Finding a good grocery store is easy, but finding a "home" store is hard. If you live in the Tualatin Valley or commute through Beaverton, you probably know the struggle of hunting for specific Filipino pantry staples. Most big-box stores have a "Global" aisle that’s basically just three brands of soy sauce and some stale seaweed. That's why U Need Asian Market—or simply "U-Need"—has become such a staple for locals who actually know their calamansi from their kumquat.
It's tucked away in a strip mall off SW 185th Avenue. Honestly, if you aren't looking for it, you might drive right past. But for the Filipino community and anyone obsessed with authentic snacks, it's a gold mine.
What Most People Get Wrong About U Need Asian Market
A lot of people think all Asian markets are the same. They expect the massive, sprawling aisles of an Uwajimaya or the corporate sheen of an H-Mart. U-Need isn't that. It’s smaller, intimate, and specifically focused on Filipino flavors while still carrying a broad range of pan-Asian goods.
It's family-run. You can feel it when you walk in. The shelves are packed—sometimes a bit tight—but everything is organized with a level of care you don't see at the giants. People often mistake it for just a "snack shop," but the frozen section and the weekend specials tell a different story.
You’re not just going there for a bag of chips. You’re going there because they have the specific brand of longganisa your lola used to make.
The St. Barbara’s Bakery Connection
One of the best-kept secrets about this place is the partnership with St. Barbara’s Bakery. If you show up at the right time, you can snag fresh Filipino baked goods that are frankly dangerous to have in the house.
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- Ube Cheesecake: It’s vibrant purple, dense, and not too sweet.
- Pandan Cakes: Light, airy, and smells like heaven.
- Ensaymada: Classic cheesy, buttery brioche-style rolls.
The Layout: Navigating the Aisles
The shop is located at 751 SW 185th Ave, Beaverton, OR. It’s open most days from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, though they usually close on Tuesdays. Sunday hours are a bit shorter, typically wrapping up around 5:00 PM.
When you enter, the snack aisle hits you first. It is an absolute gauntlet. You’ve got the heavy hitters like Oishi Prawn Crackers and Piattos, but then you find the weird, wonderful stuff like "Lobster Crackers" (yes, the spelling is often part of the charm) and sweet corn-flavored chips.
The middle of the store is dedicated to the heavy lifting: the sauces and dry goods. If you need a gallon of vinegar or a specific Filipino soy sauce like Silver Swan, this is the place. They have an entire wall of instant noodles that puts the local Safeway to shame.
The Frozen and Refrigerated Essentials
The back of the store is where the real cooking starts. The freezer chests are loaded with:
- Lumpia wrappers: Because making them from scratch is a nightmare.
- Tocino and Longganisa: Essential for a proper Filipino breakfast (Silog).
- Bangus (Milkfish): Often available marinated or smoked.
They also keep a fridge stocked with ready-to-go drinks. If you haven't tried a cold Calamansi juice on a hot Oregon afternoon, you're missing out. It’s like a cross between a lime and a tangerine, and it’s incredibly refreshing.
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Why Locals Choose U-Need Over the Big Chains
Convenience is one thing, but community is another. In Beaverton, we have plenty of options. We have 99 Ranch for Chinese goods and G-Mart for Korean essentials. But U Need Asian Market fills a specific niche.
The prices are surprisingly competitive. You might think a smaller "specialty" shop would mark things up, but often the staples—rice, oil, and spices—are cheaper here than at the "Western" supermarkets.
Plus, there’s the "find" factor.
You’ll stumble upon things like fried garlic in massive jars (a life-saver for lazy cooks) or those tiny lychee jellies that everyone’s kids are obsessed with. The owner is known for being incredibly helpful; if you’re looking for a specific ingredient for a recipe you saw on TikTok or a family dish, they’ll usually point you exactly where you need to go.
Tips for Your First Visit
Don't go when you're in a massive rush. The aisles are narrow. If someone is stocking a shelf, you might have to wait a second to pass. It’s part of the experience.
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Also, bring a reusable bag. Like many local spots, it’s just easier.
Check the labels if you have allergies, as many imports don't have the same bold-type allergen warnings as US-made products. Most things are labeled in English, but some of the more niche imports might require a quick Google Lens translation if you're unsure about ingredients.
Shopping at U Need Asian Market: Practical Steps
If you're planning a trip to stock up, here is the most efficient way to handle it:
- Check the Day: Remember they are typically closed on Tuesdays. Don't be the person pulling on a locked door at 2:00 PM on a Tuesday.
- Go for the Weekend Specials: This is when the fresh-prepared foods and the best bakery selections are most likely to be fully stocked.
- Look Low: Some of the best deals on bulk rice and large containers of oil are on the bottom shelves.
- Explore the "Non-Food" Section: They often carry traditional Asian brooms, steamers, and basic kitchenware that is much sturdier than the plastic stuff you find elsewhere.
Whether you're looking to cook a full-blown Kare-Kare or just want some weirdly delicious melon-flavored snacks, this market covers the bases. It’s a small business that actually serves the neighborhood, and in an era of massive corporate mergers, that’s worth supporting.
Next time you're on 185th, pull into the lot. Grab a jar of that fried garlic and a pack of ube hopia. Your pantry will thank you.