Two whole aisles of ramen.
Live fish swimming in tanks near the back.
A few dine-in restaurants tucked inside the same building.
That is not a list of three different stops on an Oklahoma City errand run, because all of it sits under one roof on the north side of town.
Some families drive more than an hour just to stock up here, and others have shopped the aisles since they were kids.
The store has grown into a true city institution, the kind of place locals send out-of-town guests to explore.
It works as a weekly grocery run, a cooking supply hunt, or a cheap Saturday outing with curious kids.
Keep reading to find out where it is, what makes the fish counter special, how deep the ramen selection goes, and the smart tips that make a first trip easier.
1. A North Military Avenue Landmark
Some grocery stores are a chore, and then there is Super Cao Nguyen.
The market sits at 2668 N Military Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73106, in the heart of the city.
It is classified as an Asian grocery store, but that label barely covers it.
Shelves carry products from all over Asia, many of them hard to find anywhere else in the metro.
The store holds a 4.5-star standing across more than 4,600 Google ratings.
That is a big number for a neighborhood market, and it hints at how many Oklahomans have made it part of their routine.
Locals often call it an Oklahoma City institution.
It has been a favorite for years, and many shoppers treat each trip as a small adventure rather than a quick stop for milk.
The location makes it easy to reach from most parts of OKC.
Families from Edmond, Norman, or Moore can make it a short drive, while folks from farther out often plan a full day around it.
So what exactly is waiting inside those doors?
The answer starts with the variety, and it keeps going from there.
2. Years of Neighborhood Loyalty
Ask around Oklahoma City and plenty of people will say they grew up shopping here.
Some regulars have been coming since they were babies in a shopping cart.
That kind of loyalty does not happen by accident.
The market has served the city long enough to become part of family traditions, holiday shopping, and weekend errands.
Its reach goes beyond the local neighborhood.
One mother and daughter who moved to the mainland from Hawaii make it their regular road trip of about an hour and a half, because they can find familiar island staples on the shelves.
Shoppers who have known the store for years have noticed real changes.
In the last few years, the market received a major upgrade, with a cleaner look, better organization, and a more open layout that makes the aisles easier to move through.
Not every longtime fan agrees on every detail, of course.
A few mention that the store feels different than it once did, which is natural for any place with this much history.
Still, the memories keep people coming back.
For many Oklahoma families, a trip here is less about a shopping list and more about a ritual worth passing down.
3. Tanks Full of Live Fish
Fish is the single most talked-about topic tied to this market, with mentions outnumbering nearly everything else.
That alone says plenty about the seafood department at the back of the store.
Live fish tanks hold a lively lineup.
Bass, catfish, carp, buffalo fish, and several other kinds are often available, which is not something most Oklahoma supermarkets can claim.
The best part might be the service behind the counter.
Staff will kill, fillet, or simply clean a fish for shoppers, so nobody has to tackle that job at home.
One shopper from the East Coast bought a large live buffalo fish and had it dressed and cut to exact specifications.
The result was 10 good-sized pieces for about $27, a solid deal for a family dinner.
Kids tend to find the tanks fascinating.
For a family outing, the fish counter can feel like a mini aquarium visit, with the bonus of taking supper home.
A quick heads-up for first-timers: the tanks can get crowded, and conditions vary from day to day.
Taking a moment to choose carefully is always a smart move at any seafood counter.
4. Lobsters From Faraway Waters
Oklahoma is about as far from the ocean as it gets, yet live lobster shows up here anyway.
That surprises a lot of first-time shoppers.
The lobsters come from Maine or Canada and are sold live for cooking at home.
Some can run as large as 3 pounds, which makes for a memorable special-occasion meal.
Beyond lobster, the seafood selection stretches across fresh and frozen choices.
Shoppers who love to cook often browse the counter just to see what has arrived, because it frequently carries items that are hard to find in a standard grocery store.
The meat department sits close by and gets its own share of praise.
Fans point to a huge selection of fresh meats alongside the seafood, giving home cooks plenty of options in one trip.
