyoto Garden Sushi restaurant, they stock a selection of fine Japanese spirits and liquor, they should be able to help you 🙂 – http://kyotogardensushict.com/
Criss
Sake House is no longer there in Claremont..
Ashleigh
Hello! Thank you so much for this list. I just got back from Thailand and eager to try out my Thai cooking skills. I was wondering, which of the shops above would be best for Thai ingredients like palm sugar, pandan leaves and oyster/mushroom sauce?
Thanks again!
Alison
Hello, the list is great but where can i find Asian vegetables in Capetown?
Ming-Cheau
A lot of local supermarkets are venturing into Asian veggie territory, especially Spar 🙂 Otherwise, there’s the one at N1 City that has quite a wide range.
Marina
Hi
Mainland China Claremont has moved, pulled up the other night, thinking that we’re going to have great supper, and they were gone!
Any idea where they moved to?
We drove around the area, looking for Chinese food, ended up having to go to Kenilworth, Rosmead avenue.. And as usual the food was splendid.
Will Mainland China be popping up in a different area perhaps?
Ming-Cheau
Oh no, apologies for that. This post was written a few years back, and definitely needs an update. I’m based in northern suburbs, so I’ll do a few missions and update this post and see if I can find anything on that side 🙂
Nikki
Hi Ming-Cheau, I’ve been looking for Annatto seeds used in Vietnamese cooking. Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thank you for the great list;-)
Ming-Cheau
Unfortunately I’ve not come across it before here in Cape Town. Good luck!
Daniela
Hello ! I am looking for a Chinese tea set, any suggestions on a good place to go for this? Thank you
Ming-Cheau
I know that the supermarket on Racecourse road in Milnerton has tea sets 🙂 I believe the one at N1 city has too. Otherwise, you can also try a spot in Claremont called O’Ways Tea Cafe.
debby
I am thrilled to find your list, thank you . I am looking for tofu stored in water in a bucket, miso in glass jars and other fermented goods, sea veg and such like if anyone can assist.
Ruby
there is fresh tofu (well there was 2 years ago!) sold in buckets at the asian supermarket near St Johns Piazza in Sea Point
Grace
Hi there, any idea where i can find dried rice vermicelli? Thank you so much!
Ming-Cheau
Hi Grace, you should find it all over, even in retail supermarkets like Checkers, PnP and Spars.
Steve
Hi Ming Cheau,
I am Steve currently working for 旺旺集团, and I am trying to look for a importer to distribute our 旺旺products as we have never imported any and all of those is the markets are somehow imported from elsewhere.
Can you please help?
Ming-Cheau
Hi Steve, I don’t do any imports but I do love your brand’s products – apologies for not being able to assist you.
kathleen
Dear Ming-Cheau,
Thank you for the comprehensive listing for Cape Town.
Do you happen to know where we might purchase bento boxes and bento-related items?
I didn’t notice “Japan” specific items highlighted in your list so I thought I would ask if these items are available.
thank you kathleen
Ming-Cheau
Hi Kathleen, are you looking for empty hard plastic bento boxes? If so, some of the Taiwanese stores might have (Live Mart and 96 Supermarket in Monte Vista is Taiwanese). Unfortunately Japanese products are usually higher-end (way higher exchange rate than Taiwan and China) so they aren’t as accessible as other Asian products.
Amy-Lee Samuels
Hi I’m looking for a place that sells Japanese custard filled pancakes- called imagawayaki or hontou pancakes I think. Apparently they are also filled with bean paste, but I just want the custard ones. There used to be a family that sold them in tableview years ago.
Ming-Cheau
Hi Amy, if you’re talking about these – https://www.instagram.com/p/6sD3cUtYKC/, head over to Root 44 Market (http://www.root44.co.za/).
Nix
Hi There 🙂 Any idea where I can find candlenuts? Thank you 🙂
Ming-Cheau
I haven’t actually come across them in SA yet, but a quick search and I found this http://www.wondernut.capetown/ – hope it helps!
richard
Hi there Ming-Cheau . . . .
