Kobe City is home to one of Kansai’s largest Vietnamese communities. Especially around Nagata Ward and Hyogo Ward, you’ll find a vibrant area often called ‘Little Saigon,’ where diverse cultures coexist. From the first generation who arrived as boat people after the 1980s to recent students and technical intern trainees, many Vietnamese people live in this city, and it’s dotted with authentic ‘Vietnamese supermarkets’ that support their daily lives and culinary needs.
This article introduces a carefully selected list of deep-dive Vietnamese supermarkets that are more than just imported food stores. They retain the vibrant local atmosphere and are frequented by residents and long-term visitors. We’ll also explain unique items you can only buy at each store and offer useful shopping tips, so come and experience an authentic taste of Asia.
Dat Viet Mart (Vietnamese & Asian Groceries)
📍 Address: Rocky Daikai 1F, 1-16 Daikaidori 1-Chome, Hyogo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 652-0803, Japan
Located in Kobe’s Shinkaichi area, ‘Dat Viet Mart’ is the first supermarket we’d recommend to local Japanese trying Vietnamese ingredients for the first time, or to international students just starting to cook for themselves.
While the store is compact, it’s very well-maintained and has a clear layout, making it easy to find everything. Its greatest appeals are the high quality of products and the staff’s enthusiastic and friendly service. They thoughtfully answer questions like ‘How do I use this seasoning?’ or ‘What spices do I need for pho soup?’, allowing you to shop with confidence. It’s a reliable local mart where even beginners won’t go wrong.
THANK YOU SHOP (Vietnamese Groceries)
📍 Address: 7-1-37 Futabacho, Nagata Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 653-0042, Japan
The venerable ‘THANK YOU SHOP,’ operating for over 20 years, can be called the origin of the Vietnamese community in Nagata Ward. It’s a historic establishment built by boat people who arrived in Japan after the 1980s and their families, who then put down roots in Nagata. As its name, meaning ‘thank you,’ suggests, the owner’s warm personality attracts many Vietnamese residents.
The shelves of this small shop are packed with fresh herbs like cilantro and mint, a wide variety of nuoc mam (fish sauce), and convenient instant noodles. Additionally, the store features local multilingual information and community bulletin boards, functioning as a ‘life hub’ beyond just a supermarket. It’s truly a local gem.
Hướng Dương Mart
📍 Address: More Life Kobe, 1-2-15 Kominatodori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0026, Japan
Conveniently located within walking distance of Kobe Station and Kosoku Kobe Station, ‘Hướng Dương Mart’ is a popular spot not only for purchasing ingredients but also for enjoying high-quality meals. Inside, you’ll find directly imported Vietnamese seasonings and retort foods, but what local regulars particularly praise are the ‘delicious dishes’ and the ‘owner’s enthusiastic advice.’
For cooking enthusiasts, invaluable practical knowledge is shared, such as which cooking methods are best or how to combine ingredients. Note that there is no dedicated parking, so it’s advisable to use public transportation or nearby coin-operated parking lots for access.
Thai Duong Mart
📍 Address: Osaki Building, 8-1-16 Daikaidori, Hyogo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 652-0803, Japan
Situated along Daikaidori, ‘Thai Duong Mart’ is an Asian supermarket for long-term residents seeking a deeper, more authentic Vietnamese atmosphere, or for seasoned cooks who want to recreate genuine local flavors. The ‘freshness of its vegetables and fruits’ here is exceptional. They receive abundant supplies of morning glory, green papaya, and rare tropical fruits not commonly found in Japan, making it a powerful player even attracting professional restaurant owners for their sourcing.
On the other hand, its strong local vibe, reminiscent of a Vietnamese market (chợ), means that price displays can sometimes be unclear, and customer service might be very direct. If the price is unknown, it’s best to confirm thoroughly before purchasing. Enjoying the robust communication, just like in Vietnam, is the key to navigating this store.
THANH PHAT
📍 Address: 2-3-8 Nishitamonndori, Hyogo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 652-0035, Japan
Tucked away quietly in the residential area of Nishitamonndori, Hyogo Ward, ‘THANH PHAT’ is a hidden gem known to those who live nearby, supporting the daily needs of Vietnamese technical intern trainees and international students. Its product selection focuses on daily home cooking, offering a wide range of practical items for everyday life, such as frozen meats and seafood, and large-capacity seasonings.
While it isn’t sophisticated for tourists, its prices are reasonable, and it has a strong, undeniable presence, straightforwardly praised as ‘excellent’ by local residents. It’s ideal for stocking up on essential consumables for daily meals.
Local Tips! The Art of Shopping at Vietnamese Supermarkets
To enjoy your shopping experience in Kobe’s ‘Little Saigon’ to the fullest, knowing a few local rules can be incredibly helpful.
First, regarding price displays: many deep-dive supermarkets don’t have clear price tags on all items. For weighed meats and seafood, or freshly arrived herbs, prices can fluctuate depending on the season. To avoid trouble, either ask directly ‘How much is it?’ (Bao nhiêu tiền?) or show them a calculator app on your smartphone and have them input the price.
Furthermore, fresh herbs (such as cilantro, sawtooth coriander, and Thai basil), which are essential to Vietnamese cuisine, tend to be delivered to many stores on Thursdays or Fridays in preparation for weekend demand. If you want fresh, aromatic vegetables, the golden rule is to visit on Saturday or Sunday mornings. Don’t hesitate to communicate with the staff, and enjoy a deep-dive shopping experience while soaking in the local energy.
