Located at 66 S Dobson Rd, Mesa, AZ 85202, Mekong Market is situated in the heart of the Phoenix metropolitan area. Mesa, a bustling suburb of Phoenix, is known for its diverse population and vibrant food scene, making it the perfect setting for an international market like Mekong.
The market is part of the larger Mekong Plaza, a shopping complex dedicated to Asian goods and services. This plaza includes various restaurants, retail stores, and service providers, all of which focus on providing a taste of Asia to the local community. For those living in or visiting the Greater Phoenix area, Mekong Market is easily accessible by car and offers ample parking, making it a convenient destination for grocery shopping or a day of culinary exploration.
A Cultural Hub in the Southwest
A Reflection of Arizona’s Diversity
Arizona is home to a diverse population, and this is especially true in Mesa, where the community includes people from all walks of life. Mekong Market reflects this diversity by catering to a wide range of cultural tastes and culinary preferences. Originally established to serve the growing Asian population in the area, the market has since expanded its appeal to food enthusiasts and home cooks from all backgrounds.
As one of the largest Asian markets in Arizona, Mekong Market serves as a cultural hub for the region. It provides a space where people can come together to experience the flavors, products, and traditions of countries such as China, Vietnam, Japan, Korea, Thailand, and the Philippines. This blending of cultures makes the market not just a place to shop, but a place to connect with the global community and learn about the rich traditions that underpin Asian cuisine.
A Gathering Place for the Asian Community
Mekong Market holds special significance for Arizona’s Asian community. It offers a place where people can find familiar foods and products that are often difficult to come by in mainstream American grocery stores. For many, it’s a place to reconnect with their cultural heritage, whether that means purchasing traditional ingredients for a family recipe or enjoying a meal that reminds them of home.
In addition to its role as a grocery store, Mekong Market serves as a gathering place for the community, particularly during cultural holidays and festivals. Events like Lunar New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival are often celebrated at Mekong Plaza, drawing large crowds and fostering a sense of community among the market’s patrons. These events provide an opportunity for people to come together, share their traditions, and celebrate the rich tapestry of Asian culture.
A Culinary Adventure: What to Expect at Mekong Market
An Impressive Selection of Asian Groceries
One of the main attractions of Mekong Market is its extensive selection of Asian groceries. Whether you’re looking to recreate your favorite dish from a local restaurant or experiment with a new recipe, the market offers all the ingredients you need.
Fresh Produce
Mekong Market boasts an impressive variety of fresh produce, including many fruits and vegetables that are staples in Asian cuisine. From bok choy and Chinese broccoli to lemongrass and Thai basil, the market offers ingredients that are essential for preparing traditional dishes from across Asia. In addition to familiar items like cucumbers, bell peppers, and carrots, you’ll also find more exotic offerings such as dragon fruit, lychee, and durian.
The produce section is one of the market’s most popular areas, as it provides a wide range of fresh ingredients that are often hard to find in other grocery stores. Whether you’re preparing a stir-fry, a pho broth, or a sushi roll, the produce at Mekong Market ensures that your meals are packed with flavor and authenticity.
Specialty Meats and Seafood
For meat lovers, Mekong Market offers a wide selection of specialty meats, including cuts that are often used in Asian cooking but may not be as common in Western grocery stores. Items like pork belly, duck, and oxtail are readily available, along with more familiar options like chicken, beef, and pork.
In addition to meats, the market features a dedicated seafood section where you can find fresh and frozen fish, shrimp, clams, and other seafood staples. The seafood is sourced from both local suppliers and international markets, ensuring a fresh and diverse selection for customers. Whether you’re making sushi, seafood hotpot, or a spicy seafood stir-fry, Mekong Market has everything you need.
Rice, Noodles, and Grains
No Asian meal is complete without a serving of rice, noodles, or grains, and Mekong Market delivers a vast array of options to suit your culinary needs. The rice section features varieties from all over Asia, including jasmine rice from Thailand, sticky rice from Laos, and short-grain rice from Japan. Whether you’re making a simple bowl of rice or a more elaborate dish like bibimbap or sushi, the market’s rice selection has you covered.
If noodles are more your style, you’ll find everything from ramen and udon to rice noodles and glass noodles. The market also offers specialty noodles for dishes like pad thai, pho, and chow mein, ensuring that you have the right type of noodle for your dish.
Sauces, Spices, and Seasonings
One of the keys to mastering Asian cuisine is using the right sauces and seasonings, and Mekong Market offers an expansive selection of condiments to help you achieve authentic flavors. From soy sauce and fish sauce to hoisin sauce and oyster sauce, the market has all the essentials. You’ll also find a wide variety of chili pastes, curry powders, and spice blends from countries like Thailand, India, and China.
