Asian Supermarkets in Los Angeles: Tips for Smart Shopping
Whether you’re on a long-term stay, studying abroad, or just traveling in Los Angeles, that undeniable craving for ‘the taste of Japan!’ will inevitably strike. Fortunately, Los Angeles boasts numerous Asian supermarkets (Japanese supermarkets) that come to the rescue.
The Los Angeles area in California is home to one of the largest Asian populations in the U.S., offering an environment where you can find everything from Japanese seasonings and bento boxes to organic vegetables. However, with current high prices, a weak yen, and soaring shipping costs, it’s not uncommon for ‘Japanese products to be 2-3 times more expensive’ than what you’d pay in Japan.
That’s why it’s crucial to know where to buy what, and which supermarket food courts are a must-visit. Based on real reviews from locals and international students, we’ve carefully selected and will introduce 5 essential Japanese and Asian supermarkets you absolutely need to know!
Marukai
📍 Address: 123 Astronaut Ellison S Onizuka St #105, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA
Located right in the heart of Little Tokyo, ‘Marukai Market’ is a familiar Japanese supermarket operated by the Don Quijote group. Step inside, and you’ll find Japanese items packed from floor to ceiling, offering that exact ‘treasure hunt’ feeling you’d get at a Donki in Japan.
Here, you’ll find a wide range of products, from seasonings and snacks to frozen foods and daily necessities. It’s an incredibly reassuring spot for Japanese tourists staying in nearby hotels (such as DoubleTree by Hilton or Miyako Hotel) who are there to see Shohei Ohtani. While the high prices make things feel quite expensive compared to their regular cost in Japan, when you need a break from travel food or an undeniable craving for Japanese snacks hits, there’s no going back.
Don’t miss the bento section. It’s well-stocked with chicken karaage bentos, fresh sushi, and poke bowls, allowing you to get a substantial lunch for around $10. There’s a microwave next to the register, and you can even eat your meal directly on the outdoor terrace. Occasionally, the cashier’s service might be a bit ‘American’ (read: less overtly hospitable), but take it in stride and enjoy it as part of the local daily life.
Mitsuwa Marketplace (West Los Angeles)
📍 Address: 3760 S Centinela Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90066, USA
This ‘Mitsuwa Marketplace (West Los Angeles store)’, located near Sawtelle and Santa Monica in West Los Angeles, is an indispensable oasis for international students attending UCLA or Santa Monica College (SMC), and for the local Japanese community.
While the supermarket itself is compact, the quality of fresh produce and bentos is exceptionally high, so you’ll have no trouble finding ingredients for Japanese cooking. A ‘Kinokuniya Bookstore’ is also located inside, a welcome bonus for purchasing Japanese magazines, comics, and stationery. Moreover, the Japanese sweet breads and savory breads from the ‘Hamada-ya’ bakery near the entrance are very popular even among local Americans.
The biggest highlight is its incredibly cost-effective food court! Featuring famous establishments like ‘Ramen Santouka’ with its tonkotsu ramen, ‘Hannosuke’ for tempura bowls from Nihonbashi, and ‘SANUKI SANDOU’ for udon, it’s miraculous to enjoy authentic Japanese flavors at this price point in Los Angeles, where dining out is expensive. It gets very crowded with local business people and students during lunchtime, so a tip is to visit a little earlier or later.
Little Tokyo Marketplace
📍 Address: 333 S Alameda St #100, Los Angeles, CA 90013, USA
Despite bearing the name ‘Little Tokyo’, ‘Little Tokyo Marketplace’ holds an interesting position as primarily a Korean supermarket. Located within the Galleria Shopping Center, its large floor space and wide aisles make for easy shopping with a cart.
While you’ll find mountains of Korean kimchi, banchan (side dishes), and instant ramen, Japanese seasonings, snacks, and frozen foods are also well-covered. The meat section makes it easy to find thinly sliced meat for yakiniku, making it a valuable resource for long-term residents who prefer to cook for themselves. The staff are also friendly, contributing to an inviting, homey atmosphere.
On your way out, be sure to stop by the taiyaki shop near the entrance. These taiyaki, with their crispy shell and perfectly sweet red bean paste filling, offer a comforting respite from travel or shopping fatigue. A word of caution: parking within the facility may not always be free even with a purchase, and parking fees can be high (sometimes around $8 for less than an hour). If visiting by car, it’s recommended to either finish your shopping quickly or check parking conditions in the surrounding area beforehand.
Nijiya Market
📍 Address: 124 Japanese Village Plaza Mall, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA
Nestled quietly at the very back of ‘Japanese Village Plaza’, an iconic landmark in Little Tokyo, is ‘Nijiya Market’. Focused on ‘safety and security’, this dedicated Japanese supermarket offers a wide selection of organic vegetables sourced from its own farms and contract farmers, along with numerous private-label seasonings and foods.
While the aisles are a bit narrow, the store has the warmth of a local Japanese supermarket. The bento and deli selections are particularly highly rated, with local expatriates and students vouching for their ‘same quality as in Japan’. The ‘Meat Day Sale’ on the 29th of every month offers a great opportunity for discounts.
Furthermore, its relatively close proximity to Dodger Stadium makes it an unbeatable spot for stocking up on food before a baseball game. Stadium food is often overly rich and expensive, so buying chicken katsu bentos, seafood bowls, and bottled tea here to bring in is a local’s secret trick. However, be extremely cautious of the area east of this supermarket (towards Skid Row), as the safety rapidly deteriorates. Pay close attention to your movements at night and your walking direction.
Mitsuwa Marketplace (Torrance)
📍 Address: 3525 W Carson St Ste 164, Torrance, CA 90503, USA
Located in Torrance, South Los Angeles, ‘Mitsuwa Marketplace (Del Amo store)’ is a flagship Mitsuwa branch housed within one of the largest shopping malls in the U.S., the ‘Del Amo Fashion Center’. It’s a special place that LA’s Japanese residents often refer to as a ‘place of solace’.
The store boasts a luxurious and clean atmosphere, much like a Japanese department store basement, offering a selection of sashimi-grade fresh fish, thinly sliced meats, natto, miso, and more—a variety that rivals any supermarket in Japan. What’s interesting is the buyer’s excellent taste, subtly selling niche regional Japanese soul foods and seasonings, such as Aomori’s ‘Stamina Gen Tare’. You’ll want to explore every corner of the shelves as if on a treasure hunt.
Furthermore, its food court is also massive. With legendary establishments like Sutadonya, Santouka, and udon shops lining up, you can enjoy a Japanese ‘Aeon Mall-style’ day in LA—strolling through the mall with family on the weekend, then dining at Mitsuwa’s food court before heading home. With fast-fashion brands like UNIQLO and ZARA also in the same mall, it’s the ultimate spot to spend an entire day.
Tips for Mastering Asian Supermarkets in Los Angeles
While Los Angeles is home to Asian supermarkets with unique characteristics in each area, there are a few key points to remember to use them wisely.
Firstly, fresh produce and Japanese snacks are typically imported, so prices will naturally be higher. However, compared to dining out (where a meal can easily cost $20-30 with tip and tax), supermarket bentos (around $10) and food court meals offer overwhelmingly better value. For long-term residents and students, it’s a golden rule to stock up on thinly sliced meats for cooking and to target special sale days for bulk purchases.
Additionally, when shopping in downtown areas like Little Tokyo, always pay attention to ‘parking availability and fees’ and ‘neighborhood safety’. Avoid walking after dark; the secret to safety is quick access by Uber or car during bright daytime hours. Make the most of the local supermarkets and enjoy a comfortable and delicious stay in Los Angeles!
