Discover Deep Asia in Ranzan! An Authentic Asian Supermarket Supporting Locals and International Students

Ranzan Town in Saitama Prefecture is blessed with abundant nature and a rich history. Within this town, a unique spot exists that brings the vibrant atmosphere of Southeast Asia right to your doorstep: an authentic Asian supermarket offering a wide range of ingredients.

Stepping inside, you’ll find local spices, seasonings, and instant foods that are impossible to find in typical Japanese supermarkets, instantly transporting you to an overseas adventure. For international students and trainees residing long-term in the vicinity, it’s an emotional oasis where they can find ‘tastes of home’. For locals, it’s an exciting place to shop and experiment with authentic ethnic cuisine. This time, we’ll delve deep into this precious market that adds vibrant color to Ranzan’s local life.

KHAYA ASIA MARKET

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📍 Address: 3-1-8 Musashidai, Ranzan Town, Hiki District, Saitama Prefecture, 355-0216, Japan

Opened in November 2023, ‘KHAYA ASIA MARKET’ is located along Prefectural Road 69, about a 6-minute walk from Musashi-Ranzan Station. Situated between Ranzan Shiga Post Office and the locally beloved Chinese restaurant ‘Chuka Ichioshi,’ the store offers convenient dedicated parking right next to it, perfect for those arriving by car.

Inside, local ingredients primarily from Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam are densely packed. The Indonesian food selection, in particular, is highly regarded, making it invaluable to Japanese visitors nostalgic for the ‘taste of living abroad’ and Indonesian residents seeking flavors from home. In addition to classic seasonings like sambal (spicy condiment) and fish sauce, you’ll find a full range of local instant noodles like ‘Mi Goreng’ (which you’ll want to buy by the box!), various spices, snacks, and juices.

Beyond food items, the store’s greatest charm lies in its deep and niche product range, far exceeding its size. You’ll find Southeast Asian-specific frozen meats, local cosmetic products, and even huge Philippine bananas sold in bunches – something rarely seen in Japanese supermarkets. While it may not have the vastness of a megastore, and some might wish for a wider selection, it’s an excellent hidden gem for pinpointing authentic ingredients.

Another welcome feature is its perfect cashless payment support, including credit cards, e-money, and various QR code payments, despite being a privately run local market. You can enjoy a smooth and stress-free shopping experience, just like at any Japanese supermarket.

Local Tips for Enjoying Asian Grocery Stores to the Fullest

In Asian supermarkets frequented by locals and long-term residents, it’s not uncommon for product packaging to be entirely in local languages. That’s why success in shopping often comes from roughly deciding ‘what dish to make’ before you visit.
For instance, Nasi Goreng (Indonesian fried rice) seasoning mixes or Tom Yum paste are relatively easy to use and recommended for locals trying ethnic cuisine for the first time. If you’re unsure how to use an item, try scanning the package with a smartphone translation app – you might discover unexpectedly delicious ways to enjoy it.

Additionally, ‘incidental stops’ around the store are part of the fun. ‘Chuka Ichioshi’ (Chinese Restaurant Ichioshi), right next to Kaya Asia Market, is a popular spot bustling with local customers during lunchtime. After stocking up on Asian ingredients, enjoying a hearty and cost-effective ramen or set meal there is another way to experience the deep local charm unique to the Ranzan area.
Whenever you want to add a dash of spice to your daily meals or feel the authentic local atmosphere, be sure to open the doors to this deep local market.

Photo by utakaha on Unsplash