The story of the Asian Grocery Store is a journey spanning nearly a century — a lineage of people who cherished trade, taste, and quality. Its owner, Michalis Sotiriadis, grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sights of shelves brimming with goods. Born into a family of merchants, he chose to follow the family tradition that began back in 1924 — a tradition that, over the years, transformed into experience, respect, and creativity.

The story begins almost a century ago, when his great-grandfather opened the first grocery store on Vasileos Irakleiou Street in Thessaloniki. It was a different time, when the local grocery was a neighborhood gathering spot — a warm space full of voices, scents, and human stories. The business was later taken over by his grandfather, and then his father, who maintained his own store, “Thessaloniki’s Grocery,” on Komninon Street. The love for trade, deep product knowledge, and personal connection with people remained unchanged, passed down from generation to generation.

A hundred years later, in February 2020, Michalis Sotiriadis decided to take his own step, breathing new life into the family tradition. Despite the difficult times — with the pandemic radically reshaping daily life and the market — he dared to open his own store. A different kind of grocery, with an international focus and a unique philosophy: The Asian Grocery Store.

A world of flavors

From the very first moment, the store stood out. The Asian Grocery Store is a destination in itself. As visitors explore its shelves, their senses come alive: bold colors, exotic aromas, imaginative packaging, and products that spark curiosity and culinary excitement. It’s nearly impossible to walk through without wanting to try something new.

The store sources authentic products from every corner of the world — from the Far East to Africa, from Latin America to North America. It is the only store in Thessaloniki offering such a wide range of Asian cuisine products, combined with select items from other continents.

Its shelves feature noodles, sushi rice, sauces, spicy pastes, spices, sweets, and snacks — even traditional kitchenware like bowls, chopsticks, sushi mats, knives, and everything one needs for an authentic cooking experience.

Every product tells its own story, and every taste carries a culture. The store feels like a miniature gastronomic museum — where Asia meets Europe and tradition blends with modern aesthetics.

Quality, consistency & constant renewal

Behind every product lies research, care, and attention to detail. The Asian Grocery Store collaborates with selected international suppliers, ensuring authenticity and consistent quality. Product offerings are constantly updated, as the team keeps an eye on global trends, discovers new flavors, and brings them to the public in the most accessible way.

The store’s philosophy is based on the belief that food is culture — and every cuisine has something to say. In this way, the store serves not just as a retail space but as a gateway to new cultures, flavors, and culinary habits.

From the Physical Store to the E-Shop

The passion for good food and the drive for growth soon led to the creation of the e-shop asiangrocery.gr, through which the store expanded its reach to every corner of Greece. Its online presence is not just an add-on, but a fully-fledged experience. On the website, visitors can browse through hundreds of products, neatly categorized in a user-friendly and practical format.

Each category — from noodles and rice to sauces, frozen foods, and snacks — is accompanied by detailed descriptions, and the ordering process is simple, fast, and secure. With just a few clicks, the world of Asian flavors arrives at your doorstep.

Thanks to its online shop, the Asian Grocery Store now serves customers nationwide — from individuals to professionals seeking quality ingredients for their own kitchens.

Delivery

The business hasn’t limited itself to traditional retail models. With foresight and a modern approach, it developed partnerships with two of the most well-known delivery platforms: Wolt and Box Now. This allows customers to receive their orders even faster, choosing the delivery time and method that best suits them.

From the first family Grocery in 1924 to today’s modern store of global flavors

The journey of the Asian Grocery Store is a true success story. It proves that tradition and innovation can coexist when there is vision, passion, and consistency.

Mystery Box: A journey of discovery

One of the store’s most creative ideas is the Mystery Box — a surprise box that reveals different delicious treasures each time. Its contents remain secret until opened, offering customers the thrill of discovery.

Each Mystery Box contains handpicked products from Asia and around the world — from Japanese and American snacks to unique Asian drinks. It’s a service designed for those who love surprises and want to continuously try something new. With every box, the recipient discovers new flavors, unexpected combinations, and embarks on a sensory journey without ever leaving home.

E-Gift Card: A Gift full of flavor

Another thoughtful initiative is the e-gift card — a digital gift card that can be sent to friends or loved ones, allowing them to choose their favorite products from the online store.

It’s the ideal gift for cooking enthusiasts or those eager to experiment with new cuisines. The Asian Grocery Store’s e-gift card is available in various amounts, sent electronically, and easy to use — making every celebration, anniversary, or personal moment a little more flavorful and unique.

A living legacy

Through nearly a century of history, the Sotiriadis family has managed to preserve the soul of the traditional grocery store while combining it with the openness and innovation of today. And it’s this blend that makes the Asian Grocery Store a living, evolving entity — one that continues to inspire, grow, and transform taste into a full experience.