Walking through Tokushima Prefecture, you’ll increasingly notice the distinctive aroma of Southeast Asian spices and fish sauce. In recent years, Tokushima has seen a rise in international students and long-term residents from Vietnam and other Asian countries, leading to a continuous opening of Vietnamese supermarkets and local eateries offering ‘authentic local flavors’.
This article introduces grocery stores stocked with unique seasonings not found in Japanese supermarkets, and bustling Vietnamese restaurants that make you feel as if you’ve stumbled into a back alley in Hanoi. These are deep, authentic spots perfect for those seeking ‘the genuine flavors and atmosphere that locals enjoy daily,’ not tastes adapted for Japanese palates. Use this guide for your weekend shopping or a vibrant spice experience.
Vietnam Mart
📍 Address: 1-chome Motomachi, Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture 770-0834, Japan
Located on the first floor of ‘Amico Specialty Store Street,’ a landmark in front of Tokushima Station, ‘Vietnam Mart’ is a new hub for Vietnamese culture in Tokushima. It opened as a sister store to the popular ‘Vietnam Kitchen’ in Higashishinmachi (which we’ll introduce later). Thanks to its prime location, it bustles daily with locals who drop by while shopping and international students seeking a taste of their homeland.
The store is packed with familiar items like pho and rice paper, as well as exotic Southeast Asian seasonings, colorful snacks, and instant noodles, creating an exciting atmosphere just by browsing. Many products have Japanese labels alongside, making it easy for ethnic food beginners to confidently try ‘Vietnamese cooking at home.’
A real shopping tip: some products may not have price tags. This is a common sight in local Southeast Asian markets. If you don’t know the price, don’t be shy; just ask the staff, ‘Kore ikura desu ka?’ (How much is this?). They’ll not only tell you the price but might also explain how to best use the product. Additionally, traditional Vietnamese desserts like ‘Chè’ and jasmine tea sold at the register are perfect for takeout to enjoy at a nearby park.
Vietnam Kitchen
📍 Address: 1-16-5 Higashishinmachi, Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture 770-0912, Japan
Tucked away just off the arcade in Higashishinmachi, Tokushima City, is the place commonly known as ‘Vietnam Kitchen.’ Run by an owner from Hanoi, this eatery offers such an authentic experience that you might wonder if you’re still in Japan the moment you step inside. Vietnamese chatter fills the air, and groups of young locals enjoying meals are a common sight, exuding an overwhelming local vibe. This energetic establishment has even been known to operate 24 hours during busy periods like the Awa Odori festival, matching the local fervor.
The must-try local dish here is ‘Bún chả,’ a Vietnamese dipping noodle. Enjoy tender grilled pork and ‘bún’ (round rice vermicelli made by extrusion) with a dipping sauce that perfectly balances sweetness and sourness. Mid-meal, add the ‘garlic vinegar’ provided on the table, along with plenty of mint and cilantro, to the soup for an instant transformation into an authentic, punchy flavor.
It’s worth noting that at this restaurant, the trick is to enjoy the local eatery style rather than expecting ‘excessive Japanese customer service.’ If you need water or are ready to order, don’t hesitate to call out to the staff yourself. The friendly staff will respond with a smile. After your meal, ordering ‘Chè sầu,’ a dessert packed with fruits, and rich, sweet Vietnamese coffee will complete your perfect Vietnamese full course.
CAMRY Vietnamese Restaurant
📍 Address: 2-31 Terajimahontoe, Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture 770-0832, Japan
Conveniently located in front of Tokushima Station, ‘CAMRY Vietnamese Restaurant’ has garnered attention, even being featured on local TV programs. The interior is cozy and clean, offering a very comfortable atmosphere where Japanese locals and international students mix almost equally. The shelves inside are also lined with Vietnamese ingredients for sale, making it an excellent spot to pick up desired seasonings or snacks like a ‘mini-supermarket’ after your meal.
The menu is extensive, but what stands out is the variety of noodle dishes. Besides ‘pho,’ the flat rice noodles familiar to Japanese diners, you can also savor ‘bún bò Huế,’ thick round noodles, a specialty from Hue in Central Vietnam. The soup, rich with beef bone broth, is topped with thinly sliced beef and onions, offering an irresistibly smooth texture.
The local way to enjoy your meal here is to not be afraid of ‘customizing it to your liking.’ Generously squeeze the lemon and add the lettuce and cilantro served on a separate plate, then liberally incorporate the chili peppers and garlic vinegar found on the table to adjust the flavor – that’s the Vietnamese style. If you love spicy food, try the chili sauce provided little by little (be careful not to add too much, as it’s spicier than you might expect!). The lunch specials are also plentiful, with crispy Vietnamese fried spring rolls that are absolutely delicious.
Asian Halal Grocery Tokushima
📍 Address: 3-16 Sako Hachibancho, Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture 770-0028, Japan
If you’re looking to explore not just Vietnamese ingredients but also the deeper food cultures of other Asian regions, ‘Asian Halal Grocery Tokushima’ in the Sako area is an absolute must-visit. This specialized supermarket serves as a crucial lifeline for Muslim international students and workers living in Tokushima, offering 100% Halal-certified products.
Inside, walls are lined with authentic spices from India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh, along with a wide selection of specialized mixed spices for particular curries and sweets. The freezer section is fully stocked with bone-in mutton and lamb, Australian goat meat, large tilapia fish – items rarely seen in Japan – and even frozen chapati ready to be cooked. For locals who want to make authentic spiced curries from scratch at home, this place is truly a treasure trove.
The owner is very warm and friendly, patiently explaining how to use products in a mix of English and Japanese. Beyond being just a supermarket, the atmosphere clearly indicates that it functions as a community hub where foreigners living in Tokushima can exchange information and feel a connection to their homelands. Why not drop by when you want to fully immerse your senses in an exotic atmosphere?
Local Tips for Enjoying a Deep Asian Lifestyle in Tokushima
Within Tokushima Prefecture, many more ‘truly local spots’ like those introduced here are still hidden. The key to enjoying these establishments 120% is to temporarily abandon Japanese norms and ‘match the local pace.’ If a store doesn’t have price tags or staff are speaking loudly in their native language, it’s not poor service; it’s ‘the everyday local scene.’
Also, if you dislike herbs like cilantro when eating, kindly say ‘no cilantro’ when ordering, and they will gladly serve it on the side or omit it. Conversely, if you love it, trying to negotiate for ‘extra cilantro!’ is part of the fun of communication.
On weekends, we recommend stocking up on unknown seasonings and meats at these Vietnamese supermarkets and Halal shops, then recreating authentic flavors by watching local recipe videos on YouTube. Your usual Tokushima life is sure to transform into something spicy and exciting!
