From family legacy to TikTok fame: This Sydney grocer is serving up viral moments alongside Asian pantry essentials.
Ever watched an ice cream take over your social feed? Chances are, it came from Gong Grocer at World Square—the Asian grocery store that’s turning everyday essentials into viral sensations.
Trading his lawyer’s briefcase for shopping baskets, Brian Nguyen is the mastermind bringing a fresh vision to his family’s 30-year grocery legacy. After years as a government solicitor, he’s teamed up with his mum Linh to transform their Thai Kee IGA Haymarket roots into Sydney’s most talked-about Asian grocery destination.
The store’s name hits different when you know the story – it’s a tribute to Brian’s grandfather, “Ah Gong” (阿公), whose old-school values are getting a Gen Z twist in this modern retail playground. Think specialty liquor store, an in-house butcher serving the freshest cuts, and aisles packed with cult-favourite snacks and ingredients from China, Korea, Vietnam, Japan, and beyond.
From China to Korea, Vietnam to Japan, every aisle is packed with finds that’ll either remind you of home or have you planning your next food adventure.
And speaking of food adventures, Brian and his wife Wendy Lin recently kicked off the Year of the Snake, hosting an exclusive Lunar New Year feast alongside renowned chef Dan Hong. The evening brought together family traditions in a celebration that perfectly captured what Gong Grocer is all about
Want in on the action? Hit up Gong Grocer at World Square Shopping Centre (Shop 8.01/644 George St, Sydney) any day of the week from 9am to 10pm. Just don’t forget to check their socials first – you never know what’s about to break the internet next!
