MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich. – In Oakland County, a community has transformed into a vibrant destination for Asian cuisine, attracting shoppers from diverse backgrounds.
With a growing Asian American community, the city is becoming known for its unique blend of flavors that combine Eastern and Western tastes.
Cindy Wang, president of 168 Group, describes her store as not an average grocery store.
Wang explains 168 Asian Mart offers foods and groceries from various countries, including Korea, Japan, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand.
“We have foods and groceries from all over the world,” she said.
The store’s journey began about 20 years ago when Wang and her late husband opened their first restaurant, Fuji Buffet, located in Madison Heights.
They recognized a significant Asian population in the area but noted a lack of quality Asian grocery options.
“We wanted to create something fun,” Wang said. “We want to make sure people here enjoy the same kind of life as a big city.”
The market has grown from a 6,000-square-foot Chinese grocery store to its current size of 40,000 square feet and plans to double its footprint. Wang expresses gratitude for the city’s support.
“I feel like this city is very supportive,” Wang said. “The city is great, and they help all the businesses come here.”
As the market attracts a diverse clientele, Wang notes that many customers travel hours to visit – sometimes, even out-of-state.
“We are merging the cultures,” she says. “A lot of second-generation Asians admire their parents’ hard work and bring their culture into the community.”
In addition to food, 168 Market offers a variety of Asian beauty products and toys, catering to the interests of both Asian and American customers.
Hang Phonrath, owner of Kim Nhung Superfood, shares a similar sentiment about the growing demand for Asian groceries.
“Asian cuisine has gone mainstream,” she says. “I think it’s healthier. We eat a lot of herbs, we eat a lot of vegetables.”
Phonrath’s family has been in the grocery business for 25 years, initially taking over from his aunt and uncle.
“They thought it would be a great opportunity for them to open here,” Phonrath said. “At the time, Michigan didn’t have a lot of Asian grocery stores.”
The appeal of Asian markets lies in their unique offerings.
Shoppers can find some traditional items, but the aisles carry brands and ingredients popular in Southeast Asia but unknown to Western shoppers, which draws customers from all walks of life.
As the Asian food scene continues to flourish in Madison Heights, both Wang and Phonrath are excited about the future.
“We’re here to create,” Wang says. “That’s why we need a bigger market—to have people come here for fun, for food, and for all the things they want in their life.”