Manar Elbaz

DUBAI: 1004 Gourmet, one of the biggest Asian supermarkets in the UAE, welcomed a new store at Dubai’s Al Ghurair Centre on Saturday, providing a variety of authentic Japanese and Korean  products to UAE residents. 

“We opened our shops in the Greens and the Palm but we want to introduce our products to the people in old Dubai,” Dong Chul Shin, Chairman of 1004 Gourmet, told Arab News Japan. 

“We bring all the Asian products. When people think about Asian food, I want to make them think of 1004 Gourmet,” he added. 

The Al Ghurair Centre branch serves as a one-stop shop for all Asian groceries guests need, from frozen meats and fresh vegetables to snacks like Japan’s Alfort chocolate.

The store offers a mix of halal and non-halal products with affordable prices. 

Aside from food and drinks, it also includes two extensions: a beauty extension that offers Korean skincare and makeup brands and a small cafe extension that offers coffee and small bites like kimbap.

Guests lined up hours before the grand opening on Saturday, highlighting the growing interest in Asian products.

The grand opening was attended by Japanese Consul-General IMANISHI Jun and Thai Consul-General Nipa Nirannoot. 

“1004 Gourmet has provided Japanese ingredients and foods, including Japanese sweets, seasonings, rice, and fruits, to stores, hotels, and restaurants in Dubai. We are delighted that a wide range of people in Dubai will be able to enjoy Japanese food from the vibrant Al Ghurair Centre,” the Japanese Consul-General told Arab News Japan. 

Nirannoot also commented on the opening, saying, “1004 Gourmet has been supporting Thai products. They offer the best authentic Thai food. Normally, when people return from Thailand, they are craving authenic food so they can find it here.”

All Japanese products at 1004 Gourmet can be viewed and purchased on their website. 

The new branch is open daily until 11PM and is located next to the Flayva food hall.