Hampton Oriental Market — Local services in Hampton

I was in Hampton a few weeks ago to do catering for Dead & Company at Hampton Coliseum. We featured a few Asian dishes that needed ingredients not available at normal supermarkets. I visited a few Asian markets in the area (including Virginia Beach) and the Hampton Oriental Market was the best, hands down. There was an incredible selection, considering the size of the store, but that was not why I felt the need to write a review. The customer service at this store is OUTSTANDING! Yes, I needed to shout that. It is a very busy store, but the cashier still found time to answer my questions and provide recommendations on products. They also will help you bring your bags out to your car, because they don't have shopping carts. A little boy helped me bring out my bags. My bags probably weighed more than he did. When I offered to give him a tip, he ran and said "No money! No money!"

I returned to the store on my second day there and as soon as I walked in, the cashier presented (not handed) me with three dollars, bowed, and apologized for overcharging me for the longans that I purchased the day before. I mean... who does that?! I haven't dealt with a more honest merchant in like, ever. And how did she remember what I bought? I was in shock. I told her that it was ok, because I didn't notice and that she should give the cash to the little boy. She refused and continued to apologize profusely. I took the cash reluctantly and decided that I would spend more money in the store.

I returned to the store on my third day, because I was still amazed by the honesty of the cashier and wanted to find any excuse to go back there to do my shopping, even though we were done with our Asian dishes and I could have gotten by with Whole Foods or any old supermarket. They had beautiful Fuyu persimmons that were out of this world and giant pomegranates. They also had powdered jellies, like grass jelly, coconut jelly, and almond jelly, that are hard to find in most Asian markets. I grabbed a bunch to bring home for my personal use.

If and when I'm back in the Hampton area, I will beeline for the Hampton Oriental Market. I will always support honest, hard-working merchants over chain...

These guys have been here for as long as I can remember. I've tried so many things over the years, and having a local store that caters to many different cuisines is such an important thing in any community. The only thing I have any kind of complaint about is that many of the dry goods products, but particularly their sweets, are made in facilities that also work with peanuts, which means that there are aspects of these cuisines I can't have. They also keep open peanuts out in the fresh produce section, and there's unfortunately a huge risk of cross contamination. I find myself having to be extra careful when I'm going back there for vegetables, kimchi, and the sodas my wife enjoys, not to accidentally brush up against them.

With that in mind, I absolutely recommend this place to anyone who doesn't have a peanut allergy. They have a fantastic variety of goods, not just foods, and they're always very kind to us whenever...

Small Oriental market with predominately Korean products, however there are also other international products as well. Everything you need to make your next Asian inspired dish can be found here. Shop owners are friendly and have been running this store for decades. It is a small place but with a variety of products that go beyond food to some nice accessories for home and kitchen. A good place to explore. Prices are reasonable for mostly imported goods. Also features a fresh produce section and a variety of frozen meats, fish, desserts and other...