In recent years, walking through Nagoya city, you’ve likely noticed a significant increase in ‘Vietnamese supermarkets’ selling Vietnamese ingredients and goods. These stores are packed with rare seasonings not found in typical Japanese supermarkets, dynamic frozen meats, and fresh herbs. Step inside, and you’re instantly transported to Southeast Asia.
This time, we’ve carefully selected and introduce ‘truly useful and interesting’ Vietnamese supermarkets in the Nagoya area for long-term residents and international students who want to recreate local flavors at home, as well as locals seeking to explore a deep food culture. These are not just grocery stores; they are authentic spots where you can feel the vibrant energy of the local community. Your weekend shopping will transform into a mini overseas trip!
SAN PHAM VIET NAGOYA (SANPHAMVIET NAGOYA, Vietnamese Food Specialty Store Nagoya Branch) Sản Phẩm Việt Nagoya
📍 Address: 1-17-14 Osu, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 460-0011, Japan
Located in the bustling Osu area, known for shopping and street food, this store boasts modern systems and outstanding cost performance. The interior is neatly organized, making it easy to select products, setting it apart from the often cluttered atmosphere common in Asian supermarkets in Japan.
Its biggest feature is the unmanned ‘self-checkout system,’ complete with surveillance cameras. This is incredibly convenient for locals and international students, allowing them to shop quickly without worrying about language barriers. However, product packaging and meat cuts are not localized for Japanese speakers and remain in Vietnamese, so using a translation app while shopping is essential.
It has a reputation for fresh and affordable ingredients, with locals giving it their seal of approval for ‘incredibly fresh and delicious food.’ It’s the perfect spot to casually drop by and experience the local vibe while exploring Osu.
Nyukan Quan
📍 Address: 1-18 Higashi Donkocho, Minato Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 455-0064, Japan
This is a 100% local grocery store situated right near Tokaidori Station on the subway and the Nagoya Regional Immigration Services Bureau (commonly known as ‘Nyukan’). The store’s name, ‘Nyukan,’ seems to be derived directly from its location. Vietnamese people returning from procedures visit one after another, so the store is always bustling with their native language.
The not-so-spacious interior is packed with products, and ‘vegetables’ are especially popular among locals. They are reputed to be significantly cheaper than at Japanese supermarkets. Furthermore, the central freezer is stocked with cuts of meat and fish rarely seen in Japan, boasting a selection just like you’d find in Vietnam.
If you’re unsure how to use a product, a friendly female staff member with a lovely smile will assist you. If she can’t explain well in Japanese, Vietnamese customers present often step in to translate and help, creating a warm, downtown-like interaction unique to this store. Buy recommended Vietnamese coffee (like G7) or fermented sausage ‘Nem Chua’ to enjoy authentic Vietnamese time at home.
Thực Phẩm Việt Bình Minh (Chợ Việt Minami)
📍 Address: Kanehachi Building 1F, 56 Nishisakura-cho, Minami Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 457-0039, Japan
For Japanese people or beginners who hesitate with ‘Asian grocery stores being hard to enter,’ this store in Minami Ward is highly recommended. Various Southeast Asian seasonings and ingredients line the cozy space, but what’s most impressive is the staff’s outstanding hospitality.
Even if product descriptions lack Japanese, friendly staff fluent in Japanese will politely ask, ‘Are you looking for something?’ and even teach you cooking methods. It’s a strong ally not only for those seeking pho ingredients but also for self-catering locals looking for substitute ingredients for Thai cuisine, such as lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves.
The unique aroma of herbs and spices wafting through the store is exactly like being in Vietnam. Just browsing the rare herbs and fish, hard to come by in Japan, is exciting. It also supports PayPay payments, which is a convenient bonus for smart shopping.
THAI DUONG MART
📍 Address: Adachi Building, 3-11-19 Uchiyama, Chikusa Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 464-0075, Japan
Located close to Imaike Station, this store is a treasure trove of specialized ingredients. Although ‘THAI’ is in the name, it means ‘sun’ in Vietnamese, and the store actually focuses on Vietnamese ingredients. Despite its narrow entrance, the long interior is packed with sweets, rice noodles, and various seasonings.
Its deep selection is particularly noteworthy. You’ll find connoisseur-favorite seasonings like surprisingly affordable ‘brown rice vermicelli (bun)’ and the intensely flavorful shrimp paste ‘Mam Ruoc.’ Furthermore, in the freezer at the back, alongside pork and beef, you’ll discover tilapia, snakehead fish, and even frogs and roasted duck, showcasing the profound depth of local food culture.
And absolutely don’t miss the handmade ‘Che (Vietnamese sweet soup)’ quietly placed in the refrigerator. With its perfect sweetness, appealing to Japanese tastes, alongside fruit tea, it’s a hidden gem so popular that people whisper, ‘I don’t want too many people to know about it.’ Be sure to grab a dessert to conclude your deep ingredient exploration.
Column: Don’t Fail at Vietnamese Supermarkets! Shopping Tips
Vietnamese supermarkets are excellent spots to savor exotic flavors while in Japan, but you’re bound to encounter unfamiliar ingredients. Here are shopping tips practiced by long-term residents and local foodies.
1. Make full use of your smartphone’s ‘translation app’
Many packages lack Japanese, and meat cuts (such as pork blood or intestines) are often labeled only in Vietnamese. Deciphering mysterious ingredients using the camera’s real-time translation feature is like a treasure hunt entertainment.
2. Start with sweets and coffee
If cooking feels too challenging, try easy items first. Rich Vietnamese coffees like ‘G7’ and homemade sweets (such as Che) found by the register or in the fridge are often exquisite, tasting just like in Vietnam. We recommend buying them immediately if you spot them.
3. Get the versatile seasonings ‘Sa Te Tom’ and ‘Mam Ruoc’
Sa Te Tom, the Vietnamese version of chili oil packed with shrimp umami, and Mam Ruoc, a shrimp paste that adds richness to stir-fries, are magical seasonings that can instantly transform your everyday Japanese dinner table into a Southeast Asian feast. Be sure to look for them when you visit a supermarket.
