Living in China offers an incredible opportunity to experience rich culture, diverse cuisine, and new flavors. However, there may be times when you crave familiar foods from back home. Whether it’s a specific ingredient for your favorite recipe or international snacks, finding these products in China’s bustling cities can be challenging. Fortunately, many major cities have international food stores that cater to the tastes of foreigners. Here’s a guide to help you find those hidden gems.
1. Start with Popular International Chains
International supermarket chains are a reliable option for foreigners seeking familiar food products. These stores offer a wide selection of imported goods, from Western snacks to European dairy products. Some of the most popular international chains in China include:
- Metro: A German-based wholesale supermarket with stores in many major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Metro carries a variety of imported meats, cheeses, beverages, and other international products in bulk.
- Carrefour: A French retailer that has a strong presence in China. Carrefour is well-known for offering international products, including spices, sauces, snacks, and even some fresh produce.
- Walmart: While it’s known for its local goods, Walmart also stocks a range of imported items, particularly snacks, cereals, and beverages from the U.S. and other countries.
2. Explore City-Specific International Markets
Each major Chinese city has its own unique selection of international food markets where you can find specialty items. Here are some popular options by city:
Beijing
- Jenny Lou’s: A favorite among expats, Jenny Lou’s has multiple branches in Beijing. It offers a wide range of imported goods, including fresh bread, international cheeses, meats, wines, and baking ingredients.
- April Gourmet: Similar to Jenny Lou’s, April Gourmet specializes in international groceries. It carries a diverse selection of fresh meats, imported wines, canned goods, and other essentials for Western cooking.
- Sanyuanli Market: This open-air market is known for its fresh produce, meats, and seafood. It also has vendors selling imported cheeses, spices, and other hard-to-find ingredients.
Shanghai
- City Shop: One of Shanghai’s top choices for expats looking for Western products, City Shop carries everything from imported pasta and sauces to specialty items like organic dairy products and gluten-free foods.
- Ole Supermarket: Located in the basement of high-end shopping malls, Ole is a premium supermarket with a large selection of international goods. It’s a great place for those looking for high-quality imported wine, cheese, and deli meats.
- Avocado Lady: A small shop famous among expats, this store sells fresh avocados, along with other imported fruits, vegetables, spices, and health foods.
Guangzhou
- Aeon: A Japanese supermarket chain that stocks a variety of international products, including Japanese, Korean, and Western foods. It’s particularly good for those looking for imported snacks, sauces, and cooking ingredients.
- Corner’s Deli: Located in the expat-favorite area of Zhujiang New Town, this store offers a wide range of imported goods, including dairy products, cereals, sauces, and international wines.
Shenzhen
- Bestsuper: A well-stocked international grocery store that focuses on imported European and American foods. It’s a great place to find specialty items like cheeses, pastas, sauces, and beverages.
- Sam’s Club: Similar to Walmart, Sam’s Club offers a variety of bulk imported goods. Their food section includes imported meats, snacks, frozen foods, and wines from around the world.
3. Online Shopping for International Goods
If you can’t find what you need in local stores, you can always turn to online shopping platforms. Many Chinese e-commerce websites offer a wide range of international products, and delivery is usually fast. Here are some popular options:
- Tmall Global (天猫国际): Tmall is one of the largest e-commerce platforms in China. Its Global section offers an extensive range of imported goods, from snacks and beverages to beauty products and baby formula.
- JD Worldwide (京东国际): JD.com is another popular online retailer with an international section. It’s especially good for finding electronics, groceries, and health supplements.
- Baopals: A website designed for foreigners living in China, Baopals makes it easier to navigate Taobao and Tmall by providing an English-language interface. You can find a wide selection of international foods here as well.
4. Expat Communities and Social Media Groups
One of the best ways to find international food stores is by connecting with the local expat community. Foreigners living in China often share their favorite shopping spots through social media groups and online forums. Platforms like WeChat and Facebook are great places to start:
- WeChat Groups: Many cities have dedicated WeChat groups for expats where people share recommendations for food stores, restaurants, and online shopping platforms. Join groups like “Beijing Foodies” or “Shanghai Expats” to get insider tips on where to shop.
- Expat Blogs and Forums: Websites like Shanghai Expat and The Beijinger have forums where expats discuss the best places to find international foods and share shopping tips.
5. Specialty Shops and Import Stores
In addition to larger supermarkets, many cities have smaller specialty shops that cater specifically to expats and offer unique products. Look for:
- Butcher Shops: Some cities have specialized butcher shops that offer imported meats like lamb, pork, and steak cuts that are difficult to find in standard supermarkets.
- Bakeries: Many international bakeries in cities like Beijing and Shanghai sell imported ingredients like European butter, chocolate, and specialty flour.
- Wine and Cheese Shops: Specialty stores focused on imported wines and cheeses are also becoming more common in expat-heavy areas.
Conclusion
Finding international food stores in major Chinese cities is easier than it may seem once you know where to look. Whether you’re visiting Metro for bulk goods, shopping online through Tmall Global, or getting tips from fellow expats in a WeChat group, there are plenty of ways to access your favorite foods from home. With a little exploration and the right resources, you’ll soon discover all the hidden corners of China where international foods are readily available.
Stay updated with Hafrik’s City Guide for more tips on living and thriving in China as a foreigner!
