Asian Groceries in Slovakia: Where to Shop, What to Buy, and How to Cook
When I first moved to Slovakia, one of my biggest culture shocks wasn’t the language, weather, or bureaucracy — it was the grocery stores.
Coming from a country where soy sauce, bok choy, and rice noodles were as common as milk and bread, I suddenly found myself staring at shelves filled with unfamiliar labels and thinking: Where on earth do I buy tofu, miso paste, or jasmine rice here?
If you’re an expat, international student, or foodie in Slovakia, you’ve probably faced the same question. The good news is: yes, you can absolutely find authentic Asian groceries in Slovakia — you just need to know where to look.
After years of trial, error, and many long bus rides with bags full of noodles and sauces, I’ve put together this guide to help you find your favorite Asian ingredients — especially in Bratislava, Košice, and beyond.
🥟 Why It’s Tricky (at First)
Slovakia’s food culture is hearty, meat-heavy, and proudly Central European — think potatoes, dumplings, cabbage, and pork. That’s great if you love local cuisine (and I do!), but not so great when you’re craving Thai curry or Korean kimchi.
Mainstream supermarkets like Tesco, Lidl, and Kaufland have started stocking a few “international” items, but it’s usually limited to:
- Soy sauce
- Rice noodles
- Sweet chili sauce
Often, these are Western brands — not the real deal.
That’s why discovering Slovakia’s Asian grocery stores felt like uncovering a secret treasure map. The Asian expat community here is small but growing, and these shops are their lifelines — and now mine too.
🛒 Asian Grocery Stores in Bratislava: Hidden Gems
Bratislava has the widest selection of Asian supermarkets in Slovakia. Most are small, family-run, and tucked away — but inside, you’ll find everything from gochujang to pandan leaves.
1. Asia Market (Miletičova Street)
A favorite among locals and expats alike for its wide range of Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, and Japanese ingredients.
What to buy:
- Fresh tofu, pak choi, bean sprouts
- Kikkoman soy sauce, oyster sauce
- Thai curry pastes (Mae Ploy, Aroy-D)
- Frozen dumplings and dim sum
💡 Tip: Go early on weekends — that’s when fresh herbs like coriander and Thai basil arrive.
2. T.M.T. Asian Food (Obchodná Street)
Smaller than Asia Market but well-stocked with Korean and Japanese staples.
Highlights:
- Gochujang and doenjang
- Sushi rice, nori, mirin
- Unique instant ramen varieties
I once walked out with everything I needed for homemade bibimbap — something I never thought I’d pull off in Slovakia!
3. Kimchi Shop Bratislava (Ružinov)
Run by a Korean family, this shop offers house-made kimchi that’s crunchy, tangy, and spicy — just like in Seoul.
Also available:
- Frozen mandu (Korean dumplings)
- Specialty sauces
💬 Bonus: The owners often share cooking tips. Last winter, they even recommended a local cabbage variety perfect for homemade kimchi.
4. Asia Food (Trnavské mýto)
Great for Vietnamese and Chinese staples, especially bulk items like rice, sauces, and dried noodles. Prices are usually lower than city-center shops.
🧭 Beyond Bratislava: Where to Shop in Other Cities
1. Asia Food Košice (Hlavná 68)
Located in the old town, this store has a solid range of Vietnamese and Thai products.
Top finds:
- Thai jasmine rice (Royal Umbrella)
- Frozen seafood for hot pot
- Rice paper and vermicelli noodles
When I visited Košice, this store saved me — I even found coconut milk and pandan essence for a Southeast Asian dessert.
2. Online Stores That Deliver Across Slovakia
If you’re in a smaller town, online shopping is your best friend. Most orders arrive within 2–4 days.
Recommended sites:
- 🛍️AsiaFood.sk – Czech-based, great for Korean and Japanese items
- 🛍️ThaiMarket.sk – Specializes in Thai ingredients and cooking sets
- 🛍️Foodland.sk – My favorite one with variouty of choices
- 🛍️Amazon.de – Reliable for sauces, noodles, and pantry staples
📦 Tip: Double-check packaging for sauces or glass bottles — some couriers can be rough.
🧂 What You Can Find in Slovak Supermarkets
Surprisingly, some basics are available in mainstream stores — you just need to know where to look.
Common finds:
- Soy sauce (Kikkoman, Blue Dragon) – Tesco, Kaufland, Lidl
- Rice noodles & coconut milk – Lidl, Billa “exotic” section
- Sriracha & sweet chili sauce – widely available
- Tofu – Kaufland’s vegetarian section (usually soft or smoked)
💡 These aren’t always authentic brands, but they’re perfect for quick stir-fries or weeknight curries.
🍳 Cooking Asian Food in Slovakia: Tips for Expats
1. Adapt, Don’t Compromise
No lemongrass? Try lemon zest + ginger. No galangal? Ginger + lime juice. Flexibility is key — and sometimes, your new versions become favorites.
2. Stock Up When Traveling
Visiting Vienna, Prague, or Budapest? Don’t miss:
- 🛒 Song’s Asian Market (Vienna)
- 🛒 Prosi Exotic Supermarket (Vienna)
Both are worth a shopping spree.
3. Build Your Pantry Slowly
Start with essentials:
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Rice vinegar
- Chili paste or sriracha
- Jasmine or sushi rice
Then expand as you explore new recipes.
4. Join Expat or Foodie Groups
Facebook groups like:
- 🧑🍳 Expats in Bratislava
- 🧑🍳 Asian Food Lovers Slovakia
These are goldmines for tips on where to find fresh herbs, rice paper, or new store openings. That’s how I first heard about the Kimchi Shop!
🥘 My Favorite “Local Fusion” Dishes
Living in Slovakia has inspired some fun culinary mashups:
- 🍜 Pho with Slovak beef — lean but flavorful
- 🥬 Pad Thai with local cabbage — crunchy and fresh
- 🧄 Bulgogi with Slovak onions and garlic — perfect for marinades
It’s amazing how adaptable recipes become when you embrace what’s local.
🧧 Asian Groceries Are Closer Than You Think
When I first arrived, I thought finding Asian groceries in Slovakia would be impossible. Now, my pantry is stocked with jasmine rice, Korean sauces, and Thai curry pastes — all found locally or online.
The secret? 👉 Know where to look. 👉 Be open to creativity. 👉 Embrace the local-global blend.
Slovakia may not have a Chinatown, but it has a growing network of Asian stores, expat communities, and food lovers who make it possible to cook authentic dishes right at home.
And trust me — few things beat the joy of enjoying a bowl of homemade pho on a snowy Slovak evening.
