You know that feeling when you walk into a grocery store and it just feels different? Not in a "corporate-clean-and-soulless" way, but in a way that tells you there's actual history and a family behind the operation. That’s basically the vibe at Hung Vuong Cherry Hill. While most people in South Jersey default to the giant, shiny H Mart or the local ShopRite, those who know—and I mean really know the local food scene—eventually find their way to Brace Road.
Hung Vuong Food Market isn't just a grocery store. It’s a 60,000-square-foot behemoth that managed to take over a former Pathmark space and actually fill it with soul. Honestly, it’s kind of a miracle. The store is part of a family-owned empire that started as a tiny 4,000-square-foot produce stand in Philly’s Chinatown and has grown into the largest privately-owned Asian market chain in the tri-state area.
What You're Actually Getting at Hung Vuong Cherry Hill
If you've spent any time in the Philadelphia area, you've probably seen the Hung Vuong on Washington Avenue. It’s legendary, sure, but it’s also... tight. Crowded. A bit chaotic. The Cherry Hill location, which opened its doors in 2018 at 1445 Brace Rd, is a totally different animal.
The first thing you’ll notice is the space. It’s massive. About 25% of the floor plan—roughly 15,000 square feet—is dedicated strictly to produce. We aren’t just talking about apples and oranges here. You’re looking at an average of 350 different items on display. It’s the kind of place where you can find jackfruit the size of a toddler and dragon fruit that actually looks fresh, not like it’s been sitting in a cargo container for three months.
Berry Liu, the owner and "produce director," is famously obsessive about the quality. They get daily deliveries. While most big chains buy everything from a single corporate distributor, Hung Vuong pulls from everywhere—the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market, direct imports from the Port of New York, and specialized wholesalers.
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The Real Secret: Mama Ha’s and the Food Court
You can't talk about Hung Vuong Cherry Hill without mentioning the food. Most people come for the bok choy and stay for the snacks. Inside, you’ll find Mama Ha’s Eatery, which is a local favorite for a reason.
The food court isn't trying to be a Michelin-star experience. It’s authentic, fast, and remarkably consistent. If you’re lucky enough to snag a "Surprise Bag" via the Too Good To Go app, you’re basically winning at life. They often pack those bags with a variety of grab-and-go items that highlight what the kitchen is doing that day.
Why the "Vibe" Matters
Let's be real for a second. Some people find international markets intimidating. You might see labels that aren't in English, or you might encounter smells that you aren't used to (looking at you, durian). But that’s the charm.
The Cherry Hill store is specifically designed to bridge that gap. The management has been vocal about wanting to reach beyond the Asian community. They want the "curious cook" who saw a recipe on TikTok and now needs real Sichuan peppercorns or specific Thai basil.
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Navigating the Aisles Like a Pro
If you’re heading there for the first time, don’t expect the hand-holding of a Whole Foods.
- Bring your phone. Google Lens is your best friend here. If you can't read a label, just point your camera at it.
- Check the frozen section. The dumpling selection is, quite frankly, overwhelming. You can find everything from soup dumplings to specialized Vietnamese rice cakes.
- The Seafood Counter. This is where things get serious. They have live tanks. If you want a fish that was swimming five minutes ago, this is your spot. Just be prepared—it's a high-activity zone.
- Don't skip the "non-food" aisles. The kitchenware section has some of the best deals on heavy-duty woks and ceramic bowls that would cost triple the price at a boutique home store.
The Competition
Is it better than H Mart? That depends on what you’re looking for. H Mart is the "Target" of Asian groceries—very polished, very Korean-centric. Hung Vuong is more of a "big tent" market. It feels more connected to the Chinese and Vietnamese communities while still carrying all the Japanese and American staples you need.
It’s also generally cheaper. Because the Liu family controls a massive chunk of the wholesale food distribution in the tri-state area, they can often undercut the big corporate chains on price without sacrifice.
How to Get There and When to Go
The store is located at 1445 Brace Rd, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034.
They are open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. If you hate crowds, avoid Saturday mornings. It gets hectic. Like, "shopping carts as bumper cars" hectic. Tuesday or Wednesday evenings are usually your best bet for a peaceful stroll through the aisles.
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Actionable Takeaways for Your Visit
- Download a translation app before you go; it makes the spice aisle much less stressful.
- Park toward the back of the lot if it's a weekend—the entrance area gets congested quickly.
- Check the "Special Buys" pallets. They often have cases of fruit or bulk staples at prices that make Costco look expensive.
- Try the bakery. The 85°C Bakery Cafe is nearby, but Hung Vuong’s internal selection of buns and sweets is worth the calories.
When you support a place like Hung Vuong, you’re supporting a family business that started in a Chinatown stall and worked its way up to a 60,000-square-foot powerhouse. It’s a piece of the local economy that actually adds flavor—literally—to the neighborhood. Whether you're hunting for a specific brand of oyster sauce or just want the freshest ginger in the county, this is the place to be.