Asian Groceries & Food in Portugal — Where to Shop

Asian Supermarkets in Lisbon

Lisbon has the largest concentration of Asian grocery stores in Portugal, reflecting the city’s diverse immigrant population. The most well-known area for Asian shopping is Martim Moniz and Mouraria, in the historic centre of Lisbon. This neighbourhood has been a hub for Asian communities — particularly Chinese, Indian, Bangladeshi, and South Asian — for decades.

Around Martim Moniz, you will find multiple Asian supermarkets, small grocery shops, and wholesale stores. These shops typically carry a wide range of products:

• Rice varieties — Jasmine, basmati, sushi rice, glutinous rice, and long-grain rice in large sacks
• Noodles — Rice noodles, egg noodles, ramen, udon, vermicelli, and glass noodles
• Spices & seasonings — Turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, five-spice, star anise, dried chillies, and many more
• Sauces & condiments — Soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, sriracha, sambal, tamarind paste, and curry pastes
• Frozen goods — Dumplings, spring rolls, frozen fish, prawns, and dim sum items
• Fresh produce — Bok choy, morning glory, Thai basil, lemongrass, galangal, fresh ginger, and bitter melon (availability varies by season)
• Tofu & soy products — Firm tofu, silken tofu, tempeh, bean curd sheets
• Snacks & drinks — Asian snacks, bubble tea supplies, matcha, and imported beverages

Beyond Martim Moniz, Asian grocery shops can also be found in Intendente, Arroios, parts of Amadora, and other areas with significant Asian populations. Use online maps and search for “supermercado asiático” or “Asian supermarket” to find shops near your neighbourhood.

Asian Shops in Porto

Porto has a smaller but growing number of Asian grocery stores. The city centre and areas around Bolhão and Campanha have Asian shops, though the selection is less extensive than in Lisbon. Chinese supermarkets are the most common, but Indian and South Asian grocery stores also exist.

In Porto, you may need to visit multiple shops to find everything you need. For harder-to-find ingredients, many people in Porto order online or make occasional trips to Lisbon. The Asian food scene in Porto is expanding, and new shops open regularly.

Other Cities & the South

Outside Lisbon and Porto, Asian grocery options are more limited but growing. Here is what to expect in other areas:

• Setúbal Peninsula (Almada, Seixal, Setúbal) — The south bank of the Tagus has a growing Asian population. Almada and Seixal have some Asian grocery shops, particularly Chinese stores and Indian/South Asian groceries. Setúbal city has a smaller selection. Search online maps for “supermercado asiático” in your specific area.
• Algarve (Faro, Albufeira, Lagos) — Tourist-focused areas have some international food shops, but dedicated Asian supermarkets are uncommon. Larger Continente and Auchan stores in the Algarve carry basic Asian staples. Many residents order online or stock up during trips to Lisbon.
• Coimbra & Central Portugal — University cities like Coimbra have a small number of Asian shops, often run by the local Chinese or Indian communities. Student associations and community groups may be able to point you to current options.
• Braga & Minho — A small but growing number of Asian stores, mainly Chinese supermarkets. Check community groups for up-to-date recommendations.

Specialty Stores by Cuisine

Different Asian communities have established stores catering to their specific culinary traditions:

• Chinese stores — The most widespread. Carry a broad range of Chinese, and general East Asian, products including noodles, tofu, sauces, Chinese vegetables, and cooking utensils. Many also stock products from Southeast Asia.
• Indian & South Asian stores — Specialize in spices, lentils (dal), basmati rice, pickles, papadums, ghee, and Indian snacks. Many also carry Bangladeshi and Pakistani products.
• Filipino stores — A smaller number of shops carry Filipino staples such as calamansi, banana ketchup, pancit noodles, dried fish, and Filipino snacks. Ask within the Filipino community for current locations.
• Korean & Japanese stores — Carry items like gochujang, kimchi, miso paste, nori, wasabi, Japanese curry roux, and Korean instant noodles. These are less common as standalone shops but some Chinese supermarkets stock Korean and Japanese products.
• Thai stores — Thai curry pastes, coconut cream, fish sauce, and Thai herbs can often be found in Chinese and general Asian supermarkets rather than dedicated Thai shops.