Friends of Mine are Looking for “Chang ” Beer
Is there Local Place to Purchase them in capetown?
Please get back to me. .
regards
Richard
Ming-Cheau
Hey Richard, sorry I can’t help you man. I specialise in Chinese, Taiwanese-style foods/knowledge. I’m not that clued up about Thai brands. I’d recommend you try a wholesaler as most Asian supermarkets don’t actually have a liquor license to sell beer.
Criss
Hi there, I’m looking for a Thailand brand of instant rice vermicelli Tom yum koong flavor. Livemart used to sell them but not anymore. Thank you in advance!
Renee
Hi Ming-Cheau
I’m an Australian visiting CT and have promised some old school friends a yummy That stir fry. I need to get Kejap Manis (sweet soy sauce), plus Sambal Oelek (rich hot-ish red sauce) for the two meals I want to cook them. I also want to get those yummy very flat thick noodles.
Your list is terrific – I see the supermarket in Grove Centre, Grove Street Claremont is fairly close by.
Do you happen to know if:
(a) they have these 3 items in stock and
(b) they’ll be open this week?
Also, do they keep a good stock of f fresh bak choy or similar?
Many thanks!
Ming-Cheau
Hi Renee, unfortunately I can’t help you further than that, I stay in the northern suburbs of Cape Town. Good luck with the dish!
Andrew
I am looking to buy ramen noodles in bulk? Do you know of any suppliers?
Ming-Cheau
I suggest hit N1 City’s Chinese Supermarket in the Northern Suburbs 🙂 They sell wholesale to restaurants etc.
Marisa
Any hits in the Helderberg area?
Ming-Cheau
Unfortunately I don’t know, not my side of the world 🙁 I encourage people to tell me if they come across shops, I’ll keep adding to my list.
Kirst
Do you know of any Asian supermarkets/suppliers on the Garden Route (Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Oudtshoorn)?
Or any buy-online websites that might deliver to the the garden route?
Ming-Cheau
Sorry Kirst, I don’t as I haven’t ventured that way for Asian supermarkets. If I find out I’ll let you know.
Sharoomadee Naidoo
Hi, I’m looking for glutinous rice flour in johannesburg, please. Thank you.
Ming-Cheau
Hi Sharoonmadee, you will find it in pretty much any Asian supermarket 🙂 It’s a staple ingredient in an Asian pantry.
ad
Hi, do you know if live mart sells mochi? or should i just go to cape grand china
Ming-Cheau
I haven’t seen mochi at Live before, I know Cape Grand China has ones that are prepackaged, i.e not fresh.
ad
Thanks for the fast reply. Do you maybe know of any places that sell fresh mochi?
Ming-Cheau
On Sundays post 11pm, Cape Grand China used to get fresh mochi covering black sesame in. I haven’t been on a Sunday in ages. I’m happy to blog a recipe soon if you want to DIY 🙂
Pino Murgia
Anyone know where i can find MISO Paste in Cape Town, must be GMO free…..!!
Thanks P
Ming-Cheau
Hi Pino, I suggest you join this Facebook group and ask there – https://www.facebook.com/groups/1035825299873732/
Michelle
Wellness Warehouse sells organic miso paste.
Desiree Gray
Hi Ming-Cheau,
I’m looking for pandan paste/essence. I doubt the fresh leaves are available in South Africa. I went to 2 Asian supply stores in Panorama, both Taiwanese owned but they had no idea what I was talking about.
Ming-Cheau
Hi Desiree, unfortunately I can’t help you there. I’ve not come across it before, good luck with your search!
Michelle
Hi Ming-Cheau
Thanks for the lovely post!
I live in Tableview, and am looking for fermented black soya beans. I have a long list of allergies, and don’t eat sugar, so I would like to make my own black bean sauce (one of the best things I have ever eaten!), and also have the black beans as a flavouring agent for Asian dishes. Re the allergies – do store bought fermented black beans contain any nasty preservatives? Or is it basically just salt and garlic? Thank you!!
