[Nagasaki, Isahaya] Authentic Pho and Ingredients at ‘BENZ TAY SHOP,’ a Vietnamese Supermarket!

“BENZ TAY SHOP (Benzu Tei Shoppu),” located within walking distance from Isahaya Station in Isahaya City, Nagasaki Prefecture, is not just a restaurant. It’s a hidden gem and a deep local spot known for serving exquisite authentic pho, and also functioning as a ‘Vietnamese supermarket’ offering a wide array of local seasonings and ingredients.

Inside, local languages fill the air, and locals as well as Vietnamese international students and technical interns on medium to long-term stays frequently visit, seeking a ‘taste of home.’ This time, we delve deep into the vibrant, exotic atmosphere of the store, introducing must-try dishes and practical tips for shopping for local ingredients.

BENZ TAY SHOP Isahaya Branch

📍 Address: S.Base, 21-3, Kodama-21-3 Eishōmachi, Isahaya, Nagasaki 854-0072, Japan
‘BENZ TAY SHOP Isahaya Branch’ is a Vietnamese grocery store and pho specialty shop that opened in 2023. With excellent accessibility, just a few minutes’ walk from Isahaya Station, the store always buzzes with a bright atmosphere, much like a modern Vietnamese cafe.

It features a hybrid layout with a dining area at the front and a retail space at the back, allowing you to browse rare ingredients after your meal – a major appeal. While there are three parking spaces behind the store, they can fill up or be a bit difficult to find, so it’s best to check for nearby coin parking options in advance if visiting by car. Also, be careful when entering as there’s a slight step at the entrance.

Must-Try! Authentic ‘Pho’ and Deep Flavor-Changing Techniques

What you absolutely must try here is the authentic ‘pho’ prepared by a Vietnamese chef. Particularly popular is the great value ‘Stir-fried Beef Pho and Fried Bread Set’ available at lunchtime. The soup, light yet rich with the deep umami of beef bones, will surely surprise you with its authentic taste from the first sip.

And a ‘local way to enjoy’ unique to this restaurant is how you eat the firm fried bread (quay) that comes with the set. While a bit hard if eaten as is, breaking it into pieces with your hands and soaking it thoroughly in the soup, as recommended by the chef, makes it absorb the flavorful soup, changing its texture to chewy and transforming it into an addictively delicious experience.

Furthermore, the tables are adorned with seasonings just like those found in local Vietnamese eateries, such as fish sauce (nuoc mam), sliced pickled garlic, lemon, and super spicy chili sauce. By adding vegetables midway or gradually incorporating different condiments for a ‘flavor change,’ you can enjoy fresh surprises until the very last bite. There are also deep-cut menu items, like ‘Salted Old Chicken,’ which might seem a bit challenging due to their authenticity, so revisiting to try various flavors is highly recommended.

Practical Shopping Tips in the ‘Vietnamese Supermarket’ Area, Popular Among Students

After enjoying your meal, head to the retail area spreading out in the back of the store. This is truly a mini-Vietnam. Seasonings, instant noodles, rice paper, and snacks, all commonly found in local Vietnamese supermarkets, are meticulously displayed.

Authentic fish sauce that’s hard to find in regular Japanese supermarkets, Vietnamese coffee powder, and coconut milk are essential daily necessities for Vietnamese international students on medium to long-term stays. Additionally, the refrigerated and frozen section in the back offers fresh meats and processed meats used in local home cooking, allowing you to experience the unique thrill of an Asian market just by browsing.

It’s also very popular among locals who want to easily cook Vietnamese dishes at home, and it’s common to see people buying dried pho noodles and local soup bases as a set. The prices are reasonable and reflect real market values, so you’re sure to have a much more practical and profound shopping experience here than at a tourist-oriented imported food store.

Tips for Your Visit and Summary

On holiday lunchtimes, ‘BENZ TAY SHOP’ bustles with Vietnamese people chatting in their native language, allowing you to experience the feeling of international travel without a passport, right here in Isahaya.

If you’re unsure about choosing a menu item or how to eat it on your first visit, don’t hesitate to ask the friendly staff, ‘How do you recommend eating this?’ This is the best tip for enjoying local establishments. As they kindly teach you ‘authentic and delicious ways to eat,’ a warm community interaction beyond just a meal will also emerge. Satisfy your hunger with delicious pho, get rare ingredients in Japan, and fully immerse yourself in the deep Vietnamese atmosphere.