This time, we’ve carefully selected recommended local shops for international students and long-term residents staying around Wakayama, as well as locals who want to recreate authentic flavors at home. Let’s go out and discover unknown ingredients not found in Japanese supermarkets and tastes straight from their origins!
Xuân Shop Việt Nhật Wakayama
📍 Address: 583 Yoshida, Wakayama, Wakayama Prefecture 640-8343, Japan
‘Xuân Shop Việt Nhật Wakayama’ is an authentic Vietnamese supermarket located in Wakayama City. Stepping inside, you’ll find an array of unfamiliar Vietnamese seasonings and instant foods, creating such a deep local atmosphere that you might forget you’re in Japan. It’s an essential hub for the Vietnamese community living in Wakayama, cherished by those seeking the tastes of their homeland.
Even if you’re unsure how to use some ingredients, Vietnamese snack foods are an easy way to enjoy the flavors. The highly-rated coconut snacks ‘Cocool’ and ‘COCO’ are recommended as they’re subtly sweet and appeal to Japanese palates. Traditional Vietnamese baked goods, such as large mooncake-like pastries, are also sold, making it fun to try new and unknown sweets.
Please note that this shop offers an atmosphere akin to a direct glimpse into ‘everyday life in Vietnam.’ Therefore, unlike the polite customer service etiquette in Japan, staff might process payments while looking at their phones or seem somewhat indifferent. However, embracing this as the ‘authentic local vibe typical of overseas markets’ is the key to fully enjoying this shop. Experience the feeling of shopping at a local Vietnamese store, right here in Wakayama.
Kokusai Ichiba Wakayama (International Market Wakayama)
📍 Address: 4-4-20 Shioya, Wakayama, Wakayama Prefecture 641-0054, Japan
‘Kokusai Ichiba Wakayama’ is Wakayama City’s only specialty store for Korean products, boasting over 2,000 types of Korean food, cosmetics, and goods. Based on the concept of ‘easily enjoying good Korean products in Wakayama,’ it has garnered strong support from locals for offering the excitement of a Koreatown without having to travel there. With free parking available, it’s very convenient for bulk shopping.
Beyond standard kimchi and seasonings, you’ll find a wide selection of yellow-packaged stick coffee familiar from K-dramas, ‘KOPIKO’ coffee candies, and instant ramen varieties rarely seen in Japan. Food items, in particular, are perfect for stocking up regularly, making this store incredibly valuable when considering the travel costs and time saved from going to Koreatowns like Tsuruhashi.
Additionally, hot ‘Kin-chan Chicken’ sales start at 12 PM, allowing you to get freshly fried Korean chicken while you shop. You might also find authentic homemade side dishes and, if you’re lucky, even Ganjang Gejang (marinated crab). From daily Korean cooking to checking out the latest trendy cosmetics, this ‘Korean experience mart’ is always a joy to visit, no matter how many times you go.
Kimuchi Kobo Lion
📍 Address: 120-32 Shin-Nakajima, Wakayama, Wakayama Prefecture 641-0002, Japan
‘Kimuchi Kobo Lion’ (Rion) is a highly-rated takeout specialty store in Wakayama City, renowned for its exquisite handmade authentic kimchi and Korean side dishes. Characterized by mild and easy-to-eat flavors – not too spicy and not too sour – it offers gentle Korean home cooking that can be enjoyed by the whole family, from children to adults.
On display are various handmade kimchis, including classic napa cabbage, radish, and cucumber kimchi, alongside yam kimchi, octopus kimchi, and squid kimchi. The seafood kimchis, in particular, are highlighted by the accent of green chili peppers (pukochi), making them perfect as a snack with drinks or as an accompaniment to rice. Additionally, homemade pig’s feet and ‘changja’ (fermented pollock tripe) are also available, making them delightful gifts or souvenirs for friends.
