In recent years, the number of Vietnamese supermarkets and Asian markets in Tokyo, brimming with authentic local energy, has rapidly increased. From fresh ethnic herbs rarely seen in regular Japanese supermarkets, to a wide variety of seasonings, and even local snacks beloved by Vietnamese youth – these places are truly ‘Vietnam without a passport.’
This article will introduce a carefully selected list of Tokyo’s deep-dive Vietnamese supermarkets and Asian grocery stores, highly recommended by long-term international students and local residents alike. These aren’t just places for grocery shopping; they’re spots where you can find exquisite takeout dishes and experience the warmth of the local community. A must-read for anyone looking to recreate authentic flavors or soak in the local atmosphere.
HUONG VIET MART AYASE (Vietnamese & Asian Grocer in Ayase)
📍 Address: 4-12-3 Kosuge, Katsushika City, Tokyo 124-0001, Japan
‘HUONG VIET MART AYASE’ is highly popular among locals in the Katsushika Ward and Ayase area. Although the store is compact, it offers an incredibly wide variety of products, from Vietnamese seasonings and sweets to dried noodles, lining its shelves with everything you need for daily meals.
Particularly noteworthy are their frozen meats. Customers rave that because the fresh meat is frozen directly, there’s minimal drip when thawed, preserving the meat’s flavor and freshness. It’s a reliable spot for international students who cook their own meals and anyone wanting to prepare authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
Another major appeal of this store is the service from its young and enthusiastic owner. They are friendly and can assist in Japanese, so feel free to ask if you’re looking for specific ingredients or recommended cooking methods. Even first-time Japanese visitors to an Asian supermarket will find a welcoming atmosphere for stress-free shopping.
Green Plus – Cửa hàng bánh mì, thực phẩm Việt Nam
📍 Address: 2-12-5 Negishi, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0003, Japan
Located in Negishi, Taito Ward, ‘Green Plus’ is renowned not only for its wide selection of ingredients but also for its exceptionally delicious take-out ‘Banh Mi’. Prepared fresh upon order, their banh mi uses French bread that’s lightly crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside, with a satisfying crunch that mirrors the authentic taste you’d find on the streets of Vietnam.
The fillings are seasoned just like you’d find them locally, and the spicy kick from the chili sauce is incredibly addictive. Their high level of hospitality, readily accommodating requests like ‘extra beef and cilantro’ or ‘more sauce’, is why customers keep coming back. They also offer niche snacks such as steamed buns with salted egg and pate (BÁNH BAO PATE TRỨNG MUỐI).
As a supermarket, they also sell rare frozen tropical fruits like ‘mankao’ (sugar-apple), which are hard to find in Japan. It’s a highly satisfying local spot where you can savor delicious banh mi while exploring rare Vietnamese ingredients.
Xuân Shop Viet Nhat
📍 Address: Onoue Building 1F, 1-26-6 Omorikita, Ota City, Tokyo 143-0016, Japan
You can fully experience the atmosphere of Vietnam around Omori Station at ‘Xuân Shop Viet Nhat’. Stepping inside, you’ll be enveloped in an exhilarating feeling, as if you’ve warped to a local supermarket in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, with Vietnamese coffee and tea, seasonings, instant noodles, and popular snacks like ‘Tipo’ lining the shelves.
The highlights here are the reasonable prices and the array of niche products. It’s perfect for finding your favorite dipping sauces (such as DH Foods) or purchasing unique Southeast Asian fruit-based sweets like creamy frozen durian and durian cake.
The store is clean, and Vietnamese residents living nearby use it regularly, allowing you to feel the real local community vibe. Please note that payments are cash only, so it’s recommended to bring plenty of 1,000-yen bills and coins before your visit.
Vietnam Grocery Store TH LLC
📍 Address: 1-5-8 Morino, Machida City, Tokyo 194-0022, Japan
For authentic Vietnamese ingredients in the Machida area, ‘TH LLC’ is the place to go. You’ll find a complete range of daily essentials, from indispensable seasonings and frozen foods for Vietnamese cuisine to popular instant pho (CUNG DINH) with its familiar red packaging.
A pro tip to make the most of this store is to aim for the ‘weekend’. Fresh Vietnamese vegetables and herbs actually arrive every Friday, so if you want to stock up on cilantro and other herbs, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday is the best time to visit. The staff are very friendly and will gladly explain how to use unfamiliar herbs or when the next shipment is expected.
Furthermore, there’s a coin parking lot right in front of the store, making it very convenient for those coming by car from afar to buy rice, seasonings, and frozen foods in bulk. They also carry some Thai and Chinese ingredients, making it a treasure hunt paradise for ethnic food lovers.
Asia Super Store
📍 Address: 2F, 1-8-2 Okubo, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 169-0072, Japan
Dominating the Shin-Okubo and Higashi-Shinjuku area, this is one of Japan’s largest Asian supermarkets. While famous for specializing in Thai ingredients, it’s safe to say you can find almost all spices, seasonings, and daily necessities for Southeast Asian cuisine, including Vietnamese dishes, here.
What’s particularly noteworthy is its overwhelming selection and beautiful display. Fresh herbs essential for ethnic cooking, such as dill, lemongrass, green papaya, holy basil, and kaffir lime leaves, are perfectly arranged, sure to excite any cooking enthusiast. You’ll also find an abundance of items like consommé for pho soup bases and chili-in-oil.
Furthermore, don’t miss the deli items available only on weekends, coconut and tamarind-based snacks, and sweets like Thai-style pudding. They even stock kitchenware (such as mortars), and miscellaneous goods like local inhalers (Ya Dom), creating a theme park-like atmosphere where you can enjoy a mini overseas trip.
[Column] Tips for Enjoying Local Supermarkets 120%
While local supermarkets in Tokyo allow you to experience authentic international vibes, they can be a bit different from typical Japanese supermarkets. Keeping the following points in mind will make your shopping smoother:
1. Prepare to pay with ‘cash’
Although more stores are introducing cashless payment options recently, many local Asian grocery stores still operate on a ‘Cash Only’ basis. To avoid the disappointment of having to return items at the register after filling your basket, make sure to bring enough cash beforehand.
2. Aim for specific ‘fresh herb’ delivery days
Fresh herbs like cilantro, lemongrass, and mint, which are vital to Vietnamese cuisine, are often air-shipped or delivered from farms once or twice a week on specific days. Many stores set weekends (e.g., Fridays) as their delivery days, so if you’re looking for the freshest vegetables, the best time to go is on a weekend morning.
3. Don’t hesitate to ask questions
If you find a seasoning with all foreign language packaging and don’t know how to use it, or come across a mysterious frozen fruit, don’t hesitate to ask the store staff. Even if staff members appear reserved at first glance, they are often very friendly to customers who show interest in their country’s food culture. You might even get recommendations for recipes or secret ingredients.