South Asian Ingredients

Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka have large communities in Portugal, and finding familiar ingredients is a priority for many families. Here is what is typically available:

Staples & Dry Goods

• Rice — Basmati rice (including aged basmati) is widely available in both Asian shops and Portuguese supermarkets. Sella rice and broken rice can be found in Indian and Pakistani grocery stores.
• Flour & lentils — Atta (chapati flour), besan (gram flour), and a wide range of dals (masoor, chana, moong, urad, toor) are stocked by most South Asian grocery stores.
• Spices — Whole and ground spices including turmeric (haldi), cumin (zeera), coriander (dhania), chilli powder, garam masala, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, mustard seeds, fenugreek, and curry leaves. Quality and freshness vary — specialised Asian shops tend to have a better range than supermarkets.
• Ghee & cooking oils — Ghee is widely available. Mustard oil may be harder to find but is stocked by some Indian/Pakistani stores.

Fresh & Frozen

• Fresh herbs — Coriander (coentros) is widely used in Portuguese cooking and is easy to find everywhere. Fresh mint, curry leaves, and green chillies are available at Asian stores and some farmers’ markets.
• Vegetables — Okra (bhindi/quiabo), aubergine, bitter gourd (karela), long beans, and fenugreek leaves (methi) can be found at Indian and Pakistani stores, though availability varies seasonally.
• Frozen items — Parathas, samosas, kebabs, and other frozen ready meals are stocked by many South Asian shops.

Snacks & Beverages

South Asian snacks such as namkeen, biscuits, and sweets are available at Indian and Pakistani grocery stores. Chai tea (loose leaf and brands like Tapal and Brooke Bond) and rooh afza can be found at some shops. Availability of specific brands depends on the store’s import sources.

Halal Shops & Butchers

For Muslim communities, finding halal meat and products is essential. Portugal has halal butchers (talho halal) and grocery shops, concentrated in areas with larger Muslim populations.

• Lisbon: The Martim Moniz and Mouraria area has several halal butchers and grocery shops. You can also find halal options in Amadora, Odivelas, and other suburbs with Muslim communities.
• Porto: Halal shops exist in the city centre and surrounding areas, though fewer than in Lisbon.
• Setúbal Peninsula: Some halal butchers and grocery shops operate in Almada, Seixal, and Setúbal. Search online maps for current locations.
• Other cities: In smaller Portuguese cities, halal options may be limited. Contact local mosques or Islamic centres — they can often direct you to halal suppliers in your area.

Some Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi grocery stores also sell halal meat. Search for “talho halal” or “loja halal” on online maps, and ask within your local Muslim community for recommendations.

Regular Supermarkets with Asian Sections

Major Portuguese supermarket chains have expanded their international food sections in recent years. You can find basic Asian ingredients in most large stores:

• Continente — Portugal’s largest supermarket chain. Larger Continente stores have dedicated international food aisles with soy sauce, rice noodles, coconut milk, curry pastes, and Asian snacks. They also stock basmati and jasmine rice.
• Pingo Doce — Carries a growing selection of Asian products including soy sauce, sriracha, wok noodles, and coconut milk. Product range varies by store size and location.
• Auchan — Larger Auchan hypermarkets tend to have good international sections with a reasonable range of Asian ingredients.
• Lidl & Aldi — Occasionally stock Asian products during themed promotional weeks (often labelled “Asian Week” or similar). Limited permanent Asian selection.

Online Asian Grocery Delivery

Online shopping is a growing option for Asian groceries in Portugal, particularly useful if you live outside Lisbon or Porto where physical Asian stores are scarce.

Search for “Asian groceries delivery Portugal” or “mercearia asiática online” to find current retailers. Online shops specialising in Asian food deliver across mainland Portugal, though delivery times and minimum order values vary. Some operate from Lisbon or Porto warehouses.

Additionally, major supermarket chains (Continente, Pingo Doce, Auchan) offer home delivery through their websites and apps. While their Asian selection is more limited, it can cover basics like soy sauce, noodles, rice, and coconut milk.

