In recent years, the area around Konan City, Aichi Prefecture, has seen a rise in foreign residents and international students. This has led to the opening of numerous deep-dive Asian supermarkets where you can recreate ‘authentic flavors just like home.’
From rare seasonings and fresh herbs not found in typical Japanese supermarkets, to local deli items that people from those countries eat daily – step inside, and it’s like entering a different land. This time, we’ve carefully selected three Asian supermarkets in Konan City that have garnered enthusiastic support from long-term residents and locals.
As a ‘bonus feature,’ we’ll also introduce a super-famous Thai supermarket in Shinjuku, Tokyo, which you absolutely must know if you’re looking for authentic Asian ingredients. This is a must-read for anyone who wants to cook genuine ethnic dishes at home or experience the vibrant local atmosphere.
CHỢ VIỆT KONAN
📍 Address: Maison Komeju Kogane, 17 Koganemachi Kochino, Konan, Aichi 483-8205, Japan
Having just opened in spring 2024, ‘CHỢ VIỆT KONAN’ has already become an indispensable presence for the surrounding Vietnamese community. Step inside, and you’re instantly transported to a local Vietnamese market. Its overwhelming selection, ranging from daily necessities to fresh produce and various seasonings, is a major draw.
The biggest features of this store are its friendly and kind owner, and its incredible convenience. They even offer a delivery service within a 10km radius, with free delivery for orders above a certain amount – truly amazing service! This has become a savior for international students who can’t travel far to shop and for busy professionals.
Also not to be missed are the numerous homemade meals and deli items available at affordable prices. The authentic Vietnamese bento boxes, seasoned just like in Vietnam, offer a deep flavor that sets them apart from Japanese convenience store bentos. If you’re looking for a local supermarket for daily use, this is definitely a place you should visit.
QUAN VIET AICHI – FUSO
📍 Address: Koyo Building, 210 Naka Emoricho, Konan, Aichi 483-8048, Japan
Although ‘FUSO’ is in the store name, its actual location is Emoricho, Konan City. This is a hybrid Asian restaurant and supermarket where you can not only buy Vietnamese ingredients but also enjoy exquisite takeout gourmet food.
Inside the store, you’ll find a wide array of seasonings and dried noodles directly imported from Vietnam. Many items feature ‘truly authentic local flavors’ that haven’t been localized for Japanese tastes, so those who dislike cilantro or unique spices might need to be a little careful when choosing noodles. However, the friendly Vietnamese staff are happy to assist, so you can enjoy selecting ingredients with confidence even on your first visit.
If you visit here, you absolutely must order the ‘Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich)’ and rich ‘Vietnamese coffee.’ The Banh Mi, with its crispy yet fluffy baguette filled with authentic ingredients, is so delicious you’ll get addicted after one bite. It’s also perfect for a takeout lunch!
S S LANKA.
📍 Address: Sakae-365, Hidakamachi Sakae, Konan, Aichi 483-8339, Japan
For cooking enthusiasts who want to make authentic South Indian or Sri Lankan curries from scratch using spices, ‘S S LANKA.’ is truly a paradise. The store, housed in a standalone unit in a quiet residential area, might make you hesitate for a moment before entering, but open the door and you’ll be greeted by the rich aroma of spices and warm smiles.
Run by a Sri Lankan couple who are fluent in Japanese, their hospitality is outstanding. You’ll find fresh ‘curry leaves’ and ‘cloves’ that you’d never see in a typical supermarket, various spice powders, Basmati rice, and sweets all packed tightly. The quality control of their products is also excellent, which is a reassuring point for shoppers.
If you ask, ‘How do I use this spice?’, they’ll kindly teach you recommended cooking methods and quantities. For those who have fallen deep into the spice curry world or want to recreate authentic Sri Lankan flavors at home, it’s well worth the trip, even from afar.
【Bonus Edition】Asia Super Store
📍 Address: 2F, 1-8-2 Okubo, Shinjuku, Tokyo 169-0072, Japan
After enjoying the local supermarkets in Konan City, Aichi Prefecture, we’ll introduce a super-famous store in Tokyo’s Shin-Okubo area, often called ‘the closest place to Thailand in Japan,’ as a bonus feature. That store is ‘Asia Super Store.’
While one might imagine Asian supermarkets to have a cluttered atmosphere, this one is bright, clean, and its products are very neatly arranged and easy to browse. From fresh Thai herbs (holy basil, kaffir lime leaves, etc.) and seasonings for classic Thai dishes like Khao Man Gai and Pad Thai, to miscellaneous goods like Ya Dom (Thai nasal inhalers) – it’s no exaggeration to say that everything Thai is concentrated here.
Also, don’t miss the homemade deli items and sweets sold exclusively on weekends. ‘Khao Tom Mat (steamed sticky rice with banana),’ ‘Khanom Mo Kaeng (Thai custard),’ and the incredibly spicy yet flavorful ‘Som Tum (green papaya salad)’ offer a realistic taste that makes you feel like you’ve been transported to a Bangkok street stall. This is a place ethnic food lovers will absolutely enjoy!
Shopping Guide: How to Enjoy Asian Supermarkets 120%
Asian supermarkets, with their vibrant local atmosphere, operate a little differently from Japanese supermarkets. Here are some tips to help you shop smarter and enjoy your experience more deeply.
First, regarding payment methods: many local Asian supermarkets do not accept credit cards or electronic money, only cash. We recommend bringing plenty of cash, including small bills and coins, when you visit.
Also, you might encounter niche products where the packaging is only in the local language, without any Japanese ingredient labels. If you ever wonder, ‘What is this?’, don’t hesitate to ask the staff. They are usually delighted when someone shows interest in their country’s food culture, and it’s a great opportunity for local communication.
Just adding a few local seasonings to your everyday home cooking can instantly transform your dining table into an exotic feast. Please use this article as a reference and enjoy your journey of discovering deep Asian ingredients.
