A Complete Guide to Asian Supermarkets Around Ximending! Shopping Hacks for Locals and International Students

Must-See for Long-Term Residents & International Students! Local Supermarket Scene in Ximending Area

Ximending, the vibrant heart of Taiwan, is always bustling with people. While popular among tourists, step into its back alleys and you’ll discover a ‘real living area’ frequented daily by locals, international students, and long-term residents.

For travelers, supermarkets are treasure troves for buying souvenirs cheaply and in bulk. But for those settled locally, they’re an indispensable lifeline for cutting living costs and sourcing daily necessities suited to local water and environment. This article offers a realistic look at the essential local supermarkets and souvenir shops around Ximending, including a ‘special feature’ on an Asian supermarket for international students returning to or staying in Japan.

Carrefour Guilin Store

📍 Address: No. 1號, Guilin Rd, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108

If you’re starting life in Taiwan, ‘Carrefour Guilin Store’ (家樂福 桂林店) is a must-know. Located within walking distance of the Ximending area, this massive supermarket operates 24 hours a day. It serves as a pantry for locals and an indispensable resource for tourists and international students alike.

The store’s layout features a food court with McDonald’s on the 1st floor, household goods and daily necessities on the 2nd floor, and fresh produce and groceries on the 3rd floor. What stands out is its overwhelming selection of unique Taiwanese local products. For long-term residents, a common concern like ‘damaged hair due to Taiwan’s hard water’ can be solved by getting Taiwanese shampoos suitable for local water quality here. Moreover, fresh foods like milk are significantly cheaper than at convenience stores, making it a strong ally for students who cook their own meals.

The souvenir section is also well-stocked, offering not only pineapple cakes and instant noodles for casual gifts but also the ’18-day Taiwanese draft beer,’ a rarity in Japan due to its short shelf life. With a tax-refund counter available, it’s perfect for bulk souvenir purchases when heading back home for a temporary visit. Credit cards are accepted at the registers, but policies may vary between manned and self-checkout counters, and the acceptance of transit IC cards (like EasyCard) also differs by register, so it’s wise to carry some cash.

Taiwan Delight (台灣美味)

📍 Address: No. 155, Xining Rd, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108

Located right in the heart of Ximending, ‘Taiwan Delight’ (台灣美味) is more than just a souvenir shop; it’s a sanctuary for travelers and international students. The store is bright and clean, filled with local sweets like famous cookies and pineapple cakes, packed from floor to ceiling.

Its biggest draw is the exceptional hospitality and convenience. The friendly ‘obachan’ (auntie) staff enthusiastically offers samples, so you can taste and be convinced before making a purchase. Furthermore, it’s equipped with free restrooms, smartphone charging, Wi-Fi, and even luggage storage services, functioning as a mini tourist information center when you’re tired from exploring Ximending.

They also kindly provide directions to local recommended restaurants and nearby spots, making it a prime first stop for international students who’ve just arrived in Taiwan or long-term residents seeking in-depth Ximending information. With no pressure to buy anything, you can feel at ease dropping by casually.

Carrefour Market Taipei Changsha Store

📍 Address: 108 Taiwan Taipei City, Wanhua District, Section 2, Changsha St, 93號B1

Unlike the enormous Carrefour Guilin Store, this ‘Chao Shi’ (超市), or supermarket, is a smaller store perfect for ‘quick everyday shopping.’ Its entrance is a bit dark and inconspicuous as it’s located underground, but once you step inside, you’ll find a convenient space packed with souvenirs and daily necessities.

It operates 24 hours and accepts credit cards, making it handy for late-night snack cravings or picking up last-minute souvenirs before an early morning flight home. Although the aisles are a bit narrow, because it’s frequented by locals daily, you can feel the authentic pulse of Taiwanese life with seasonal fruits (sometimes expensive durians or giant watermelons that are rare in Japan) piled high.

Another nice touch is the tables and chairs near the entrance, where you can eat your freshly purchased items or rest while waiting for others to shop. It boasts a better selection than convenience stores and offers easier shopping than large supermarkets, making it a smart local strategy to use it in conjunction with convenience stores.

Bonus Chapter: For Asian Ingredients in Japan! ‘Asia Superstore’ for Authentic Flavors

📍 Address: Japan, 〒169-0072 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Okubo, 1 Chome−8−2 ２階

For those who’ve returned to Japan after living in Taiwan, or international students residing in Japan, do you ever miss ‘that vibrancy and taste’ of Southeast Asia and Taiwan? For such long-term residents, we highly recommend ‘Asia Superstore’ in Shin-Okubo, Tokyo.

This is an authentic Asian supermarket, often called ‘the closest place to Thailand in Japan,’ offering a wide array of seasonings, daily necessities, and ingredients primarily from Thailand, but also from Southeast Asia and Taiwan. The moment you step inside, you’re enveloped in the local scents and atmosphere, feeling as if you’ve wandered into an Asian market.

You’ll find fresh herbs not typically available in regular Japanese supermarkets (like holy basil and lemongrass), homemade dishes and sweets boasting authentic spiciness like som tum, and khao tom mat (steamed sticky rice with banana). Despite anticipating a slightly chaotic atmosphere typical of Asia, the displays are surprisingly clean and easy to navigate, and the staff are friendly. It’s a hidden gem where you can get a dose of Asian ambiance while still in Japan. Please note that payments are often cash-only, so be prepared when you visit.

Tips for Smart Shopping at Local Supermarkets

Frequent visits to supermarkets around Ximending significantly impact the quality of a long-term stay. The basic strategy for locals is to smartly differentiate between large stores like ‘Carrefour’ (家樂福), smaller ‘Chao Shi’ (超市), and ‘convenience stores’ based on their purpose. For bulk souvenirs or buying daily necessities like shampoo, large stores are efficient, while ‘Chao Shi’ are better for everyday small grocery runs.

When buying souvenirs, aim for ‘what locals buy daily.’ For instance, milk and daily necessities, which are often pricier at Taiwanese convenience stores, can be found at local prices in supermarkets. Furthermore, the ’18-day Taiwanese draft beer,’ rarely seen in Japan due to its short shelf life, and unique Taiwanese local snacks are among the special delights of local supermarkets.

Regarding payments, more places are now accepting Japanese-issued credit cards and EasyCard (悠遊カード). However, policies can differ between manned and self-checkout counters, and some stores might be cash-only, so it’s always advisable to carry a small amount of cash.