Vancouver’s Asian Supermarket Scene and Sourcing Japanese Food
For international students, business travelers, and expatriates on medium to long-term stays in Vancouver, adapting to local cuisine while figuring out ‘where and how to get Japanese food’ is a crucial concern. In recent years, large Asian supermarkets have sprung up around Vancouver, Canada, but stores specializing in and extensively stocking Japanese products remain limited.
This time, we’ll focus on ‘Super Sakuraya,’ an Asian supermarket in Vancouver highly valued by locals for its niche Japanese ingredients and daily necessities. We’ll provide a thorough guide, from its actual product range to essential shopping tips.
Super Sakuraya SAKURAYA JAPANESE SUPERMARKET
📍 Address: 523 E Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5T 1X4 Canada
‘Super Sakuraya,’ located along East Broadway in Vancouver, is a Japanese supermarket that supports the daily lives of locals and international students. It opened in 2011 when the owner of ‘Kim’s Mart,’ a Korean supermarket operating on the first floor of the same building, utilized the vacant space on the second floor. Being upstairs, it has a slightly hidden, ‘secret spot’ feel.
Stepping inside, you’re greeted by a unique layout with low display shelves. Their motto is to offer Japanese products at low prices, achieved by leveraging bulk purchases in conjunction with the Korean supermarket on the first floor. Rice, tea, dried goods, and frozen foods (such as shishamo and dried horse mackerel) are packed tightly, making it a cherished spot for acquiring beloved Japanese flavors that Vancouverites often miss.
Must-Buy Items and the Appeal of Sakuraya’s Product Range
This supermarket’s greatest strength is its lineup that ‘reaches all the right spots’ for Japanese customers. Beyond staples like natto, tofu, ramen, coffee, and various retort pouch foods, you’ll even find classic ‘dagashi’ (cheap Japanese snacks) like ‘Umaibō,’ which are hard to come by in local Canadian supermarkets. Business professionals who visit Vancouver for several months a year also praise it, saying, ‘The selection is spot-on and perfect for bulk buying.’
Beyond food, it’s a pleasant surprise to find household goods like ‘takoyaki plates’ and portable gas stoves, which are handy for home parties. There’s also a ‘clearance section’ offering items nearing or slightly past their best-before dates at bargain prices, a huge benefit for international students looking to save on food costs in high-priced Vancouver.
Access and Smart Ways to Use Other Supermarkets
To get to ‘Sakuraya,’ it’s common to transfer from the Commercial-Broadway SkyTrain station to a bus (such as routes 9 or 99). There’s also convenient parking in front of the store, making it very accessible for locals with cars.
On the other hand, short-term tourists and business travelers staying near downtown should be aware. Instead of making a special trip by bus, you might find similar Japanese products at comparable prices by exploring large Asian supermarkets in Chinatown downtown (such as T&T Supermarket). Considering round-trip transportation costs and travel time, it can sometimes be more efficient for downtown visitors to shop at nearby Chinese supermarkets. We recommend wisely choosing based on your stay area and whether you absolutely need ‘niche products that can only be bought here.’
Shopping Tip: Always Check Your Receipt on the Spot!
While ‘Sakuraya’ boasts a wide and convenient selection, there are a few local ‘traps’ to be mindful of when shopping, particularly regarding issues at the checkout.
Actual users have reported experiences such as ‘cashiers being unfriendly and providing loose service, typical of some overseas stores,’ and errors like ‘being charged for two packs of instant ramen when only buying one five-bag pack.’ Furthermore, there have been incidents where calls to the number listed on the store’s website went unanswered, or receipts were blank, making it impossible to verify purchases later.
This applies to shopping in Canada in general: always make it a habit to check the receipt’s print quality, the number of items purchased, and the total amount right after the transaction. If you notice a mistake, immediately point it out to the cashier on the spot. This is a golden rule to prevent unnecessary expenses and troubles.
While some opinions suggest prices are ‘a bit high overall,’ for expatriates with disposable income and long-term residents looking to establish a self-catering lifestyle, this store is undoubtedly essential. Make good use of it and enjoy a fulfilling Vancouver life.
