An Enormous International Market In Michigan Promises A World Of Flavor

If you’re anything like me, a trip to the grocery store isn’t a chore, but a high-stakes treasure hunt. Pulling into the sun-drenched plaza on John R Road, I knew immediately that I wasn’t just here for a gallon of milk.

Thanks to the recent renovations, the aisles now feel like a grand unrolling of a fresh map, wide enough to wander without losing your sense of discovery. For those of us who demand diversity on our dinner plates and vibrance in our produce bins, this place is a sanctuary of high-quality ingredients.

Here’s the ultimate guide to navigating the fresh produce and international flavors at this newly renovated Asian supermarket in Madison Heights.

Whether you are a seasoned chef hunting for specific aromatics or a curious snacker looking for a new obsession, the sheer scale of this place demands a strategy. To make sure you don’t miss the hidden gems tucked between the rows, these tips are your essential field guide.

Start With The Layout, Not The List

The first few minutes inside reward those who embrace a slow walk. Fresh produce greets you with colorful stacks of bok choy, fragrant herbs, and exotic tropical fruits, while gleaming tanks signal the seafood stronghold just beyond.

Clear signs and bright lighting reflect the recent expansion of 168 Asian Mart, giving much-needed breathing room to both carts and conversations. It feels less like a crowded shop and more like an organized expedition.

Knowing the map helps far more than a long, rigid list, and I find it best to loop through the produce first. Then hit the dry pantry and frozen sections, before finally circling back for the deli barbecue.

This ensures that a tender roast does not sit in a warm cart for too long while you debate which soy sauce to buy.

If you are aiming for a quick visit, try arriving during the late morning on weekdays to avoid the peak bustle. Starting with a hand basket for a quick reconnaissance mission is a smart move.

A World Of Flavor In Madison Heights

The 168 Asian Mart is a massive, one-stop shopping destination for authentic groceries and specialty goods from across East and Southeast Asia. Located in the Madison Place plaza, this expansive market is a local landmark known for its incredible variety of fresh produce, live seafood, and a bustling interior food court.

Finding your way here is easy, as the store sits on the west side of John R Road, just north of the busy 14 Mile Road intersection. It is conveniently situated near major retailers like Target and BJ’s, with quick access from the I-75 freeway for those traveling from across Metro Detroit.

There is plenty of surface lot parking available directly in front of the entrance, allowing for a quick and easy transition from your car to the aisles at 32393 John R Rd, Madison Heights, MI 48071.

Live Seafood Strategy

The seafood section hums with the steady pulse of aerators and low chatter from those waiting for the catch of the day. Massive tanks hold lively Dungeness crabs and seasonal fish, while the ice beds shine with whole tilapia, pompano, and salmon heads destined for rich broths.

A hallmark of this department is the scent, it smells purely briny rather than fishy, which is a reliable indicator of high turnover and freshness.

Before you approach the counter, decide whether you want your selection cleaned, scaled, or simply scored. Because this is a popular destination, there can be a wait during peak hours.

Grab a numbered ticket early and use the time to scan nearby aisles for complementary sauces.

Prices are posted with total transparency, and the weight is confirmed right in front of you. If you have a bit of a drive home, keep a cooler in the trunk.

Deli Roast Duck And BBQ Pork, Efficiently

Golden, lacquered ducks hang behind glass like polished instruments in the deli section. The team moves with impressive speed, their cleavers tapping out quick, rhythmic beats as they portion out roast duck, soy chicken, and glossy char siu.

While lines frequently form, the turnover is remarkably steady if you come prepared with your order.

The sight of the mahogany-skinned poultry is enough to make anyone a regular. It is helpful to order by weight and specify whether you prefer your duck bone-in or boneless.

When selecting BBQ pork, don’t be afraid to ask for a balance of lean meat and those prized, slightly caramelized fatty ends.

The rice boxes are quite generous, so plan your route through the store so rising steam from the hot food doesn’t wilt your fresh greens.

Noodles Without Getting Lost

The noodle aisle stretches out like a vast library of grain and starch. Wheat ramen, knife-cut ribbons, rice vermicelli, and sweet potato glass noodles sit side by side, each inviting a different culinary application.

The package photos help with identification, but the real secrets are hidden in the small-print cooking times on the back.

This is where you find the foundation for a hundred different comfort meals. Approach your selection by thinking about texture first.

You want something springy for a stir-fry, slippery for a soup, or bouncy for a hot pot.

I often grab two different widths of rice noodles just to compare the chew within the same recipe. It is also helpful to keep a photo of your current pantry on your phone.

That way you don’t accidentally buy a duplicate of something you already have.

Look for regional styles that are hard to find elsewhere, as the shelf tags often denote the country of origin.

Freezer Doors Of Possibility

Behind the glass doors lies a world of quick-fix gourmet options. You’ll find tidy rows of dumplings, shumai, and bao, with fillings ranging from classic pork and chive to spicy kimchi.

Soup dumplings, or xiao long bao, wink from compact trays that are perfect for a weeknight steam.

