5 Best Vietnamese & Asian Supermarkets in Fukushima Prefecture! Deep Local Spots for Authentic Flavors

Experience Authentic Asia in Fukushima! The Allure of Rapidly Growing Local Asian Supermarkets

In recent years, Fukushima Prefecture has seen an increase in international students and technical interns staying for medium to long terms. Consequently, a wave of authentic ‘Vietnamese supermarkets’ and ‘Asian grocery stores’ has opened to cater to their culinary needs.

Step inside, and you’re instantly transported to a foreign land, with intensely aromatic spices unavailable in typical Japanese supermarkets, unfamiliar local snacks, and even whole cuts of meat. The greatest appeal is the ability to experience the vibrant chaos and excitement of authentic Asia without having to travel.

This time, we introduce a selection of deep Vietnamese and Asian grocery stores scattered across Fukushima Prefecture. From authentic hidden gems frequented by people from those regions to perfect spots for locals eager to make genuine spice curries, Malatang, or Pho, we’ve carefully chosen the must-visit stores.

Betoaji

📍 Address: 1GYビル, B1F, 2-chōme-６ 駅前 郡山市 福島県 963-8002 日本

Nestled quietly in the basement of a building in front of Koriyama Station, ‘Betoaji’ (Beto Aji) is a deep Vietnamese grocery store known to those in the know. As you descend the stairs to the basement, the ethnic and spicy aroma of cloves and star anise already wafts up, giving you the immediate sensation of stepping into a Southeast Asian alleyway.

The store is lined with seasonings and ingredients directly imported from Vietnam, including impressive items like ‘whole chickens’ that you rarely see in Japanese supermarkets. Prices are reasonable, and you can easily try authentic local foods such as imported Vietnamese beer and delicious sweet Vietnamese soup (chè).

The kind female owner, who always greets customers with a smile, is also a major charm of this shop. If you want to try cooking local dishes but don’t know how to use certain ingredients, it’s recommended to ask her. With excellent access from Koriyama Station, it’s a perfect spot for picking up spices after work or on holidays.

Warung Indonesia Haru Indonesia Grocery Store Haru

📍 Address: 日本、〒960-1101 福島県福島市大森堂ノ前１５ 大森ハイツ 1-D

‘Warung Indonesia Haru’ (Indonesia Grocery Store Haru) in Fukushima City is a valuable shop specializing in Indonesian ingredients. While not Vietnamese, it’s an absolute must-visit store for anyone in Fukushima Prefecture looking for authentic Asian spices or halal food, garnering immense support from international students and long-term residents.

The store is packed with niche products, from instant spices to authentic kitchen spices, chili powder, local soy sauce (kecap manis), and sambal (chili paste). Many regulars buy ‘Indomie’ by the box, and you can also find popular local snacks like ‘ROMA’ and ‘CoffeeJoy’ that are perfect with tea. Don’t miss rare fruits like longan, which can sometimes be found cheaper than at large supermarkets.

Product packages are often written only in local languages, but the friendly staff kindly explains them in Japanese. Halal-certified meats and ingredients are also readily available, making it a reliable lifeline for those with dietary restrictions.

AN NHIÊN Market

📍 Address: 日本、〒963-8822 福島県郡山市昭和２丁目２２−２６

Opened in early 2023 in Koriyama City’s Showa district, ‘AN NHIÊN Market’ is an Asian market primarily offering foods directly imported from Vietnam. Although relatively new, its extensive selection has quickly attracted attention from both people from Vietnam and local residents who love Asian cuisine.

The frozen display cases in the store hold unfamiliar seafood and meats, while dried goods, snacks, and unique sweet Vietnamese drinks cover a wide range from niche to classic products. While in-store signage is mainly in English and Vietnamese, the energetic and dedicated staff communicates in Japanese, ensuring a pleasant shopping experience without feeling out of place.

At times, they also offer local drinks like tapioca milk tea, making it a nice bonus to relax while shopping. This local supermarket is full of fresh energy, with high hopes for its future expansion of product offerings.

Godo Kaisha MINH TAM – Asian Grocery Store – Thuc Pham Viet Iwaki

📍 Address: 日本、〒970-8024 福島県いわき市平北白土宮前７１−７

If you’re looking for authentic Vietnamese ingredients in Iwaki City, ‘MINH TAM (Thực Phẩm Việt Iwaki)’ is the place to go. This is more than just a seasoning store; it’s a comprehensive grocery store boasting a rich lineup that could fully stock a local Vietnamese kitchen, from meats and seafood to fresh vegetables and tropical fruits.

You’ll find a wide variety of nuoc mam (fish sauce) and rice paper essential for Vietnamese cuisine, along with fresh herbs, making it invaluable for preparing authentic pho or banh mi at home. There’s also an abundance of delicious local snacks, offering the fun of discovering sweet and savory treats with distinct flavors compared to Japanese sweets.

The store is bright and well-organized, making it easy for first-time visitors to find products. It also serves as a hub for the Vietnamese community living nearby, making it a valuable local spot to experience the real atmosphere of a Vietnamese dinner table.

Ajia Bussanten

📍 Address: 日本、〒963-0101 福島県郡山市安積町日出山３丁目２３１

‘Ajia Bussanten’ in Asaka-machi, Koriyama City, is an Asian supermarket primarily dealing in Chinese ingredients. While not specifically focused on Vietnamese ingredients, it offers a wide array of Asian seasonings and niche ingredients that will surely captivate any ethnic food enthusiast for hours.

The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by the intense, spicy aroma of star anise and Sichuan pepper, scents not commonly encountered in Japan. Many product packages feature Chinese characters, creating an interesting experience where you can ‘somewhat guess the contents’ even if you can’t fully read them. You’ll find many treasures, such as ingredients for Malatang (a popular dish among young people), glass noodles, and a wide selection of affordable Chinese teas.

And not to be missed are the handmade takeout side dishes. They offer unique Chinese stewed dishes, allowing you to bring the authentic taste of a local street stall right into your home. The staff are also very kind and will patiently explain how to use products, so why not be a little adventurous and try some unknown ingredients?

[Column] Shopping Tips for Enjoying Local Asian Supermarkets

Shopping at local supermarkets frequented by native residents can be different from Japanese supermarkets. Here are some tips to make your experience more enjoyable.

First, ‘don’t hesitate to ask the staff’ if you don’t understand something. When packages are only in foreign languages, it’s often difficult to imagine how to cook or what they taste like just by looking. Most stores have friendly staff who speak Japanese, so asking about uses or recommended ways to eat can sometimes lead to unexpected and delicious local recipes.

Next, ‘check the frozen and refrigerated sections.’ Besides retort foods and dried goods, local sausages, halal meats, and homemade side dishes are often casually placed in these cases. International students staying for medium to long terms often buy in bulk here, so this section is a must-see if you want to experience authentic local food.

Also, some stores receive fresh vegetables, local herbs, and homemade sweets (like chè) to coincide with weekends. Visiting on a lively Saturday morning will allow you to experience a richer selection and the vibrant atmosphere of the local community.