TAYO Asian Supermarket Opens New Branch in Haifa

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TAYO Asian Supermarket, Israel’s largest Asian grocery chain, has officially opened its highly anticipated third branch in Haifa, marking a significant expansion into northern Israel. The new store is located at Derech Yafo 21 in Haifa’s Lower City (Ir Tahtit), bringing authentic Asian products closer to residents of Haifa and the surrounding region.

Grand Opening Announcement

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The supermarket chain announced the opening on their Facebook page with excitement, declaring “חיפה והסביבה - פתחנו!” (Haifa and surroundings - we’re open!). The announcement highlighted the store’s extensive inventory of thousands of food and household products, featuring trending items and brands imported directly from Japan, China, Hong Kong, Philippines, Thailand, Korea, India, and more.

What Makes TAYO Special

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TAYO has built its reputation as Israel’s premier destination for authentic Asian groceries, and the new Haifa branch continues this tradition. The store features:

• Israel’s largest ramen wall - an impressive selection of instant noodles from across Asia
• Thousands of authentic Asian food products and household items
• Direct imports from major Asian countries including Japan, China, Thailand, Korea, Philippines, and India
• Fresh and specialty ingredients for home cooking
• Asian snacks, beverages, and ready-to-eat meals
• Kosher-certified products clearly labeled for observant customers

Strategic Location in Lower Haifa

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The choice of Derech Yafo 21 in Haifa’s Lower City positions TAYO strategically in one of the city’s most accessible commercial areas. This location serves not only Haifa residents but also customers from surrounding northern communities who previously had to travel to Beer Sheva or Rishon LeZion to access TAYO’s extensive Asian product selection.

Expanding Network

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This Haifa opening represents TAYO’s third location, joining their established branches in:

• Beer Sheva: Khayim Yakhil 3 (the original flagship store)
• Rishon LeZion: Honim Konim Mall, Yosef Lishanski Blvd 9

The expansion demonstrates TAYO’s commitment to making authentic Asian products accessible across Israel, responding to growing demand for Asian cuisine ingredients and specialty items.

Community Response

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The opening has generated significant excitement in Haifa’s diverse community, particularly among Asian food enthusiasts and the city’s international residents. Social media responses to the announcement have been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing relief at no longer needing to travel south for their Asian grocery needs.

Product Range and Services

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Like its sister stores, the Haifa branch offers:

• Fresh and frozen Asian ingredients for authentic home cooking
• Extensive beverage selection including Asian teas, soft drinks, and specialty beverages
• Household and personal care items from Asian brands
• Cooking utensils and kitchenware for Asian cuisine preparation
• Snacks and confectionery from across Asia

The store maintains TAYO’s commitment to clearly labeling kosher products, making it accessible to all segments of Israel’s population.

Market Context and Competition

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TAYO’s expansion into Haifa comes at a time of significant growth in Israel’s Asian grocery sector. The market is experiencing increased competition, with chains like Mundo recently opening four new stores in 2025, including locations in Netanya, as they aggressively expand across central Israel.

While competitors focus on the Tel Aviv metropolitan area, TAYO has strategically positioned itself to serve underserved regions. Their Beer Sheva flagship store serves as a regional hub for southern Israel, and now the Haifa branch extends their reach into the north, creating a strategic geographic advantage.

Impact on Northern Israel

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The opening of TAYO Haifa addresses a significant gap in northern Israel’s retail landscape. Previously, residents seeking authentic Asian ingredients had limited local options, often requiring trips to central or southern Israel. This new branch brings convenience and accessibility to an underserved market.

The timing is particularly significant as interest in Asian cuisine continues to grow in Israel, driven by cultural exchange, tourism, and the country’s diverse international population. The Asian grocery market has evolved from niche ethnic stores to mainstream retail destinations, with TAYO positioning itself as a key player in this transformation.

What This Means for Asian Home Cooks in the North

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For the Asian community in and around Haifa, the practical effect of this branch is bigger than the headline suggests. Stocking a kitchen the way you would back home — Filipino, Thai, Korean, Japanese, Chinese or Indian — has long meant either a long drive south or relying on whatever a handful of small neighbourhood shops happened to carry that week. A full-range store on Derech Yafo changes the baseline: the building blocks of a dish — the right curry roux, gochujang, hot pot base, the specific noodle or rice paper a recipe assumes you own — become a single in-person trip rather than a hunt across the region.

It also changes things for the broader north, not just Haifa proper. The Krayot, the western Galilee and the Jezreel Valley all sit within a reasonable drive, and TAYO’s nationwide delivery means even households further out can reach the same range without travelling. That matters for community members who keep a traditional kitchen but live where the local supermarket has never heard of half their ingredients.

One honest caveat worth setting expectations on: dedicated Asian supermarkets in Israel are strongest on dry, ambient and frozen goods, and weakest on fresh produce. Asian herbs, leaves and vegetables remain the hardest category to find consistently anywhere in the country. TAYO Haifa solves the pantry — pastes, sauces, noodles, snacks, frozen staples — exceptionally well; for fresh Thai basil, kaffir lime leaves or Asian greens, it is still worth calling ahead or planning a separate stop.

For a region-by-region picture of where TAYO sits among every other Asian grocery in the country — including the other northern options around Haifa, the Krayot and the Galilee — see our city-by-city guide to Asian supermarkets in Israel. For a closer look at the kind of haul a TAYO trip actually produces, our TAYO shopping trip walks through a real basket. Practical details for this branch — hours, address and delivery — live in its directory listing.

Strategic Positioning

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TAYO’s measured expansion strategy contrasts with competitors’ rapid national rollouts. While other chains pursue aggressive growth across central Israel, TAYO focuses on creating regional hubs that serve broader geographic areas. This approach allows them to build strong local customer bases while maintaining their reputation for quality and authenticity.

The company’s emphasis on cultural integration - hosting promotional events like Lunar New Year sales and stocking region-specific items - helps differentiate them in an increasingly competitive market.

Looking Forward

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TAYO’s expansion into Haifa signals the company’s confidence in the northern market and suggests potential for further growth in the region. The success of this branch could pave the way for additional locations serving Israel’s northern communities.

With over 1,200 Asian products spanning Japan, Korea, Thailand, China, Taiwan, India, and the Philippines, TAYO continues to position itself as Israel’s premier destination for authentic Asian groceries. The new Haifa branch joins TAYO’s existing network in providing nationwide delivery services, though local customers can now enjoy the full in-store shopping experience that has made TAYO a destination for Asian food lovers across Israel.

For more information about TAYO’s locations, hours, and product offerings, visit their website at ta-yo.co.il or contact their customer service at 077-604-8220.