Additional Coverage:
Costco’s Asian Eats: Your Takeout Habits Are About to Change (for the Better!)
Who doesn’t love the convenience of Asian takeout? That perfectly steamed dumpling, the savory fried rice, the comforting ramen – it’s a delicious dream.
But let’s be real, those delivery fees and tips can add up faster than you can say “extra soy sauce.” What if we told you there’s a way to enjoy all your favorite Asian-inspired dishes without breaking the bank?
Enter Costco, the land of bulk bargains and surprising culinary treasures. We’ve scoured the aisles to find the best Asian-inspired items that taste like they came straight from your favorite eatery, but at a fraction of the cost. Get ready to swap those delivery apps for a shopping cart and save some serious dough!
Editor’s note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
1. Bibigo Steamed Dumplings
Price: $15.49
Imagine tender, flavorful steamed dumplings without the hefty restaurant price tag. Bibigo delivers with a box containing six individually wrapped, self-venting trays of fully cooked chicken and veggie potsticker-style dumplings, complete with six packs of dipping sauce.
All this for under $16! Compare that to a significantly smaller 10-piece order of Chicken Xiao Long Bao from a popular Washington eatery, which can set you back $17.
It’s a no-brainer for dumpling devotees.
2. Ajinomoto Yakitori Chicken Fried Rice
Price: $17.01
Fried rice is a takeout staple, and now you can enjoy it in bulk. This massive three-plus-pound box features grilled white meat chicken and vegetable rice, divided into six convenient nine-ounce bags.
Use what you need and stash the rest in the freezer for future cravings. At just $17.01, it’s a steal, especially when a single order of chicken fried rice from a well-known chain can cost over $14.50.
3. Jongga Kimchi
Price: $10.20
This traditional Korean side dish is a must-have for many, but restaurant portions can be pricey. Costco’s 3.3-pound container of classic fermented cabbage for just $10.20 is an absolute win. Enjoy it alongside bulgogi, as a zesty snack, or get creative and pile it on top of French fries for a trendy treat.
4. Kirkland Signature Stir-Fry Vegetable Blend
Price: $12.02
Building an Asian-inspired meal starts with fresh ingredients. This generous 5.5-pound bag of frozen sugar snap peas, broccoli, green beans, yellow and orange carrots, red bell peppers, mushrooms, and water chestnuts is perfect for stir-fries, sides, or adding extra veggies to any dish. Whether you’re vegetarian or just want a healthy boost, this blend is a fantastic value.
5. Nongshim Udon
Price: $18.99
These aren’t your average ramen noodles! Udon, with its thicker, denser Japanese wheat pasta, offers a heartier noodle experience.
Costco offers a six-count pack of 9.73-ounce ready-to-heat-and-eat bowls for $18.99, which breaks down to a budget-friendly $3.16 per meal. That’s a huge saving compared to a single takeout beef broth udon meal, which can easily cost $11.99 or more.
6. Bibigo Vegetable Spring Rolls
Price: $9.39
Is a crispy veggie spring roll your go-to appetizer? Ditch the high takeout prices and grab Bibigo’s version, packed with edamame, carrots, leeks, onions, and cabbage.
For under $11, you get a whopping 50 pieces (plus soy ginger sauce)! Consider that an order of just three spring rolls from a popular restaurant can cost around $9.
This freezer find is a true bulk buy bargain.
7. Nongshim Tonkotsu Ramen
Price: $13.99
Ramen enthusiasts, rejoice! You no longer have to overspend for restaurant-quality ramen.
This six-count pack of 3.56-ounce bowls for $13.99 delivers a rich pork broth, premium noodles, and a customizable spicy sauce. At just $2.33 per meal, it’s a delicious alternative to a restaurant bowl that typically starts at $10.
8. Kirkland Signature Tempura Shrimp
Price: $19.79
Crispy, crunchy, and ready to bake, these tempura-battered shrimp are perfect as an appetizer, side, or even a main course. This 30-count (2.35 pounds) bag of Kirkland brand frozen seafood is a fantastic deal for under $20.
Costco shoppers rave about them, with one Reddit user calling them “the best!” and praising their ability to get crispy in both air fryers and ovens.
9. Crazy Cuizine Mandarin Orange Chicken
Price: $14.79 (on sale from $19.79)
This popular frozen meal brings that classic zesty citrus kick of takeout Mandarin orange chicken right to your kitchen, minus the hefty price tag. For less than $20, you get over four pounds of battered breast and rib meat. Compare that to an $18.99 order of Orange Chicken from a well-known restaurant, and the savings are clear.
10. Ajinomoto Tokyo Style Shoyu Ramen with Chicken
Price: $20.42
Another fantastic ramen option, this pack of six bowls comes out to just $3.40 per serving. Featuring tender white meat chicken, a Tokyo-style soy sauce broth, and a medley of vegetables, it’s a balanced and flavorful lunch or dinner that beats takeout prices hands down.
The Bottom Line: Savor the Savings!
While takeout offers undeniable convenience and deliciousness, the escalating costs of delivery fees and tips can quickly make it an expensive habit. Costco’s incredible selection of Asian-inspired items provides a smart and savory alternative. You get all the authentic flavors you love, while keeping your grocery budget happily in check.
Looking for more ways to stretch your dollar? Keep an eye out for seasonal in-store specials and stock up on non-perishable items during bulk buys. Your wallet (and your taste buds) will thank you!