What are imported supermarkets? Given the influx of expats in major cities of China, Shanghai and Beijing, foreign supermarkets have used this opportunity to enter the market along with them. As much as expats try to integrate into the Chinese way of living, there is a nostalgic note left, especially when it comes to food. Nothing feeds the soul like a warm satisfied tummy. Not only are there foreign supermarkets entering the food market in China, but now major Chinese supermarkets offer a variety of imported food products. Moreover, given the lax laws on consumption products, expats are even more motivated to purchase foreign goods. Carrefour and City Shop are examples of major foreign supermarkets that have succesfully established themselves in the Chinese market. However, here we offer you alternative options of supermarkets that sell imported goods.

1. Olé

This brand of supermarket is located at two points in Shanghai and are both at subway stations. The most advantageous part of this supermarket is the “to go” location and the slightly cheaper prices of the foreign products compared to City Shop for example. It might not have as big of a selection as the main chains, but they have a strong product range nonetheless. Another high point of Olé is the fresh selection of cut sushi and sashimi. Moreover, an Olé membership card is eligible for anyones that spends above 588RMB. Other perks include free parking and season discounts on selected products. Although it only has 2 locations in Shanghai, Olé has over 20 branches in Shanghai. 
 

Location1: Grand Gateway, B/F, 1 Hongqiao Lu, near Huashan Lu, Shanghai 
Tel: 021 6132 7530
Opening hours: Daily, 8:30-22:00 
Getting there: Take subway line 1, 9 or 11 to Xujiahui station

Location 2: Kerry Centre Jing'An, NB2-01, North Area, 1563 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Changde Lu 
Tel: 021 6067 3067
Opening hours: Daily, 8:30-22:00
Getting there: Take subway line 2 or 7 to Jing’an Temple station

2) City’super

Originating from Hong Kong, City´super is the next biggest chain. It has similar prices to those of City Shop but with the advantage of finding all those special ingredients and goods you need to celebrate a very nostalgic holiday. You can find your Thanksgiving turkey, your Easter codfish, all of course at a cost. This supermarket has three locations in Shanghai: two in Puxi and one in Pudong. Just like Olé, these supermarkets are all located near subway stations for your convenience. 

Location 1: IAPM Mall, B/1, 999 Huaihai Zhong Lu, near Shanxi Nan Lu, Shanghai 
Opening hours: Daily, 10:00-22:00
Website: www.citysuper.com.cn
Getting there: Take subway line 1 or 11 to South Shaanxi Road station
 

Location 2: IFC Mall, 8 Century Avenue, near Lujiazui Huan Lu, Pudong, Shanghai 
Opening hours: Daily, 10:00-22:00
Website: www.citysuper.com.cn
Getting there: Take subway line 2 to Lujiazui Road station
 

Location 3: Times Square, 99 Huaihai Zhong Lu, near Pu'an Lu, Shanghai
Opening hours: Daily, 10:00-22:00
Website: www.citysuper.com.cn
Getting there: Take subway line 1 to South Huangpi Road station
 

Hidden Treasures

1) Avocado Lady
This is one you most probably have not heard of. Avocado Lady is a cosy little shop selling the cheapest avocados in town - 7 RMB per avocado. Along with the cheapest and freshest avocados, she also has one of the most abundant selection of imported favourites. Located in a tiny location in the French Concession, she sells imported food and beverages. During weekends, you will find this tiny store packed with foreigners quenching their thirst for home. 

Address: 274 Wulumuqi Lu, near Wuyuan Lu, Xuhui district
Tel: 021 6347 7262
Opening hours: Daily, 6:00-21:00
Getting there: Take subway line 1 or 7 to Changshu Road station
 

2) Shanghai Centre Farmers’ Market 
Shanghai Centre Farmers´ Market is a real treat and hidden treasure. Located on West Nanjing Road, on every third Sunday of the month you will find this place bustling with foreigners. Yawl have to have the right disposition to pay for what you ask. They sell high-end organic products, such as cheese and hard-to-find produce. The market has over 100 vendors selling just about anything you can eat.

Address: Suite Motor Court, Level A, 710 Shanghai Centre, 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Tongren Lu, Shanghai 
Tel: 021 6279 8600 ext. 6621
Opening hours: Every 3rd Sunday, 10:00AM – 3:00PM
Website: www.shanghaicentre.com 
Getting there: Take subway line 2 to West Nanjing Road station