Some Asian Foods That You Can Get Here in the USA
Posted: May. 29, 2026
Asian food has become incredibly popular across the United States over the last few decades. What used to be difficult to find outside of major cities is now available almost everywhere — from local grocery stores to dedicated restaurants and international markets.
Whether you're curious about trying something new or already a fan of Asian cuisine, here are some popular foods from different Asian countries that you can commonly find in the USA.
Japanese Foods
Japan is known for simple but flavorful dishes that focus on fresh ingredients and presentation.
Sushi
Sushi is probably the most well-known Japanese food in America. It usually includes vinegared rice paired with fish, vegetables, or egg. Popular types include:
- California rolls
- Spicy tuna rolls
- Salmon nigiri
- Tempura rolls
You can find sushi almost everywhere now, including grocery stores and gas stations.
Ramen
Ramen is a noodle soup dish that comes in different styles such as:
- Tonkotsu (pork broth)
- Shoyu (soy sauce broth)
- Miso ramen
- Spicy ramen
Instant ramen is also extremely popular because it is cheap and easy to make.
Takoyaki
Takoyaki are small fried dough balls filled with octopus and topped with sauce, mayo, and bonito flakes. They are becoming more common at Japanese restaurants and anime conventions in the USA.
Korean Foods
Korean food has exploded in popularity thanks to K-pop, Korean dramas, and social media.
Korean BBQ
Korean BBQ lets you grill meats like beef and pork directly at your table. Common side dishes include:
- Kimchi
- Rice
- Pickled vegetables
- Lettuce wraps
Many cities now have dedicated Korean BBQ restaurants.
Tteokbokki
Tteokbokki are chewy rice cakes cooked in a spicy red sauce. They are popular street food in Korea and are now sold in many Asian grocery stores in America.
Korean Fried Chicken
Korean fried chicken is known for being extra crispy and often coated in spicy or sweet sauces. It has become a serious competitor to traditional American fried chicken.
Chinese Foods
Chinese food has been part of American culture for generations.
Dumplings
Dumplings can be steamed, fried, or boiled and are filled with meat or vegetables. Popular versions include:
- Pork dumplings
- Soup dumplings
- Potstickers
Frozen dumplings are also easy to find in supermarkets.
Hot Pot
Hot pot is a social meal where people cook meats, noodles, and vegetables in a shared boiling broth at the table.
Mapo Tofu
Mapo tofu is a spicy Sichuan dish made with tofu, minced meat, and chili oil. It is known for its bold flavor and heat.
Thai Foods
Thai cuisine is famous for balancing sweet, spicy, sour, and salty flavors.
Pad Thai
Pad Thai is one of the most common Thai dishes in America. It includes stir-fried rice noodles with ingredients like:
- Shrimp or chicken
- Peanuts
- Bean sprouts
- Lime
Thai Curry
Thai curries come in several varieties:
- Green curry
- Red curry
- Yellow curry
They are usually served with rice and coconut milk-based sauces.
Mango Sticky Rice
This dessert combines sweet sticky rice, coconut milk, and fresh mango slices.
Vietnamese Foods
Vietnamese cuisine focuses heavily on fresh herbs and balanced flavors.
Pho
Pho is a noodle soup with a flavorful broth, rice noodles, and meat such as beef or chicken. It is commonly served with herbs, lime, and bean sprouts.
Banh Mi
Banh mi is a Vietnamese sandwich served on a baguette and filled with meats, vegetables, cilantro, and sauces.
Spring Rolls
Vietnamese spring rolls are usually wrapped in rice paper and filled with shrimp, pork, noodles, and vegetables.
Asian Grocery Stores in America
One of the coolest things about living in the USA today is how easy it is to explore Asian foods without traveling overseas.
Popular Asian grocery chains include:
- H Mart
- Mitsuwa Marketplace
- 99 Ranch Market
These stores often carry imported snacks, drinks, sauces, frozen foods, and fresh ingredients from across Asia.
Asian food in the USA is more accessible than ever before. Whether you're grabbing sushi from a grocery store, trying Korean BBQ with friends, or making ramen at home, there are endless options to explore.
Trying foods from different cultures is one of the best ways to experience new flavors and learn more about the world without leaving your city.
If you have never tried Asian cuisine before, start with something simple like ramen, sushi, or pad thai — then slowly branch out into more unique dishes as your tastes expand.