The biggest charm of this shop is the friendly and warm communication with the owner. If you purchase the popular ‘Bibimbap Set,’ the owner will personally teach you the most delicious way to prepare it. If you follow their instructions, you’re sure to be amazed by how much better it tastes than any bibimbap you’ve had before. Don’t miss the seafood ‘chijimi’ (pancake) and ‘japchae’ (glass noodles) that are occasionally sold.
ROCK STAR FARMs
📍 Address: 39 Higashizamaecho, Wakayama, Wakayama Prefecture 640-8203, Japan
‘ROCK STAR FARMs’ is a gourmet selection market located on the first floor of ‘KiiNo Wakayama,’ a commercial facility directly connected to Nankai Wakayamashi Station. It brings together fresh, affordable vegetables directly from farmers, Wakayama’s seafood, quality meats, and local specialties, making it perfect not only for daily grocery shopping but also as an ideal spot for tourists to find souvenirs.
The store also features a ‘Kitano Ace’ section, offering a delightful array of specialty foods from across Japan, including rare retort curries and imported ingredients. The Wakayama local corner is also well-stocked, where you can find unique Wakayama seasonings and traditional Japanese sweets like persimmon mochi from Katsuragi-cho and Kinzanji miso from Yuasa-cho. Numerous Wakayama craft beers are also available, which is fantastic for those who enjoy drinking at home.
Furthermore, it’s known for the high quality of its bento boxes and deli items. From rice balls made in the in-store production booth to authentic yakitori and sushi with fresh toppings, everything is reasonably priced and consistently good. KiiNo Wakayama’s parking lot offers 2 hours of free parking for purchases over 2,000 yen, so it’s recommended to take your time exploring the store.
Asia Shop TIỆM VÂY CÁ
📍 Address: 1-1809-1 Wakamatsucho Nishi, Tondabayashi, Osaka Prefecture 584-0025, Japan
Located in Tondabayashi City, Osaka Prefecture, a short distance north of Wakayama, ‘Asia Shop TIỆM VÂY CÁ’ is a valuable spot where you can purchase authentic Vietnamese ingredients and enjoy freshly prepared Vietnamese dishes in their in-store eat-in space. They use fresh herbs and vegetables grown in their own farm, making it also recommended for health-conscious individuals.
Inside the shop, alongside various Vietnamese seasonings and sweets, you’ll find hardcore local ingredients rarely seen in Japanese supermarkets, such as frozen whole chickens and carp. Many mysterious products whose uses you might not know are also available, allowing you to immerse yourself in an exotic atmosphere just by looking. Friendly Vietnamese staff can explain products and cooking tips, so even first-timers can feel at ease.
For eat-in, you absolutely must order the generously filled ‘Bánh Mì,’ the flavorful ‘Phở,’ and the Vietnamese home-style ‘Okowam (Xôi)’ (sticky rice). The Bánh Mì, in particular, is adapted for Japanese tastes without using pâté and is praised by expatriates familiar with local flavors for evoking a sense of nostalgia. After your meal, with Vietnamese coffee and the local sweet ‘Chè,’ your body and mind will feel completely transported to Vietnam.
Real Tips for Enjoying Asian Local Supermarkets
When visiting the unique Asian grocery stores around Wakayama, there are a few tips you should know to make the most of your experience. Firstly, in authentic local shops like Vietnamese supermarkets, many products may not have Japanese labels, making their use unclear. In such cases, try using Google Lens’s translation function, or simply ask the local staff – you might discover surprisingly delicious ways to enjoy them.
Additionally, customer service culture in privately-run Asian supermarkets can differ significantly from Japan. You might not receive a ‘welcome’ greeting, or staff might chat loudly among themselves, but this is not a sign of anger; it’s simply their everyday scene. Visiting with an open mind, as if you’re in an ‘overseas market,’ will allow you to comfortably enjoy even the bustling atmosphere.
Finally, if you have a specific item in mind, we recommend checking the store’s Instagram. Information on special sales, homemade bento boxes, deli items, or the timing for freshly prepared Korean chicken is often announced on social media. So, try to visit when things are fresh and delicious. Discover your own favorite local ingredients in Wakayama!
