The Massive New Ha Tien Super Market: 7 Reasons This Asian Grocery Giant Is Changing The Twin Cities Food Scene

Ha Tien Super Market is no longer just a local grocery store; as of the most recent updates in late 2024 and 2025, its main St. Paul, Minnesota location has cemented its status as one of the largest and most comprehensive Asian markets in the entire Twin Cities area. The market’s massive expansion into a former high-end supermarket space has completely redefined the shopping experience, transforming it into a vibrant cultural hub that offers an incredible, diverse range of products, from everyday staples to rare international ingredients. This significant upgrade and expansion is the freshest news about Ha Tien, and it has drawn a new wave of shoppers eager to explore its enormous selection of oriental produce, fresh seafood, and the famously delicious hot deli offerings. Whether you're a seasoned chef looking for exotic spices or a casual shopper craving an authentic Vietnamese banh mi, Ha Tien Super Market has become the definitive destination for flavors spanning the globe.

The Evolution and Massive Expansion of Ha Tien Super Market

The history of Ha Tien Super Market is a testament to the growth and diversification of the Asian-American community in the Midwest, particularly in the St. Paul East Side neighborhood. What began as a humble local market has continually expanded its vision, culminating in a major, game-changing move that has put it firmly in the spotlight of the Twin Cities food scene. In a move that generated significant buzz, the St. Paul location relocated to a much larger building, previously occupied by the high-end American chain, Lunds & Byerlys. This transition was more than just a change of address; it was a massive upgrade in scale and presentation. The new space is significantly larger, allowing Ha Tien to dramatically increase its inventory and improve the shopping environment, making it feel more modern and accessible while maintaining its authentic, community-focused roots. This expansion instantly elevated Ha Tien to compete directly with other major regional players like Dragon Star Supermarket and United Noodles, offering a wider and more varied selection than many competitors. The market’s success is built on its commitment to providing a diverse array of authentic ingredients, catering not only to the Vietnamese community from which it originates but also to customers seeking products from a multitude of Asian countries, including China, Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore. This commitment to diversity is a key factor in its growing topical authority.

The Ultimate Guide to Ha Tien's Unique and Diverse Offerings

What sets Ha Tien Super Market apart from standard American grocery stores is the sheer depth and breadth of its product categories. It is a true international culinary experience, stocking over 10,000 products that are often impossible to find elsewhere in Minnesota. The market is organized into several key sections, each a destination in itself.

The Unbeatable Hot Deli and Bakery

The Hot Deli and Bakery sections are arguably the biggest draws for many first-time visitors and loyal customers alike. The deli features a constantly rotating selection of about a dozen hot food items, offering a quick and affordable way to sample authentic Asian cuisine. * Banh Mi Station: Ha Tien is famous for its banh mi sandwiches. The secret lies in the quality of the ingredients: the French bread is baked fresh daily, providing the perfect crispy-chewy texture, and the sandwiches are often filled with tender BBQ meat and a signature special sauce. * Prepared Foods: Beyond the sandwiches, the deli offers a variety of ready-to-eat meals, making it a favorite lunch stop for local workers and shoppers. * Bakery Delights: The bakery provides an attractive array of fresh-baked goods, including traditional Asian pastries and desserts that complement the hot food offerings.

A World of Produce, Meat, and Seafood

The market’s fresh sections are where its diversity truly shines. The produce department is a visual feast, offering an insane variety of oriental produce that goes far beyond the typical supermarket selection. Shoppers can find rare ingredients like Makok and an extensive range of leafy greens and exotic fruits. The seafood and meat counters are also major focal points. The fresh fish section is known for its high quality and diverse selection, often featuring whole fish and cuts popular in Asian cooking. Similarly, the meat department stocks cuts and preparations that cater specifically to international recipes.

The Global Pantry: From Asia to Africa

Ha Tien has made a conscious effort to move beyond a strictly Asian niche, expanding its offerings to serve the broader immigrant and ethnic communities in the region. This is evident in its dry goods aisles: * Asian Staples: Customers can find every imaginable type of rice, noodles, sauces, and pickled vegetables from across Southeast and East Asia. * African Ingredients: Uniquely, Ha Tien dedicates several aisles to African ingredients, including staples like Fufu, demonstrating its commitment to being a truly global market. * Specialty Items: The shelves are stocked with hard-to-find items such as different varieties of quail eggs and specialty snacks.

Practical Information for Your Visit (St. Paul & Worcester)

For first-time visitors or those planning a trip to one of the locations, knowing the essential details will enhance your experience. Ha Tien Super Market maintains a strong physical presence in two key states, serving as a cultural and culinary anchor for both communities.

St. Paul, MN Location Details

The flagship market is the one that underwent the major expansion and is the primary focus of recent updates.

• Address: 1959 Suburban Ave, St Paul, MN 55119
• Hours of Operation (General):
  • Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Key Feature: The massive scale, the hot deli, and the unparalleled variety of fresh oriental produce and international goods.

Worcester, MA Location Details

Ha Tien also operates a significant market on the East Coast, known as Ha-Tien Market in Massachusetts, which serves as a vital hub for Asian groceries in the region.

• Address: 892 Main St, Worcester, MA 01610
• Key Feature: Known for its quality fresh fish and international food items, it provides a similar cultural experience tailored to the New England community.

Ha Tien Super Market’s recent expansion in St. Paul is a powerful statement about the growing demand for authentic and diverse international ingredients. It’s a supermarket that transcends the typical grocery run, offering a genuine culinary adventure. By providing an incredible selection of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and even African products—all under one roof—Ha Tien has successfully cultivated high topical authority and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in global cuisine.