For 20 years, Hang Sheng Dispensary has been the East Lake neighborhood’s go-to place for Chinese herbs, teas, packaged foods, and housewares. They also sell traditional Chinese celebratory items including bamboo, money trees, and joss paper. At Hang Sheng, they carry a lot of bulk herbs including ginseng, which is a popular herbal remedy. Ginseng is believed to have energy-boosting abilities and is used daily by many people for combating inflammation. At the front register, you can find bottles of herbal medicines and personal care products for sale.
Hang Sheng Dispensary is also a purveyor of popular Asian foods and kitchenware. Food items include rice, noodles, and packaged snack foods. You will also find an extensive tea selection that includes varieties of green tea, as well as herbal infusions. Housewares include dishes used to prepare traditional Asian cuisine. Items include bamboo steam baskets, stainless steel woks, as well as brass and clay kettles for steeping your tea.
In addition to the store, Hang Sheng shares their space with a traditional Chinese medicine clinic with a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist. Though he has retired, the acupuncturist still takes customers if they make an appointment beforehand.
Hang Sheng is located on the corner of E 12th and 8th Ave. There is free street parking surrounding the shop, and AC Transit’s 1 and 14 bus lines stop nearby.