One honest note: a working meat and fish market comes with a strong smell near the back.
That is part of the deal with fresh seafood, so it helps to expect it going in.
For a state that takes pride in steaks and barbecue, finding live Atlantic lobster in OKC is a fun twist.
It proves Oklahoma tables can reach well past the prairie.
5. Two Entire Aisles of Ramen
Word gets around about a store with two whole aisles devoted to ramen noodles.
Families have shown up just to see if the rumor is true, and it is.
The ramen section covers just about every flavor a noodle fan could name.
Imported packages line the shelves in rows, offering a much deeper lineup than the small noodle corner at a typical supermarket.
Spicy noodle lovers will find plenty to try, though some fans still wish for even more flavors of certain popular brands.
That tells you how seriously people take their ramen here.
For families on a budget, the noodle aisles turn into a fun, low-cost activity.
Kids can each pick a new flavor to try at home, turning a grocery run into a tasting challenge.
One practical tip matters here.
Some longtime shoppers say noodles can sit close to their expiration dates, so checking the date on each package is a wise habit.
With that small step, the ramen aisles become one of the most entertaining corners of the store.
It is easy to walk in for one pack and walk out with a dozen.
6. Produce Beyond the Usual Basket
Fresh produce ranks among the top reasons people shop here, with more than a hundred mentions.
Home cooks praise the wide range of vegetables suited to Asian cooking.
The section stocks items that do not usually appear at chain grocers.
That makes it a go-to stop for anyone trying a new recipe that calls for specialty greens or fruits.
Regular shoppers describe the fruit and vegetable section as a highlight.
Others feel it is decent but could be better, so quality may vary depending on the day.
A simple strategy helps.
Look over items carefully, especially sealed packages of fruit, before heading to the register.
For families, the produce area doubles as a hands-on lesson.
Kids can spot vegetables they have never seen before and help choose one to cook at home that week.
Pair that with the fish counter and the noodle aisles, and a full meal can come together without a second stop.
The produce section quietly holds the whole shopping trip together.
7. Dining Without Leaving the Building
Hungry shoppers do not have to leave to grab a meal.
A few dine-in restaurants operate right inside the building, creating a food court feel under the same roof as the grocery aisles.
That setup changes how a visit works.
Families can shop, take a break for lunch, and then finish the list without moving the car.
Steamed buns are a well-loved treat connected to the market.
Bao buns and other snacks get regular praise from shoppers who make them part of every trip.
The store also carries pre-made foods.
Those come in handy for busy weeknights or for a quick snack on the drive home.
Vegan eaters have something to look forward to as well.
Some shoppers mention Saturday vegan options as a reason to time their visit for the weekend.
The dine-in spots turn a grocery run into a mini outing.
For day-trippers coming from across the state, that combination of shopping and eating in one place makes the drive feel well spent.
8. Shelves of Surprises
Variety is the word that keeps coming up, with dozens of shoppers pointing to the sheer range of products.
Unique items earn their own steady stream of praise too.
Aisles hold sauces, spices, teas, snacks, candies, condiments, and a big frozen section.
Seasonal mooncakes appear at the right time of year, and frozen tempeh is a pleasant find for plant-based cooks.
The store goes past food as well.
Rows of kitchen items, decorations, and household goods fill out the space, so a cook can find tools along with ingredients.
Hawaiian staples also turn up on the shelves.
For island transplants living in Oklahoma, that is a rare comfort far from home.
Many shoppers admit they come in for a few things and leave with new ingredients to test.
That habit of discovery is a big part of the appeal.
A friendly reminder applies across the shelves.
Some shoppers note older stock in sauces and frozen foods, so a quick glance at dates keeps the surprises pleasant ones.
9. An Unexpected In-Store Pharmacy
Here is a detail many first-timers miss entirely.
The building also includes a pharmacy, which makes the market even more of a one-stop errand.
Customers who use it speak warmly about the attentive care they receive.
