Importas Cash + Carry GmbH

Importas Cash + Carry GmbH is a well-known Asia-Shop and international grocery wholesaler situated at Baslerstrasse 102 in Zürich, just 80 meters from Letzi Park. Offering one of the most extensive collections of handpicked, premium-quality food products from across the world, Importas serves both individual retail customers and wholesale partners across Switzerland. With a 4.3-star rating on Google Maps drawn from 521 reviews, the store has built a solid reputation among the city’s diverse culinary community for its broad assortment, competitive pricing, and reliable sourcing of authentic Asian and international ingredients.

The Zürich location functions as both a cash-and-carry retail shop and a local hub for the wider Importas Group, which also operates branches in Bern and a dedicated wholesale centre in Hendschiken. Whether you are a home cook looking for specific spices or a restaurant owner needing bulk supplies, this branch provides a one-stop environment where global flavours are brought together under one roof.

Product Range at Importas Cash + Carry GmbH

The store’s inventory is built around a deep catalogue of Asian and international groceries. Shoppers can expect to find thousands of items covering everyday staples, rare ingredients, and ready-to-use products that span multiple cuisines. The catalogue for 2024–2025 highlights the company’s commitment to continuously refreshing its selection with high-quality, hard-to-find items.

Asian Pantry Essentials

Importas is particularly strong in its range of Asian pantry staples. The shelves are lined with numerous varieties of rice, noodles, flours, sauces, pastes, and oils that form the backbone of East, Southeast, and South Asian cooking. Soy sauces, fish sauces, curry pastes, coconut milk, and dried mushrooms are available in both small retail packs and large wholesale quantities, making it easy for customers to scale their purchases according to their needs.

Spices and Seasonings

The spice section is one of the store’s standout features, frequently mentioned in customer feedback. Dozens of whole and ground spices are sourced from India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and beyond. Turmeric, cumin, coriander, cardamom, garam masala blends, and specialty chili powders sit alongside less common seasonings, giving cooks the tools to recreate authentic regional flavours at home or in a professional kitchen. Many shoppers visit specifically for Indian cuisine staples, reflecting the area’s demand for these essential ingredients.

Fresh and Frozen Foods

Beyond dry goods, the Zürich shop carries fresh produce, chilled items, and an extensive frozen department. Fresh vegetables, herbs, and exotic fruits arrive regularly, while freezers are packed with dumplings, parathas, seafood, prepared meats, and frozen desserts. The fresh fish counter is another popular draw, although some reviews suggest customers should specify their preferred cut sizes to ensure satisfaction with the preparation.

Beverages and Specialty Drinks

A wide array of teas, instant drink mixes, canned beverages, and traditional drinks such as lassi and bubble tea kits can be found throughout the store. These products complement the grocery range and help complete the authentic dining experience that many customers are looking to recreate.

Shopping Experience and Atmosphere

The atmosphere inside Importas Cash + Carry is functional and product-focused, characteristic of a busy cash-and-carry operation. Aisles are stocked floor-to-ceiling with goods, and the space is often bustling with shoppers navigating narrow passageways. This no-frills approach keeps the focus squarely on the inventory, which many regulars appreciate. The store is equipped with street-level access, and the layout allows for relatively quick navigation once shoppers become familiar with the product placement.

While the physical environment prioritises storage efficiency over boutique aesthetics, customers who value selection over presentation find the experience highly rewarding. Staff are generally described as helpful in assisting with locating specific items, and the multilingual environment reflects Zürich’s international character.

Customer Reviews and Reputation

With 521 Google Maps reviews contributing to a 4.3-star average, Importas Cash + Carry GmbH has established a loyal customer base. Google Maps reviewers consistently mention the very large selection and good prices as the main reasons for returning. One local guide described the shop as having a “very large selection, large quantities, and good prices” while noting the narrow aisles. Another reviewer appreciated finding most of the common Asian ingredients they were searching for, even while observing that prices have been increasing over time.

Recurring positive themes include the sheer variety of products, the availability of bulk sizes suitable for families or catering businesses, and the dependable presence of Indian and Sri Lankan cooking items. A few reviews offer constructive feedback about the fresh fish counter, with one customer suggesting that the butcher should pay closer attention to cutting smaller, more manageable pieces for home cooking. This mix of praise and practical observations gives new shoppers a realistic picture of the store’s strengths and the areas where communication can improve the experience.

Importas Cash + Carry GmbH in Zürich

The shop is located at Baslerstrasse 102 in Zürich’s District 4 area, a well-connected neighbourhood near Letzi Park. This central location makes it accessible by public transport and car, with the company’s own website noting its proximity to the park as a landmark. The area is characterised by a mix of residential buildings, small businesses, and green spaces, placing Importas within easy reach of a large and diverse local population.

Opening hours accommodate both weekday and weekend shoppers: the store is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 to 20:00 and on Saturday from 9:00 to 18:00. This schedule allows after-work visits during the week and a full Saturday morning for a more leisurely weekly shop. The shop is closed on Sundays, which aligns with standard Swiss retail practices.

Wholesale and Business Partnerships

Importas Cash + Carry GmbH is part of the wider Importas Group, which operates a dedicated wholesale facility in Hendschiken. Businesses across Switzerland can partner with Importas for their Asian and international food wholesale requirements. The group offers a vast selection of high-quality products, competitive pricing, and reliable delivery service tailored to restaurants, catering companies, and other food businesses. The wholesale arm maintains separate operating hours—Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 12:30 and 13:30 to 18:00—and can be reached by phone or email for catalogue inquiries and account setup.

Common Questions

What are the opening hours of Importas Cash + Carry GmbH in Zürich?

The Zürich retail shop is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 20:00 and Saturday from 9:00 to 18:00. The store is closed on Sundays.

What type of products does Importas Cash + Carry specialise in?

The store specialises in Asian and international groceries, including pantry staples, spices, fresh produce, frozen foods, beverages, and wholesale-sized items for both retail customers and businesses.

Where is Importas Cash + Carry GmbH located in Zürich?

It is located at Baslerstrasse 102, 8048 Zürich, approximately 80 metres away from Letzi Park.

Does Importas Cash + Carry GmbH offer wholesale services?

Yes, the Importas Group provides wholesale services to businesses across Switzerland through its Hendschiken location and the company’s supply network. Contact them directly for wholesale inquiries and catalogue access.

What cuisines are best served by shopping at Importas?

The shop is particularly strong in ingredients for Indian, Sri Lankan, Thai, Chinese, and other East and Southeast Asian cuisines, with a broad selection of spices, sauces, and specialty items.

How can I contact the Zürich shop?

You can reach the Zürich shop by telephone at +41 43 343 03 55 or by email at info@importas.ch for any questions regarding products or services.