Thực Phẩm Việt Bình Minh (Chợ Việt Okazaki)
📍 Address: 1-8-11 Hanenishi, Okazaki, Aichi 444-0838, Japan
This shop, conveniently located in front of JR Okazaki Station, features a unique structure, repurposing an old private residence. Entering through what feels like an ‘engawa’ (veranda-like area), you’re greeted by a mysterious and deep space where Japanese architecture blends with Vietnamese ingredients.
A must-buy here is ‘Chè’ (Vietnamese sweet soup), a cold, coconut milk-based Vietnamese dessert. The popular ‘chè thập cẩm’ (mixed chè), a favorite among Vietnamese food enthusiasts in Japan, is available for just 390 yen, about 60 yen cheaper than the market price. They also sell ‘Sate Tôm’ (Vietnamese chili garlic sauce) and homemade cakes, making it a paradise for those with a sweet tooth or seeking authentic local Vietnamese snacks.
The staff are incredibly cheerful and energetic, and their high level of hospitality is charming; they will earnestly explain ingredients whose Japanese names are unknown, often using smartphone translation apps. Since it’s located in front of the station, there is no dedicated parking, so please use nearby coin parking if you’re arriving by car.
Rimahto
📍 Address: Sun Park Okute 1F, 3-3-8 Chikusa, Chikusa Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 464-0858, Japan
Rimahto, accessible from Fukiage Station and Imaike Station, is an incredibly authentic and core Vietnamese supermarket. Inside, you’ll find a wide array of deep ingredients never seen in typical Japanese supermarkets, such as frog meat, pork blood, and pork intestines. There’s a tangible energy as Vietnamese residents on mid to long-term stays frequent the store, seeking a taste of home.
The biggest characteristic of this store, for better or worse, is its ‘local market atmosphere,’ completely unrefined. Unlike Japan’s polite and consistent customer service, you might encounter blunt or indifferent responses, but that’s simply the reality of overseas street markets. It’s best not to expect excessive service and instead embrace the mindset of having ‘stumbled into a deep local market’ to fully enjoy your shopping experience.
For international students who cook for themselves and want to procure rare cuts of meat and vegetables not usually found, cheaply and in large quantities, or for experienced ethnic food enthusiasts eager to directly savor an authentic atmosphere, this spot is highly stimulating and a must-visit.
Nyukan Quan
📍 Address: 1-18 Higashidonkocho, Minato Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 455-0064, Japan
Located in the Tokaidoori Station area of the Nagoya Port Subway Line, near the Nagoya Immigration Services Agency, this grocery store is aptly named ‘Nyukan’ (short for ‘Nyukoku Kanrikyoku’ or Immigration Bureau). On weekend afternoons, Vietnamese customers arriving for procedures or shopping gather one after another, filling the store with a vibrant energy that feels like a community hub.
The freezers inside are packed with authentic meats and fish, and a major advantage is the availability of fresh vegetables at incredibly low prices. Furthermore, they stock a wide array of essential local delicacies, including highly popular Vietnamese coffee (such as the classic G7) and ‘Nem Chua,’ a sour fermented sausage. A charming aspect is the warm interactions that naturally arise; if you’re unsure how to use a particular seasoning, the Japanese-speaking staff or even fellow regular customers will gladly teach you.
The customer service is consistently friendly and excellent, ensuring that even Japanese customers can shop with peace of mind. It’s such an approachable and well-regarded store that some repeat customers even express wanting to learn how to make ‘Bun Cha’ (Vietnamese dipping noodles) on their next visit.
An Phu Mart
📍 Address: 6-239 Kajitacho, Obu, Aichi 474-0071, Japan
This Vietnamese grocery store is located along a prefectural road in Obu City. It operates with a heartwarming, community-rooted approach, so much so that the owner was featured in Obu City Hall’s public relations magazine as an ‘exemplary foreign resident.’ The female staff managing the store are very friendly and humorous, making shopping a truly enjoyable experience.
Inside, you’ll find essential items for home cooking at affordable prices, including fresh and frozen meats, as well as fresh herbs and coriander crucial for Vietnamese cuisine. They sometimes offer homemade side dishes, such as sweet and sour pork for 750 yen, making it a strong ally for busy international students and locals who want to easily enjoy authentic flavors.
Furthermore, unusually for an ethnic grocery store, most product shelves clearly display prices, eliminating the need for price negotiations or confirmations and ensuring transparent billing – a welcome feature. With shared parking in front and dedicated parking at the back, it’s also very convenient for shopping by car.
SAN PHAM VIET CHIRYU Chiryu Branch
📍 Address: 29-1 Shiokaki, Takaracho, Chiryu, Aichi 472-0024, Japan
This Asian mart in the Chiryu City area is highly praised for its ‘clean and well-organized interior.’ While ethnic grocery stores often have a cluttered atmosphere, this one maintains a tidy space where products are beautifully displayed, making it easy for beginners and Japanese customers alike to intuitively choose items.
While primarily focusing on Vietnamese foods, it also handles a wide range of international products, offering an extensive selection that even multicultural groups of friends will enjoy browsing. All products are fresh, of good quality, and attractively priced, making customers want to ‘definitely purchase again.’ The kind owner provides careful advice, creating an environment where it’s easy to try new ingredients.
Furthermore, it’s quite rare for a local grocery store to support convenient remote payment options. With minimal waiting time at the register, you can shop smartly, making it an excellent store perfect for everyday use, even after work.
Tips for 120% Enjoyment of Vietnamese Supermarkets
Vietnamese supermarkets in Aichi Prefecture are valuable spots where you can experience a local market atmosphere right here in Japan. However, if you visit with the same expectations as a typical Japanese supermarket, you might encounter some moments of bewilderment.
Firstly, the customer service style differs significantly. While some shops will greet you with a beaming ‘Welcome!’, others maintain a more ‘authentic’ local style, with staff chatting amongst themselves or using their smartphones while operating the register. This is by no means malicious; it’s simply an everyday scene in Vietnamese local markets. The key to becoming a local supermarket connoisseur is to approach it as if you’re ‘on an overseas trip’ and embrace the relaxed atmosphere.
Moreover, the greatest pleasure is discovering deep ingredients you’ve never seen before, such as unfamiliar seasonings, vegetables, pork blood, or frog meat. If you’re unsure how to use them, don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation with the staff or a local customer nearby. Through broken Japanese or a smartphone translation app, you might just be taught a special local recipe.
