Growing Demand for Authentic Asian Ingredients in Iwate Prefecture
In recent years, Iwate Prefecture has seen a rise in foreign residents and international students, especially from Southeast Asia. This has led to a rapidly growing demand for ‘recreating the taste of home’ and ‘making authentic ethnic dishes’.
For long-term residents and international students, places where they can buy ‘the usual flavors’ – special seasonings not available in regular Japanese supermarkets, rare meats like goat, and snacks in their original packaging – are a lifeline. For locals eager to experience a taste of international travel, deep international food stores are like exciting theme parks.
This time, we’ve carefully selected 4 must-visit local supermarkets and food stores in Iwate Prefecture where you can get authentic international and Asian ingredients!
VUONG HOI MART
📍 Address: 1-6-28 1b Aoyagimachi, Kitakami, Iwate 024-0031, Japan
If you search for ‘Iwate Prefecture Vietnamese supermarket’, the first place you should visit is ‘VUONG HOI MART’, which opened in Kitakami City in October 2023. This is a super-specialized spot, likely the only one of its kind in Northern Tohoku, offering a wide array of authentic Southeast Asian ingredients (Philippines, Indonesia, etc.) with a focus on Vietnam.
Step inside, and you’ll be immersed in the local language and exotic aromas, feeling as if you’ve wandered into a local Vietnamese market. The majority of customers are Southeast Asian residents and international students, creating a lively atmosphere even on weekdays.
You absolutely must check out the ‘frozen meat’ section. Besides beef, pork, and chicken, they stock ‘goat meat’ and ‘pork belly with skin’ which are rarely found in Japanese supermarkets – this is why it’s enthusiastically supported by local residents. Furthermore, they frequently receive fresh coconut juice, frozen pho, and tropical fruits and vegetables that are hard to find in Japan.
However, while they are very strong in Vietnamese ingredients, a peculiar characteristic of this store is that they ‘don’t stock any spices at all.’ The tip for cooking is to procure spices from another store or use pre-made local seasoning mixes.
Friendly female staff, fluent in Japanese and with warm smiles, carefully explain each product, so even first-time Japanese visitors can shop with ease. Offering samples and even starting impromptu photo sessions, friendly communication is another charm. However, as is common with overseas stores, you might encounter a relaxed attitude where ‘the number of items bought doesn’t match the receipt,’ so it’s a wise move for long-term residents using local stores to quickly check the receipt and items on the spot after payment.
Lee’s Kimchi
📍 Address: 2-17-26 Yamagishi, Morioka, Iwate 020-0004, Japan
When talking about Asian ingredients, ‘Lee’s Kimchi,’ a Korean kimchi specialty store that opened in Yamagishi, Morioka City in April 2022, is indispensable. This shop is currently a hot topic among locals for its additive-free, authentic kimchi handmade by an ‘Omma’ (mother) from Korea.
Its greatest feature, and a godsend for international students and busy professionals, is the ’24-hour kimchi vending machine’ located outside the store. The ability to buy authentic flavors anytime, even outside business hours or late at night, is an overwhelming advantage.
In addition to the classic napa cabbage kimchi, they offer a rich variety including ‘Tako Changja’ (seasoned octopus entrails), ‘Nagaimo Kimchi’ (Chinese yam kimchi), and ‘Shiro Oikimchi’ (white cucumber kimchi). Unlike the sweet kimchi sold in Japanese supermarkets, this kimchi is characterized by its elegant flavor, which is mildly spicy yet spreads with umami and saltiness with every bite. With less liquid and a refreshing taste, it’s not only great with rice but also serves as the ultimate late-night snack for home drinking.
Shokusai Kobo Fesan Store
📍 Address: B1F Fesan Odensekan, 1-44 Morioka Ekimae-dori, Morioka, Iwate 020-0034, Japan
‘Shokusai Kobo Fesan Store’, located on the B1F (Odensekan) of the ‘Fesan’ station building directly connected to Morioka Station, is a mini-supermarket, much like ‘Morioka’s Seijo Ishii,’ offering a compact selection of imported foods and carefully chosen additive-free products.
This is the best place to find spices and imported seasonings that serve as secret ingredients for ethnic dishes, which might not be available at the Vietnamese supermarket mentioned earlier. The display is beautiful, and just looking at it can spark culinary inspiration.
While the price range is a bit higher, it stocks high-quality items not found in regular supermarkets, making it a reliable choice for locals wanting to try authentic international cuisine or long-term residents looking for quality imported sweets. Its excellent accessibility for a quick stop, for example, while waiting for the Shinkansen, is also a major advantage.
Kitano Ace Morioka Kawadoku Store
📍 Address: B1F Park Avenue Kawadoku, 1-10-1 Saien, Morioka, Iwate 020-8655, Japan
‘Kitano Ace’, located on the B1F of Morioka’s long-established department store ‘Park Avenue Kawadoku’, is also a wonderful spot to explore a diverse world of food.
In addition to delicious foods from all over Japan, it boasts imported ingredients from overseas, retort pouches, and, above all, an overwhelming lineup of ‘seasonings’. With a rich selection of Asian seasonings such as fish sauce, chili sauce, and gochujang, it’s invaluable when you want to combine local ingredients with international seasonings to create original ethnic dishes.
By purchasing a Kawadoku original cooler bag, even those coming from afar for shopping can safely take their items home while maintaining freshness. It’s an excellent spot for weekend bulk buying or as a resupply point during a short trip.
【Summary】Tips for Conquering Asian Ingredient Shopping in Iwate
When making authentic international dishes in Iwate Prefecture, ‘strategic store selection’ is the biggest key.
For example, if you want to make Vietnam’s national dish ‘pho’ or authentic ‘goat stew’, it’s recommended to procure main frozen meats, fresh vegetables, and frozen noodles from ‘VUONG HOI MART’ in Kitakami City, immersing yourself in the local atmosphere. Then, supplement any fine spices or high-quality imported seasonings not available there from ‘Shokusai Kobo’ or ‘Kitano Ace’ in Morioka City – a hybrid shopping route is ideal.
Also, when visiting specialized local supermarkets, don’t forget to bring a ‘cooler bag and ice packs’. Enjoy your shopping in an exotic atmosphere, just like a real trip!
