As the Vietnamese population in Japan grows, the Kawasaki and Yokohama areas of Kanagawa Prefecture are seeing a continuous opening of deep-dive Vietnamese supermarkets that bring the authentic local energy directly to Japan. This time, we’re introducing real local supermarkets that go beyond the typical ‘imported food store’ category, catering not only to long-term residents and international students but also to locals who love ethnic cuisine.
Stepping inside, you’ll feel the local atmosphere, with products devoid of Japanese labels and staff conversing in Vietnamese. We’ll provide deep insights and practical information that you can only get by visiting in person, addressing questions like ‘Which seasoning should I buy?’ and ‘How do I cook this?’, along with tips on online shopping unique to the local scene.
ASIAN FOOD STORE KAWASAKI_QUÁN VIỆT
📍 Address: Kawasho Building 1F, 17-4 Ogawacho, Kawasaki Ward, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture 210-0023, Japan
Located in Ogawacho, Kawasaki Ward, ‘ASIAN FOOD STORE KAWASAKI_QUÁN VIỆT’ is a specialty grocery store that enjoys strong support from the local Vietnamese community for its affordability and excellent product selection. The store is clean, offering a welcoming atmosphere where even first-time Japanese shoppers or non-Vietnamese foreigners can shop with ease.
The biggest highlight of this store is the exceptionally hospitable staff. For instance, if you want to make ‘Bun Rieu,’ a local Vietnamese noodle dish with crab broth, at home, you might be unsure about the ingredients. However, if you ask the staff here, they will kindly advise you on the necessary spices and ingredients, even searching for local recipe videos and images on their smartphones to show you. For long-term residents looking to expand their cooking repertoire, there’s no more reliable resource.
Furthermore, it not only stocks Vietnamese ingredients but also a wide array of Myanmar foods, making it perfect for those who want to explore various Southeast Asian flavors at once. Prices are reasonable, making it an ideal spot for everyday local grocery shopping.
Xuân Shop Việt Nhật – Yokohama
📍 Address: First Building 1F, Nishidori-45-1 Fukutomicho, Naka Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture 231-0042, Japan
Nestled quietly in the Fukutomicho area, one of Yokohama’s most iconic deep spots, is ‘Xuân Shop Việt Nhật – Yokohama.’ Tucked away in an alley of the entertainment district, it’s marked by a Vietnamese flag displayed at the storefront. Stepping into the dimly lit interior, you’ll find yourself in a completely foreign space, disconnected from Japan. With most customers being Vietnamese residents in Japan, it exudes a truly local atmosphere.
This store’s charm lies in its ‘high barrier to entry,’ in a good way. Product packages have no Japanese labeling whatsoever, and many of the displayed vegetables and seasonings make you wonder, ‘What on earth is this used for?’ While some note a surprisingly limited selection of Nuoc Mam (fish sauce), the real joy comes from unexpected encounters with ‘mystery local snacks.’
Items like the walnut mochi (a nut-based confection) wrapped in green film, kept at room temperature, might seem a bit daunting at first glance, but they often turn out to be hidden gems. Even if it tastes bland initially, the simple yet rich nutty flavor that unfolds as you chew is authentically Vietnamese. It’s a treasure hunt-like supermarket for long-term residents, stirring a sense of adventure.
BAMBOO STORE ベトナム食材店・CUA HANG VIET NAM
📍 Address: 1-2-16 Hatsunecho, Naka Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture 231-0053, Japan
Located in Hatsunecho, Naka Ward, Yokohama City, ‘BAMBOO STORE’ is a comprehensive Vietnamese food store that not only sells groceries but also features an adjoining restaurant space. It also operates an online shop as ‘SIEU THI VIET YOKOHAMA,’ boasting a wide range of products from niche ingredients like frozen jackfruit and shallots to discounted promotional items.
The attached restaurant is clean and offers a rich variety of local dishes. Enthusiastic staff manage the place, and a major draw is the ability to enjoy authentic flavors conveniently after shopping. The owner’s personality and the lively atmosphere are also among the reasons it’s loved by locals.
However, it’s important to note that long-term international students and the local community have reported ‘online shopping troubles.’ There have been instances of torn coconut che packages or delayed communication regarding out-of-stock items. Therefore, the best way to utilize this store is to ‘visit the physical store directly’ rather than ordering online. At the physical store, you can verify the freshness and packaging with your own eyes, allowing you to fully enjoy the extensive product lineup.
Mart Việt Foods Kawasaki/ベトナム食材専門店
📍 Address: 2F, 3-7-1 Nakajima, Kawasaki Ward, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture 210-0806, Japan
Located along Nakaseikai-dori in Oshima 4-chome, Nakajima, Kawasaki Ward, ‘Mart Việt Foods Kawasaki’ is recognizable by the Vietnamese flag and red staircase. The store is on the second floor, a slightly compact space, yet packed with products.
Its biggest draw is the presence of highly proficient and incredibly friendly staff who speak Japanese fluently. Even when purchasing ‘3-in-1’ stick coffee (a mix of coffee, milk, and sugar), they provide precise explanations on the bitterness, sweetness balance, solubility for each manufacturer, and even how well it suits Japanese palates. In the world of Vietnamese ingredients, where similar-looking packages can taste completely different, such living information is invaluable.
Additionally, it’s renowned for its delicious homemade deli items, such as ‘Xôi gà’ (Vietnamese sticky rice with chicken) and duck meat. This cozy and practical gem firmly captures the hearts and appetites of Japanese individuals who have fallen for low-calorie, healthy Vietnamese cuisine and started cooking at home, as well as international students craving authentic home-cooked flavors.
Tips for Maximizing Your Vietnamese Supermarket Experience
Vietnamese supermarkets operate differently from typical Japanese ones. Since these are stores used by locals, here are some useful tips for navigating them effectively.
1. A package translation app is an essential tool
Many stores, like ‘Xuân Shop Việt Nhật’ in Fukutomicho, have absolutely no Japanese labels. Getting into the habit of using Google Translate’s camera function to read ingredients, expiry dates, and cooking instructions on the spot will significantly lower the barrier to trying unknown ingredients.
2. Ask staff about differences between ‘similar products’
Items like Nuoc Mam (fish sauce) and instant pho vary significantly in saltiness, sweetness, and aroma strength depending on the manufacturer. If a store like ‘Mart Việt Foods Kawasaki’ has Japanese-speaking staff, don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations like ‘Which one is sweeter?’ or ‘I want a light broth.’ They’ll be happy to share their country’s food culture.
3. Prioritize ‘in-person inspection at physical stores’ over online shopping
While Vietnamese online shops in Japan often offer lower prices, issues with packaging quality and inventory management are common. To avoid problems like leaks or damage, we strongly recommend visiting the physical store whenever possible to inspect the product condition with your own eyes before purchasing.
