Joybuy Insights

Asian food online: how to choose snacks, drinks and frozen specialities

Buying Asian food online lets you discover Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Vietnamese specialities without having to visit multiple shops. But attractive photos and claims like “traditional”, “natural” or “premium” aren’t enough to help you pick the products that will genuinely suit your household.

Before you fill your basket, there are three pitfalls worth watching out for.

Common pitfalls when shopping online

1. Mistaking a tempting name for the real ingredients

A product described as a fruit snack can contain a significant amount of sugar, syrup or concentrate. To compare Asian snacks, look at the ingredients list, which is ordered by descending weight, and the nutritional information per 100 g.

The Bestore Prebiotic Dried Tangerine Peel and Hawthorn Strip, for example, states 55 % hawthorn, 8 % dried tangerine peel and 5 % prebiotic fibre. That’s far more useful than a vague promise of a traditional recipe.

2. Underestimating the challenges of frozen food

Frozen dim sum, frozen Chinese dumplings and steamed bites must be kept at −18 °C or below. So check the delivery conditions, whether the packaging is suitable, and whether you can get the products into your freezer quickly.

A product that has thawed should generally not be refrozen. Also read the instructions for each item: steaming, pan-frying, boiling or simply reheating.

3. Forgetting about allergens and the actual size

Recipes containing prawns, fish, squid, wheat, soya or sesame aren’t necessarily suitable for everyone in the household. Check the allergen list before you buy, even if you’re already familiar with the product.

Weight matters too. A 1 kg bag of gyoza might be great if you eat them regularly, but far too much for someone living alone. By contrast, a 340 ml drink or a 105 g snack is better suited to an occasional treat.

What to check before you order

Ingredients, origin and European information

For imported foods, make sure the information is legible in English or that the labelling is compliant, including:

  • the full list of ingredients and allergens;
  • the net quantity and the best-before date;
  • storage and preparation instructions;
  • the country of origin where this is required;
  • the name of the responsible operator established in the European Union.

These details don’t guarantee you’ll like the product, but they help you make a more informed decision while respecting consumer information rules.

Percentage of main ingredients

In savoury specialities, the percentage of prawns, fish or vegetables gives you a concrete idea of the recipe. The TCT Siu Mai With Shrimp, frozen 500g states 25 % prawns and 18.7 % fish. The TCT Ha Kao With Seafood 700g specifies 32 % prawns, 15 % squid and 10 % fish paste.

For steamed prawn bites, compare the ingredients rather than the size of the pictures. For seafood gyoza, also check for wheat, soya and sesame in both the pastry and the filling.

Size and cooking method

A pre-cooked, frozen product can save you time in the kitchen, but you still need to follow the preparation instructions. Spring rolls and bites must reach a high enough temperature all the way through, as stated on the packaging.

The TCT Spring Roll Stick With Shrimp 500 g is pre-fried and frozen. It contains 30 % prawns and can be reheated before serving. The TCT Gyoza With Seafood 660 g can be pan-fried, steamed or boiled; its product page states storage at −18 °C and a quantity of 1 kg. These details help you choose between a quick appetiser, a family meal or a stock-up for several occasions.

Our selection based on your shopping profile

Recommended for: Budget-conscious beginners
TCT Spring Roll Stick With Shrimp 500g

TCT Spring Roll Stick With Shrimp 500g

Why this suits this profile: Its 500 g size is ideal for a first purchase of savoury snacks to share. Preparation is straightforward, whether for an aperitif or a starter.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product page states the proportion of prawns, net weight, allergens and storage at −18 °C.

Main advantage and key features

30 % prawns, vegetables and a pre-fried product that just needs reheating.

Recommended for: Premium enthusiasts
TCT Ha Kao With Seafood 700g

TCT Ha Kao With Seafood 700g

Why this suits this profile: This product is aimed at those looking for a more refined steamed bite, with a filling that combines several types of seafood.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The ingredients clearly distinguish the prawns, squid, fish and the components of the wrapper.

Main advantage and key features

700 g size, 32 % prawns and steamed preparation.

Recommended for: Specific uses and heavy users
TCT Gyoza With Seafood 660g

TCT Gyoza With Seafood 660g

Why this suits this profile: Households that regularly cook frozen Chinese dumplings will appreciate this versatile option, available in a large pack size.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The weight, cooking methods and allergens are all listed, which reduces the risk of unpleasant surprises on delivery.

Main advantage and key features

Filling made with 28 % fish paste and 12 % prawns, with three cooking methods.

Snacks, drinks and fruit to pair together

To round off your order, several categories can suit different cravings:

  • Haitai Coco Palm Pink Peach Juice 340 ml is ideal for an individual treat and lets you discover a Korean peach juice in a small format.
  • O'Say products with hawthorn, strawberry or red date are ready to eat. Their nutritional information shows a high carbohydrate and sugar content per 100 g, so it’s best to think of them as fruity sweets rather than a substitute for fresh fruit.
  • TCT Passion Fruit “Chanh Day” 500 g contains 100 % passion fruit, with its pulp and natural seeds, and no added sugar according to the product page. It can be used to flavour yoghurt, a dessert or a homemade drink.
  • Frozen Asian desserts, such as the Bamboo Tree Durian Ice Lolly, are stored at −18 °C and eaten straight from the freezer. The pack of four lollies makes them easy to share.

Frozen exotic fruit requires a bit more planning than dry snacks: check you have enough freezer space, that the cold chain is maintained, and how soon the product needs to be used after opening.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a full, real-time updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and European safety regulations.

FAQ on Asian food online

How can I check the safety of an Asian food product ordered online?

Check the ingredients list, allergens, best-before date, storage conditions and the name of the responsible operator in the European Union. For frozen products, also make sure the delivery is carried out under suitable conditions, and put them in your freezer at −18 °C or below as soon as possible.

How long can I keep frozen dim sum after opening?

It depends on the date on the packaging and the manufacturer’s instructions. Seal the bag carefully, avoid temperature fluctuations and never refreeze a product that has thawed. For items that need to be kept in the fridge after defrosting, follow the time stated on the label.

Is Asian food online more expensive than in shops?

The total price depends on the pack size, delivery charges and the costs of refrigerated or frozen transport. Larger formats can reduce the price per portion, but only if you use the product before its best-before date and your freezer has enough space.