Farmers’ Markets (Mercados)

Portuguese farmers’ markets (mercados) are excellent places to buy fresh, affordable produce. While they primarily sell Portuguese and Mediterranean produce, many ingredients overlap with Asian cooking:

• Fresh herbs — Coriander (coentros, widely used in Portuguese cooking), parsley, mint, and bay leaves
• Vegetables — Ginger (gengibre), sweet potatoes, chillies, garlic, onions, spinach, aubergine, and courgette
• Seafood — Portugal has abundant fresh seafood. Fish markets sell prawns, squid, cod, sardines, and many other varieties
• Fruit — Mangoes, passion fruit, coconut, and other tropical fruits are increasingly available, especially in summer

Most neighbourhoods in Lisbon and Porto have a local market. The Mercado da Ribeira (Time Out Market) in Lisbon, Mercado do Bolhão in Porto, and smaller neighbourhood mercados municipais across the country are worth exploring. Prices at markets are generally lower than in supermarkets for fresh produce.

Asian Restaurants by Cuisine

When you do not feel like cooking, Portugal has a growing and diverse Asian restaurant scene:

• Chinese — The most established and widespread Asian cuisine in Portugal. Found in virtually every city and town.
• Indian & Nepalese — Growing rapidly, especially in Lisbon and Porto. Restaurants range from casual takeaway to fine dining.
• Japanese — Sushi restaurants are extremely popular in Portugal. Many shopping centres have at least one sushi restaurant. Authentic ramen and izakaya-style restaurants have appeared in recent years.
• Thai — A smaller but growing number of Thai restaurants, primarily in Lisbon.
• Korean — Korean restaurants including barbecue and fried chicken spots are emerging, mainly in Lisbon.
• Vietnamese, Filipino & other Southeast Asian — A small but growing presence in Lisbon, with pho and banh mi gaining popularity.

Delivery platforms like Uber Eats, Glovo, and Bolt Food list Asian restaurants and can deliver to your door. Use these apps to discover Asian restaurants near you.

Cooking at Home — Tips

Cooking your favourite dishes from home is entirely possible in Portugal with some adaptation:

• Stock up on staples — Buy rice, noodles, sauces, and dry spices in bulk from Asian supermarkets. These items keep well and save you frequent shopping trips.
• Substitute when needed — If a specific ingredient is unavailable, local alternatives can work. Portuguese coriander is the same herb used in many Asian cuisines. Local chillies (piri-piri) can substitute for Asian chilli varieties.
• Invest in equipment — A rice cooker, wok, and basic Asian cooking utensils can be found in Asian shops or online. Portuguese kitchens use gas or electric hobs, both suitable for wok cooking (though gas gives better heat control).
• Grow your own herbs — Portugal’s mild climate is suitable for growing coriander, chillies, lemongrass, and Thai basil. If you have a balcony or garden, growing fresh herbs can save money and ensure freshness.
• Join cooking communities — Facebook groups and community organisations for Asian immigrants in Portugal often share recipes, tips, and information about where to find specific ingredients.

Common Questions

Where can I find Asian supermarkets in Lisbon?

The Martim Moniz and Mouraria areas in central Lisbon have the highest concentration of Asian grocery shops, including Chinese, Indian, Bangladeshi, and Southeast Asian stores. You can also find Asian shops in Intendente, Arroios, and parts of Amadora. Search online maps for “supermercado asiático” near your location for the most up-to-date listings.

Do Portuguese supermarkets carry Asian products?

Yes. Major chains like Continente, Pingo Doce, and Auchan carry international food sections that include soy sauce, rice noodles, coconut milk, curry pastes, basmati rice, and other staples. Larger stores tend to have better international selections. The range is growing as Portugal’s Asian population increases.

Can I order Asian groceries online in Portugal?

Yes. Several online shops deliver Asian groceries across Portugal. Search for “Asian groceries delivery Portugal” to find current options. Major supermarket chains also offer home delivery through their websites and apps, and their international sections include some Asian products. Availability and delivery areas change frequently, so check each retailer’s website.

Where can I find halal meat and groceries in Portugal?

Halal butchers and grocery shops exist in areas with larger Muslim communities, particularly around Martim Moniz and Mouraria in Lisbon, and in parts of Porto. Some Indian and Bangladeshi grocery stores also carry halal meat. Search for “talho halal” or “loja halal” on online maps near your area for current locations.

Are there Asian restaurants in Portugal?

Yes. Portugal has a wide range of Asian restaurants, particularly Chinese, Indian, Nepalese, Thai, Japanese, and Korean. Lisbon and Porto have the most options, but Asian restaurants can be found in most Portuguese cities. Many restaurants also offer takeaway and delivery through platforms like Uber Eats and Glovo.