Top 10 Must-Have Asian Ingredients for Your Pantry

If you're a fan of Asian cuisine or just looking to expand your cooking horizons, having the right pantry essentials is key to creating authentic flavours.

Here’s a list of 10 must-have Asian ingredients that will transform your kitchen into a world of delicious possibilities. And the best part? You can find all these items at our family-run Asian supermarket!

1. Soy Sauce

A staple in many Asian dishes, soy sauce brings umami flavour to stir-fries, marinades, and dipping sauces. Light soy sauce is great for seasoning, while dark soy sauce adds colour and depth to dishes.

2. Sesame Oil

Known for its nutty aroma, sesame oil is used in Korean, Chinese, and Japanese cooking to add richness to dishes like dressings, noodles, or fried rice. A little goes a long way!

3. Rice Vinegar

Rice vinegar is lighter and less acidic than Western vinegars, making it ideal for sushi rice, salads, and pickled vegetables. It adds a subtle tang without overpowering the dish.

4. Fish Sauce

This salty, fermented condiment is essential in Southeast Asian cooking, especially Thai and Vietnamese cuisines. It adds depth to soups, sauces, and stir-fries with its savoury kick.

5. Miso Paste

A fermented soybean paste, miso is packed with umami and is the base for miso soup, marinades, and dressings. It’s available in different varieties, from light (mild) to dark (bold).

6. Dried Shiitake Mushrooms

These mushrooms offer intense umami flavor, perfect for soups, stir-fries, and braises. Rehydrate them by soaking in warm water, and use both the mushrooms and the flavourful soaking liquid.

7. Coconut Milk

A key ingredient in Thai, Malaysian, and Indonesian cooking, coconut milk is used in curries, soups, and desserts. It adds a rich, creamy texture and balances out spicy dishes.

8. Hoisin Sauce

This sweet and savoury sauce is great for glazing meats, stir-frying, or as a dipping sauce. It’s often used in Chinese dishes like Peking duck or in Vietnamese pho.

9. Sriracha

No Asian pantry is complete without this iconic hot sauce! With its balanced heat and tangy flavour, sriracha is perfect for adding a spicy kick to noodles, rice, or even eggs.

10. Rice Noodles

Versatile and easy to cook, rice noodles are used in many Asian dishes, from Vietnamese pho to Thai pad thai. Keep them on hand for quick, gluten-free meal options.

Stock Your Pantry Today!

Whether you’re cooking up a stir-fry, a warming bowl of ramen, or exploring new recipes, these ingredients will help you bring authentic Asian flavours to your table. Visit our online supermarket to find these essentials and more, and get started on your culinary adventure!