Are Chinese Supermarkets in London Unique? Online Chinese Supermarkets in the UK Are More Convenient!

Studying in the UK requires taking care of one's diet, but with high living costs and the occasional homesickness, many students turn to Chinese supermarkets in the UK or order online for imported Asian foods. Most Chinese supermarkets are centrally located in London's Chinatown, offering a variety of Asian ingredients from across the continent. Cyclopes will introduce the special foods available at these supermarkets, from London-based ones to those online throughout the UK.

Source: Freepik

In the UK, Chinese supermarkets are treasure troves of ingredients not typically found in local stores. These ingredients are imported directly from their countries of origin, including China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Korea, and more, catering to the diverse needs of international students. Students often purchase sauces and seasonings like oyster sauce, doubanjiang, hotpot bases, fish sauce, Korean chili paste, and Japanese miso. These supermarkets also stock typical Asian vegetables such as lotus root, wood ear mushrooms, daikon, and bitter melon, and fruits like lychee, longan, durian, and mangosteen. Beyond common produce, shoppers can find an array of Asian noodles and unique snacks.

London hosts several large Chinese supermarkets, some of which also offer online shopping services.

Established in 1975, SeaWoo Supermarket has been serving the UK for over 40 years. It offers more than 8,000 types of Asian ingredients, including vegetables, fruits, grains, noodles, and its own sauces. SeaWoo also provides a variety of frozen and fresh seafood and supplies ingredients to Chinatown restaurants, making it a leading Asian food supplier in the UK. Currently, SeaWoo only has its flagship store in London's Chinatown.

Source: Chinatown London

Founded in 1965, Loon Fung Supermarket is one of the largest Chinese supermarkets in the UK. It imports ingredients from dozens of Asian countries, offering fruits, vegetables, sauces, snacks, and frozen foods. Meat and fish are also available in-store. Additionally, the Tottenham branch of Loon Fung offers a Cash & Carry service, convenient for customers who need to buy in bulk. Loon Fung has five branches spread across London.

Wai Yee Hong offers over 3,000 types of Asian ingredients, including noodles, seasonings, canned goods, snacks, and beverages. In addition to food items, customers can also find a variety of kitchen and home goods. While Wai Yee Hong does not have branches in London, it does have a physical store in Bristol. Customers can also order food and household items through its website, and shipping discounts are available for orders over £35.

Established in 2018, Wa Na Hong is an online Chinese supermarket in the UK that also has a physical store. It offers over 2,000 types of Asian food, including popular brands such as Nongshim and Samyang from Korea, and Nissin from Japan. Wa Na Hong has a storefront in Stratford city centre in East London and an online store for easy shopping. Delivery services are available for orders starting at £20, with free shipping on orders over £50.

Source: Oriental Mart

Oriental Mart is a large online Chinese supermarket in the UK, offering over 3,000 imported goods from various Asian countries. It is the largest Asian food retailer in Nottingham, where it operates two stores. Free delivery is available for online orders over £55. Customers can also sign up to be supermarket members and earn rewards points.

For students studying in the UK, Chinese supermarkets are an economical choice, allowing them to cook familiar home-cooked meals even while abroad. We hope this article gives prospective students a deeper understanding of Chinese supermarkets in London and online across the UK. If you have any questions about studying in the UK, feel free to contact Cyclopes' professional education consultants for more information on studying in the UK.