The Ultimate Asian Supermarket Supporting Life in Bangkok
Living in a foreign country, what do you miss most? Undoubtedly, it’s the ‘taste of home.’ In the heart of Bangkok, Thailand, specifically the Sukhumvit area where many Japanese residents live, ‘Fuji Super (UFM Fuji Super)’ has garnered absolute support as a ‘food lifeline’ for locals, long-term residents, students, and expatriates alike.
Boasting a product range so vast that it’s said you can ‘recreate the exact same Japanese dining table while in Thailand,’ this store meets every need, from daily home cooking to procuring packed lunches. This time, we’ll focus on the ‘No. 1 store’ near Phrom Phong Station, where its history began, introducing its genuine appeal and clever ways to utilize it.
Fuji Super No. 1
📍 Address: 539, 29-39 Soi Sukhumvit 33/1, Khwaeng Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110 Thailand
Opened in 1985 as Thailand’s first Japanese supermarket, ‘Fuji Super No. 1’ is a legendary store that has continuously supported Japanese food culture in Bangkok. Born from a joint venture between a major Thai corporation and a Japanese supermarket operating company, it is ideally located just a 5-minute walk from BTS Phrom Phong Station.
Step inside, and you’ll find yourself in a completely ‘Japanese supermarket.’ The freshness of its produce is distinctly superior to other local Thai supermarkets, with Japanese-specific vegetables, fresh seafood, and quality meats beautifully displayed. What’s truly surprising is the sheer depth of its product selection. It’s no exaggeration to say you’ll find whatever you’re looking for, from over 10 varieties of natto alone, to tofu, Japanese seasonings, and snacks. Pre-made sushi, handmade bento boxes, and deli items are also abundant, showcasing Japanese quality at every turn.
The store is always impeccably clean, and the staff are friendly and helpful. Due to its high quality, it’s hugely popular not only among Japanese residents in Thailand but also among local Thais and Westerners who love Japanese food. Some even travel all the way from rural parts of Thailand, where Japanese ingredients are hard to come by, just to stock up in Bangkok. It is truly a ‘Mini-Japan’ in Bangkok, a special place that has been cherished for many years.
Evening Discount Time is the Target! Saving Hacks for Students & Long-Term Residents
For those staying in Bangkok for the mid to long term, wisely managing daily food expenses is a significant challenge. It’s common knowledge among locals that to get great deals at Fuji Super No. 1, you should aim for ‘late evening hours.’
As closing time approaches, cheerful ‘discount stickers’ begin to appear one after another on bento boxes, deli items, and packs of cut fruits. Cut fruits, in particular, become incredibly affordable, often matching the prices of fruit carts commonly seen on Thai streets. They are well-chilled and cut into easy-to-finish portions for single diners, making them perfect for vitamin replenishment. While imported Japanese products tend to be a bit pricier by Thai standards, cleverly utilizing these discount times allows you to enjoy Japanese flavors without breaking the bank.
Create ‘No-Cooking Days’ with Bento Boxes and Deli Items
In unfamiliar overseas life, stress can accumulate without you realizing it. On days when you ‘don’t feel like cooking,’ don’t push yourself; instead, rely on Fuji Super’s bento boxes and deli items.
The bento corner features a wide array of classic Japanese dishes, such as fried chicken (karaage) bento and grilled salmon bento. Moreover, simply stocking your fridge with natto and various types of tofu can be a strong ally when your stomach gets tired of local Thai food. Delicious, Japanese-quality sweet buns like ‘Anpan’ (red bean paste bun) are also a hidden popular item, perfect for a late-night snack or a small treat. These ‘comforting tastes,’ not found in local Thai supermarkets, help sustain your motivation in daily life.
Enjoy ‘Japanese Daily Life’ Including the Surrounding Area
The area around Phrom Phong’s Soi 33/1, where Fuji Super No. 1 is located, is home to Japanese restaurants and Japanese used bookstores, creating a relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of a Japanese shopping street.
Buying Japanese paperback novels at a used bookstore on the weekend, then stocking up on delicious deli items and favorite seasonings at Fuji Super before heading home – such an environment, allowing you to live a daily life in Thailand that feels exactly like Japan, is invaluable for those residing in a foreign country. If you’re planning to start life in Bangkok or want to experience Japanese food culture while feeling the local vibrancy, be sure to visit Fuji Super No. 1 at least once.