Staff there are described as proactive and willing to go the extra mile to make sure needed items are available.
That kind of personal attention fits a wider pattern.
Friendly staff earn nearly a hundred mentions tied to the store, a sign that many shoppers feel welcome.
Experiences do vary, as they do at any busy business.
A few shoppers report less pleasant encounters, so patience goes a long way during crowded hours.
Some regulars also mention that ownership clearly takes pride in the business.
That care shows up in the upgrades and in the extra effort to stock hard-to-find items.
For families juggling a long to-do list, being able to fill a prescription and buy dinner in the same stop is a quiet bonus.
It is one more reason the place feels like a second home to some customers.
10. Lunar New Year at the Market
Mark the calendar for Lunar New Year.
The market hosts celebrations that draw families back year after year.
Some shoppers have attended two years in a row.
They appreciate that the events support local youth, giving young people a chance to take part in the festivities.
These celebrations add a cultural layer that goes beyond shopping.
Oklahoma families get a free, close-to-home way to learn about traditions that many neighbors hold dear.
The holiday season also brings special products to the shelves.
Seasonal treats like mooncakes and candy-style goodies make the store worth a visit around festival times.
Event details and dates can change from year to year.
Checking the store website before the holiday is the best way to plan ahead.
For anyone who thinks Oklahoma culture stops at rodeos and powwows, this celebration offers a fresh view.
It shows how many traditions now call the Sooner State home.
11. Organized Chaos and Who It Suits
Calm and quiet are not the first words people use here.
Shoppers often describe the store as a little wild, and many say that is part of the fun.
The place feels best suited to curious shoppers.
Home cooks, adventurous eaters, and families who like exploring will get the most out of a trip.
Those who want a fast in-and-out errand can still manage it.
One first-timer finished in about 20 minutes, spent around $20, and said hours could easily have disappeared inside.
Cleanliness gets mixed comments.
Recent upgrades earned praise for a tidier, more organized layout, while others still feel some areas, including restrooms, need more attention.
Expect busy aisles, a lively mix of shoppers, and some strong smells near the seafood.
Incense is often burning in the store as well.
Going in with an open mind makes the difference.
Treat it as an exploration rather than a polished supermarket trip, and the energy becomes part of the charm.
12. Hours, Prices and Smart Tips
Planning is simple, since the doors open every single day.
Posted hours run from 9 AM to 8 PM, seven days a week, though times may change, so checking caonguyen.com before driving is wise.
Prices are a strong selling point.
Shoppers describe the store as well stocked and fairly priced, with great deals on Asian grocery items.
Parking is plentiful, which helps on busy weekends.
That is a relief for anyone arriving with kids, coolers, or a big shopping list.
Payment needs one quick note.
American Express cards are not accepted, so bring another card or cash.
A few habits make the visit smoother:
Check expiration dates on sauces, noodles, and frozen items.
Inspect sealed fruit before buying.
Bring a cooler if fish or lobster is on the list, especially for a long drive home.
Saturday shoppers can look for vegan options, and the fish counter can clean and cut purchases while you browse.
A little preparation turns a good trip into a great one.
13. Worth the Drive Across Oklahoma
Not every store earns road trips, but this one does.
Families drive in from across the state, and some regulars treat it as a must-stop whenever they are in OKC.
The appeal is easy to sum up.
Live fish, lobster, two aisles of ramen, wide produce, a pharmacy, and dine-in restaurants all share one address.
It is not flawless.
Some shoppers point to uneven cleanliness, older stock on certain shelves, and mixed staff encounters, so a careful eye helps.
Yet the overall picture stays strong, with thousands of high marks and many families who keep returning.
The mix of value, variety, and discovery is hard to match anywhere else in the state.
For Oklahomans who love proving their home has more to offer than wide-open prairie, this market makes a great case.
It brings flavors from across Asia right to the middle of Oklahoma City.
Grab a cart, bring a list, and leave room for a few surprises.
The next favorite ingredient might be waiting two aisles over.
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