The variety extends into sweet and savory with fish balls, scallion pancakes, and desserts like mango mochi. When browsing, scan ingredient lists carefully if you are managing any sesame allergies.

Pay attention to package weights for meal planning, generally, one bag is plenty for two people.

A little trick I’ve learned is to keep a permanent marker in the car to date your purchases for better freezer rotation once you get home. To get the best results, steam buns over parchment paper with small holes punched in it.

Sauce Library And Shortcuts

Rows upon rows of bottles turn this section into a literal flavor atlas. Light soy sauce and dark soy sauce sit apart for a reason, one for salt and one for color, while black vinegar hides near the soup bases.

Chili crisp options range from numbing Sichuan styles to toasty, garlic-heavy blends, and fermented doubanjiang announces itself with a deep, rich red hue.

A good rule of thumb is to choose one new sauce to experiment with alongside one reliable staple. If you are watching your sodium intake, low-salt soy often tastes cleaner in marinades than as a finishing drizzle.

For short-on-time nights, a tin of Thai curry paste mixed with coconut milk can be a total life-saver.

At home, keep the caps wiped clean to prevent sticky rings on your shelves. I like to write pairing notes on masking tape and stick them directly on the bottle.

Snacks For Curiosity Breaks

Some aisles function more like a tasting lab than a grocery row. Seaweed crisps are stacked high, shrimp chips bloom with salty goodness, and Pocky flavors rotate frequently with seasonal specials like matcha or strawberry.

Lower shelves often hold family-size rice crackers, while higher shelves can hide limited-run imports from Japan or Korea.

The best strategy is to pick one familiar anchor treat and two wild cards you’ve never tried before. Reading the back panels can provide interesting serving ideas, and buying smaller formats first is a great way to taste-test.

If you are watching your sugar, there are plenty of savory, non-sweet options available.

If you can’t resist opening a bag in the car, make sure you have wet wipes handy. Those salty crumbs have a way of multiplying during the drive home.

Cookware, Rice, And Useful Extras

Past the pantry staples, the store shifts into essential home gear. Bulk rice towers in tidy walls, featuring everything from jasmine to short-grain sushi rice.

Nearby, woks, heavy ladles, and bamboo steaming racks make the sauces you just bought feel purposeful.

You can also find chopsticks and ceramic bowls in everyday sets and gift-ready prints. It’s a great place to level up your kitchen game without breaking the bank.

The selection makes it easy to leave with one practical tool you did not know you needed.

When selecting rice, check harvest dates and choose a size based on how quickly you actually cook through it. If you are new to carbon steel woks, look for a flat-bottomed version.

They are much more stable on most residential stovetops, and they make weeknight stir-fries feel easier.

The staff are usually happy to point you toward seasoning guides if the packaging is unclear. Even a small bamboo steamer can be a game-changer for a compact kitchen since it nests inside pots you already own.

Bakery You Might Miss Near The Exit

Just when you think you’re finished, a warm, buttery glow near the exit reveals the hidden bakery. Trays are filled with soft, pillowy buns stuffed with red bean, pork floss, or sweet custard, and loaves of milk bread light as a cloud.

It is easy to breeze past if you’re shopping on autopilot, but your morning coffee will thank you if you stop.

Grab a tray and a pair of tongs even if you only plan on picking up one item, trust me, you’ll want more. Fresh batches cycle through frequently, and labels are clear about the fillings.

I’ve found it’s best to box pastries last so they don’t get squished under produce or heavy rice bags.

Back at home, a five-second zap in the microwave or a brief moment in a warm oven will restore that just-baked fluffiness. The bakery serves as a gentle, sweet finale to the entire shopping experience.

Timing, Parking, And Pace

The market maintains steady hours from 9 AM to 9 PM daily, which helps flatten out the crowds, but timing still matters. Weekends draw large families with long lists, making the atmosphere more festive but also more crowded.

If you prefer a tranquil browse, weekday mornings are your best bet.

Parking in the Madison Place plaza is ample, though the spaces closest to the door turn over fast. Don’t be afraid to park a few rows back for an easier exit.

That small choice can save time, especially when you leave with a loaded cart.

The key to a successful trip is bringing patience and a flexible route through the aisles. Thanks to renovations, the walkways are wider now, allowing carts to glide past each other without bumper car drama.

If the deli looks overwhelmed, browse a nearby aisle and circle back in five minutes.

Cultural Breadth, Respectful Browsing

What truly sets this market apart is its incredible range. You’ll find Chinese pantry staples sharing shelf space with Japanese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, and Filipino ingredients.

It feels like a genuine cross-cultural pantry rather than a narrow specialty shop, and that breadth is part of the draw.

This diversity makes the store a pillar of the community, attracting people from all over Metro Detroit. Some come looking for a taste of home, others come chasing a new culinary adventure.

Either way, the aisles hold the kind of variety that can teach you something every time.

As you explore, move with small courtesies, give people space at the seafood and deli counters, and allow families room around produce displays. When you aren’t sure about an item name, pointing politely to the label is always better than guessing loudly.