FYI there has definitely been a few additions / changes since you have made this post. As far as I know (please confirm) the Tong Lok store is no longer there (the restaurant has closed), and there is a new addition at the Food Lovers shopping centre in Sandown Road, unfortunately I do not know the name of the shop. It is a very neat, clean store and the prices are very reasonable (better than the Chinese food shop in Sable Square). They also have fresh herbs, sprouts and veggies.
Michelle
Yesterday, I visited the new Asian market I told you about – it is called Winfield Asian Supermarket, inside the Food Lovers shopping centre in Sandown Road, Sunningdale (Tableview area).
They also had black beans there, the only ingredients are beans, salt and garlic, so I am super happy!!! Delicious 🙂
Ming-Cheau
Thanks so much! I’ve added them to my list. Happy shopping!
Michelle
Thanks you!
Azra
Hi
Any idea where I can find egg roll/wonton wrappers?
Ming-Cheau
Hi there, you can definitely find them at Live Mart, Cape Grand/N1 City (LZ Supermarket). Not sure about the others as these are the ones I normally go to.
Sharifa
Looking to buy 1kg Thai Red curry paste at affordable price.
Carina
Just amazing!
I am a Brazilian-Japanese and just moved here (6 months ago). I was trying to cook some food, but the lack of ingredients was terrible.
Thanks a lot!
Ming-Cheau
Glad this list is helpful!
M.Sams
Hi Ming-Cheau, it’s really useful lists. I am Thai from Hua Hin. I have a couple friend in Cape Town. I always come for holiday here almost every year.
Ming-Cheau
Hi there, welcome to the Cape! Hope you get to dabble in some dishes with your home-ingredients!
Manie Olivier
Ming-Cheau
I have to do a Chinese New Year Function for 450 adults. I need some advice on the menu and where I will be able to
buy Chinese food like spring rolls and dumplings in bulk. (frozen)
Can you please help me
Ming-Cheau
Hi Manie, I would suggest going to N1 City’s supermarket as they sell on a wholesale scale. Though, I’m not sure that I would serve spring rolls if your attendees are Asian as fried spring rolls aren’t necessarily eaten at a New Year’s feast. Good luck!
Nik Karalis
Morning hope you all having a super weekend, wanted to know where I can buy Asian beer preferable Chang beer. Doing a Thai evening this coming Wednesday, stay in Melkbos… Is there somewhere close I can get Chang beer Blouberg/Milnerton/Montagu Gardens
Ming-Cheau
Hi Nik, I recommend you try Milnerton’s Cape Grand China, opposite the Stodels, they have the biggest variety – but can’t truly guarantee that they’ll have beer, give them a call, they are multilingual there. I wish you luck!
wendy jacobs
hi there I am looking for jack fruit in cape town. Please help
Ming-Cheau
Hi Wendy, I recommend you try the fruit and veg spot behind the Old Biscuit Mill, I’ve seen them bring in fresh Jackfruit before, if not I know there are canned ones in Cape Grand China’s supermarket.
DG
The N1 City Asian Supermarket is closed. :/
Ming-Cheau
It’s still in the area 🙂 Just moved undergroundish by the Pet Parlour/Pet shop.
Shivanie
Hi, thank you kindly for the great info, I tried Mun Fong, was a wow experience. Just had a challenge with the language barrier. I prefer vegetarian foods and love ramen. So that was my challenge in terms of understanding the actual ingredients.
Also was hoping you could confirm if Azen foods is still in Airport Industria, and perhaps actual directions as Google maps does not recognise it.
Ming-Cheau Lin
Hi Shivanie, unfortunately I’m not sure if Azen foods is still around. My post is quite dated, I’ll be making a new one soon. Mun Fong is great, they mostly speak Cantonese there so I struggle a little too as we speak different dialects of Mandarin – don’t be hard on yourself. I can highly recommend Milnerton’s Cape Grand China if you ever make your way this side, they label all of their foods.
Yolanda
Hello there, do you have any idea where I can get green papaya. I live in Milnerton Ridge, hence I’m very close to the Cape Grand China market, is there a store that has green papaya there?