Step into the Deep ‘Little Vietnam’ World Spreading Across Southern Ishikawa Prefecture
In the southern areas of Ishikawa Prefecture, including Komatsu, Kaga, and Hakusan cities (known as the Kaga region), numerous manufacturing industries have established their bases. Here, Vietnamese technical intern trainees, long-term residents, and international students have built their own vibrant communities. Indispensable to their daily lives are ‘Vietnamese grocery stores and supermarkets,’ which stock essential local foods and daily necessities.
While ethnic ingredients have become more accessible in recent years at mainstream Japanese supermarkets like Kaldi and Gyomu Super, the ‘authenticity’ of local grocery stores frequented by Vietnamese residents is on an entirely different level. Step inside, and you’ll be enveloped in a powerful exotic atmosphere, as if you’ve stumbled into a back alley in Vietnam. You’ll hear Vietnamese conversations, smell intense spices and fish sauce, and see shelves lined with unfamiliar snacks and instant foods.
In this article, we’ll introduce a curated selection of truly deep-dive Vietnamese supermarkets and food stores in Ishikawa Prefecture. These spots not only cater to the local Vietnamese community but are also highly recommended for Japanese ethnic food enthusiasts eager to experience authentic flavors. Plus, we’ve got plenty of information on exquisite bánh mì and tempting sweets available for takeout!
Thực phẩm việt – Komatsu – Shop Việt Nam ベトナムショップ
📍 Address: 50 Ryusuke-machi, Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture, 923-0926, Japan
Located in the heart of Komatsu City, this shop is our top recommendation for advanced ethnic food enthusiasts who find ‘Kaldi’s selection just isn’t enough!’ The store is densely packed with cup noodles, juices, and an overwhelming variety of seasonings, reflecting the real trends consumed by young Vietnamese people right now.
The greatest delight here is the ability to see ‘what locals truly eat and drink’ in real-time. It offers a sense of discovery, encountering unfamiliar local foods such as sticky and sour sweet potato desserts that might be new to Japanese palates.
While the ‘super authentic atmosphere’ might initially feel intimidating, rest assured that the staff can speak some Japanese. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about unfamiliar seasonings or recommended ways to enjoy them.
Thực phẩm Hà Nội Phố – アジア食材店
📍 Address: 3-3 Daishoji Yumachi, Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture, 922-0813, Japan
‘Thực phẩm Hà Nội Phố (Hanoi Pho Foods)’ in Kaga City’s Daishoji area is a highly satisfying destination, perfect not only for grocery shopping but also for a delightful café experience.
The biggest highlight of this shop is its extensive selection of drinks and sweets. You’ll find a wide variety of beverages, including delicious milk tea and ‘Chè’ (sweet soup), a traditional Vietnamese local dessert. On holiday afternoons, young Vietnamese residents from the neighborhood gather here, chatting with sweet drinks in hand, creating an energetic atmosphere that feels just like an authentic local café in Vietnam.
A recommended way to enjoy your visit is to grab a delicious milk tea for takeout while you shop and then savor it as you explore the streets of Kaga.
MẪN MẪN SHOP
📍 Address: He-93 Osada-machi, Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture, 923-0034, Japan
Among the places we’re introducing, ‘MẪN MẪN SHOP’ in Komatsu City boasts one of the deepest and most authentic atmospheres. From the outside, it might look like an ordinary house or warehouse, potentially making some Japanese visitors hesitate to enter. But if you bravely open the door, you’ll find yourself in a completely authentic Vietnamese local store!
Inside the store, you’ll find a range of perfectly selected products, including ‘Nescafe Viet’ (Nescafe Vietnam), which is incredibly popular among Vietnamese people, all at reasonable prices. They also offer delicious local dishes and prepared foods, with a quality so high that even locals give it their strong approval.
Once you overcome any initial feeling of being an outsider, an enthusiastic and incredibly charming owner will warmly welcome you. This is a must-visit gem where you can truly experience the warmth of the local community.
ベトナム食材 アンの店
📍 Address: 23 Yokaichi-machi, Hakusan City, Ishikawa Prefecture, 924-0873, Japan
‘An no Mise’ (An’s Shop), located in Hakusan City’s ‘Matto Machinaka Shopping Street,’ is an outstanding establishment that actively participates in local events, Uber Eats, and e-coupons, making it very community-oriented. As the primary clientele is Vietnamese, most product labels inside the store are in Vietnamese, which you might not be able to read—but this only enhances the feeling of an authentic overseas adventure. It boasts an irresistible selection for those seeking rare, spicy ingredients like cilantro and various spices.
You absolutely must try the ‘Bánh Mì’ (Vietnamese sandwich) and Vietnamese coffee, both handmade fresh in the store. For the Bánh Mì, you can even request adjustments to the amount of cilantro and spiciness, customizing it to your preferred taste while enjoying a friendly chat with the kind shop owner, who speaks excellent Japanese.
One point to note, some reviews mention that there might be discrepancies between the prices displayed on the storefront signs and the actual amount paid. This is often due to ‘common scenarios in independent overseas shops,’ such as fluctuating purchase costs influenced by exchange rates or a single-person operation not having enough time to update all price tags. Rather than expecting the perfectly consistent service found in Japanese chain stores, it’s best to visit with an open mind—viewing any ‘price changes as part of the charm’—and the flexibility to enjoy the local way of doing things.
【Column】How to Enjoy a Deep Vietnamese Supermarket 120%
Finally, we’ll share a few tips to help you enjoy these local grocery stores, brimming with authentic local energy, to their fullest.
1. Embrace the ‘Roughness’ of Price Displays
Unlike Japanese supermarkets, you might find that not every item has a clear price tag, or the total at the register could be slightly different than what you anticipated. This is often due to volatile import costs influenced by exchange rates or the owner’s sole management. Try to embrace it as an opportunity for friendly communication—simply ask, ‘How much is this?’
2. When in Doubt, Go for ‘Coffee’ and ‘Seasonings’
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the unfamiliar ingredients, start by picking up some instant Vietnamese coffee like ‘G7 Coffee’ or ‘Nescafe Viet.’ Their intense sweetness and rich flavor are a fantastic pick-me-up. Alternatively, just buying a bottle of authentic ‘Nuoc Mắm’ (fish sauce) or ‘chili sauce’ can instantly elevate your home cooking with a genuine ethnic flair.
3. Cultivate a Mindset to Enjoy the ‘Outsider’ Feeling
Most of the customers and staff in these stores are Vietnamese, and the primary language spoken is Vietnamese. While you might initially feel like an outsider, try saying at least ‘Xin chào (Sin chào: Hello).’ They are incredibly welcoming to Japanese people who show interest in their hometown flavors and culture.
Hidden deep within Ishikawa Prefecture lies a vibrant Vietnamese world. This weekend, embark on a passport-free exotic adventure!
