Paris 13th: this 40-year-old Asian supermarket remains the largest in the capital

Imagine endless aisles filled with products from all over Asia. Rare spices rub shoulders with uniquely flavored sauces. France’s largest Asian supermarket is just outside Paris, and well worth a visit.

A temple to Asian gastronomy on the outskirts of Paris

In Vitry-sur-Seine, in the Val-de-Marne region of France, stands a food retail giant. Tang Frères occupies a 5,000 m² space dedicated to the flavors of Asia. Every week, it attracts thousands of curious and enthusiastic visitors.

The company was founded in 1976 by two brothers of Laotian origin. Since then, it has become a benchmark for all lovers of Asian cuisine. As a result, this Asian supermarket has built up a loyal and varied clientele over the decades.

There are products from Vietnam, China, Japan, Korea and Thailand. Each department offers an immersion in a different culinary culture. Neophytes and connoisseurs alike will find what they’re looking for.

“It’s a trip to Asia without flying, with products you can’t find anywhere else.”

Departments organized by country and specialty

Right from the entrance, visitors are guided by clear signage. Each section corresponds to a country or a type of product. What’s more, multilingual staff can guide customers lost in this tasty maze.

The fresh section offers typical vegetables such as pak choï and bamboo shoots. There’s also fresh tofu and ready-to-cook ravioli. The frozen section, on the other hand, offers dim sum and ready-made dishes for busy evenings.

An offer that goes far beyond food

This Asian supermarket doesn’t limit itself to edible products. Tableware, kitchen utensils and decorative items occupy several aisles. So you can equip your kitchen while you shop for food.

Ceramic woks, chopsticks and bowls appeal to lovers of authenticity. Meanwhile, traditional teapots and sake sets attract collectors. Each object tells its own story and tradition.

• Hundreds of varieties of noodles and rice
• A catering department with dishes prepared on site
• Fresh fish and seafood arriving in the morning
• An Asian wine and spirits cellar
• An area dedicated to imported organic products

The cosmetics department is also worth a long stop. Korean masks, Japanese creams and traditional skincare products are on display. K-beauty is now attracting a new generation of customers to this Asian store.

Prices remain competitive despite the quality of imported products. The brand buys in bulk and negotiates directly with producers. This enables us to offer affordable prices to the general public.

A meeting place for communities

This Asian supermarket plays an important social role. It brings together families looking for the ingredients for their traditional recipes. It also enables expatriates to recapture a little of their homeland.

The aisles rustle with conversations in several languages. Customers swap tips and recipes as they turn a corner. Yet this cultural melting pot takes place in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Practical tips for a successful visit

It’s best to set aside some time to explore this Asian supermarket in depth. A first visit can take over an hour, so vast is the range on offer. On weekdays, mornings are quieter for strolling around.

Free parking makes it easy to get here by car from Paris. As a result, you can leave with a full trunk without difficulty. Public transport also serves the site via metro and bus.

The temptation of the shelves calls for a cart. Sauces, condiments and snacks quickly accumulate in the basket. Nonetheless, the cash registers remain fluid, thanks to a large number of staff.

For novices, starting in the delicatessen department means you can taste before you buy. Egg rolls, spring rolls and bo buns are prepared daily. This approach helps to better understand flavors before cooking yourself.