If you’re a fan of heat, the market’s selection of chili oils, sriracha, and sambal oelek is sure to satisfy your craving for spice. For those who prefer milder flavors, there are plenty of options as well, such as sweet and savory teriyaki sauces, miso paste, and coconut milk.
Specialty Items and Unique Finds
While Mekong Market offers plenty of familiar products, it also caters to more adventurous shoppers who are looking for unique and hard-to-find items. Whether you’re searching for a rare spice, a special type of tea, or an obscure cooking ingredient, there’s a good chance you’ll find it here.
Asian Snacks and Sweets
If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll love the selection of Asian snacks and sweets available at Mekong Market. From Japanese mochi and Pocky sticks to Filipino polvoron and Thai mango sticky rice, the market offers a wide range of treats to satisfy your cravings. You can also find a variety of chips, crackers, and dried fruits that are popular throughout Asia.
For a refreshing drink, Mekong Market offers a selection of beverages, including bubble tea kits, Asian sodas, and canned coffee. You’ll also find traditional teas from countries like China and Japan, perfect for pairing with your favorite snack.
Unique Kitchen Tools and Cookware
In addition to groceries, Mekong Market also sells kitchen tools and cookware that are essential for preparing authentic Asian dishes. You can find bamboo steamers, rice cookers, sushi mats, and woks, along with other specialty items that will help you create restaurant-quality meals at home. For those looking to explore Asian cooking more deeply, these tools can be a valuable addition to your kitchen.
Dining at Mekong Plaza: A Foodie’s Paradise
Mekong Market is not just a grocery store; it’s also part of Mekong Plaza, which is home to a number of restaurants and food stalls that offer a taste of Asia right in the heart of Arizona. After shopping for groceries, visitors can enjoy a meal at one of the plaza’s many dining establishments, which serve everything from Vietnamese pho to Korean BBQ.
Mekong Palace
One of the most popular restaurants in Mekong Plaza is Mekong Palace, a Chinese restaurant known for its delicious dim sum. Dim sum is a traditional Chinese meal made up of small dishes such as dumplings, buns, and rolls, often served with tea. At Mekong Palace, diners can enjoy a variety of dim sum dishes, as well as classic Chinese entrees like Peking duck, orange chicken, and beef with broccoli.
The restaurant’s dim sum service is particularly popular on weekends, when diners can choose from a variety of steamed, fried, and baked delicacies that are brought to their table on rolling carts.
Pho Thuan Thanh
For those craving Vietnamese cuisine, Pho Thuan Thanh is a must-visit restaurant in Mekong Plaza. This popular eatery serves up traditional Vietnamese dishes, with pho being the star of the menu. Pho is a flavorful noodle soup made with beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, and an array of fresh herbs and spices. In addition to pho, the restaurant offers other Vietnamese favorites like banh mi sandwiches, spring rolls, and vermicelli bowls.
The fresh ingredients and bold flavors make Pho Thuan Thanh a go-to spot for anyone looking to experience authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
Asian Street Food
Mekong Plaza also features a number of smaller food stalls that offer a variety of street food from across Asia. From savory Japanese takoyaki to Korean fried chicken and Thai pad thai, the plaza’s street food vendors provide quick, delicious bites that are perfect for a casual meal or snack.
The Cultural Impact of Mekong Market
Beyond its role as a marketplace, Mekong Market plays an important role in the cultural fabric of Arizona. It offers a space where people can come together to celebrate and share their traditions, fostering greater understanding and appreciation for the diverse cultures that make up the community.
Mekong Market’s significance extends beyond just the Asian community; it serves as a bridge between cultures, offering a place where people of all backgrounds can learn about and experience the rich traditions of Asia. Through its wide selection of products, events, and dining options, Mekong Market helps to create a sense of unity and shared experience among Arizona’s residents.
Final Thoughts
Mekong Market is more than just a grocery store—it’s a destination that offers a window into the rich and diverse cultures of Asia. From its extensive selection of groceries and specialty items to its vibrant dining scene and cultural events, the market provides an immersive experience that allows visitors to explore and enjoy the flavors, traditions, and products of Asia.
Whether you’re an experienced home cook looking for authentic ingredients, a foodie on the hunt for the next great meal, or simply someone looking to experience a new culture, Mekong Market offers something for everyone. Located in the heart of Mesa, Arizona, at 66 S Dobson Rd, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a taste of Asia in the American Southwest.