This time, we will provide a thorough guide to ‘deep’ attractions and shopping tips, focusing on highly localized stores frequently visited by Vietnamese international students and trainees.
HASU FOOD (Asia Food ASIAFOOD)
📍 Address: Japan, 〒064-0808 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 8 Jo Nishi 9 Chome, 758-13 CSK Minami 8 Jo 1FLocated within walking distance from Nakajima-Koen Subway Station, “HASU FOOD” is an Asian grocery store specializing in Vietnamese ingredients, frequented by Vietnamese international students and trainees.
The store offers a wide range of essential items for local Vietnamese cuisine, including fresh cilantro, frozen Vietnamese chili peppers, dried pho noodles, and various seasonings. It’s particularly well-known for its reasonably priced staple foods like pho.
A convenient aspect for Japanese shoppers is that the staff speaks fluent Japanese, so you can easily ask for help if you can’t find something or need advice on cooking. Since there is no dedicated parking, visitors coming by car should use nearby coin-operated parking lots.
Asia Shokuhin Rakuichi Kita Ward Branch
📍 Address: Japan, 〒001-0015 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Kita Ward, Kita 15 Jo Nishi 4 Chome, 2-20 Hanatoyo Building 1F“Asia Shokuhin Rakuichi Kita Ward Branch,” located near Hokkaido University, is always bustling with international students.
The sight of stacked cardboard boxes diminishing daily indicates a high product turnover and an extensive range of items. It covers a wide array of spices, frozen foods, cooked meat blocks, and even rare frozen fruits from not only Vietnam but also China, Korea, Thailand, and other Asian countries.
Detailed Japanese explanation tags are neatly placed, making it easy to understand the use of unfamiliar ingredients, which is very helpful for those wanting to try cooking on their own. There’s also a point card that accumulates 1 point for every 1000 yen spent, a welcome service for repeat customers.
As there is no parking or bicycle parking, public transport access is recommended.
Viet Food Hokkaido
📍 Address: Japan, 〒064-0809 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 9 Jo Nishi 11 Chome, 1-5 Stella 911 E Go-shitsu 2F“Viet Food Hokkaido,” discreetly located on the second floor of a commercial building near the streetcar stop ‘Nishi-sen 9-jo Asahiyama Koen-dori’, is a hidden gem Vietnamese grocery store known to those in the know.
Ascend the stairs and open the door on your left, and you’ll find a lineup mirroring a local Vietnamese supermarket, including pho noodles, snacks, and juices. While the entrance might be a bit hard to find, once you step inside, Vietnamese staff will warmly welcome you and kindly explain the products.
You can find niche seasonings and processed foods that are rarely seen in other stores, so it’s recommended to take your time browsing the shelves like a treasure hunt.
Xuân shop Việt Nhật -Hokkaido
📍 Address: Japan, 〒063-0841 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Nishi Ward, Hachiken 1 Jo Nishi 1 Chome, 1-1 Arcasano Kotoni 1F“Xuân shop Việt Nhật -Hokkaido,” located directly in front of JR Kotoni Station, is an ultra-deep spot with a strong sense of ‘local authenticity’.
The unique aroma of fish sauce and spices that wafts through the air the moment you enter makes you feel as if you’ve stumbled into a backstreet shop in Vietnam. The store, which feels like a condensed wholesale supermarket, stocks alcoholic beverages such as Saigon Beer, Hanoi Beer, and unique Vietnamese rice vodka. The freezers are packed with ‘mysterious meats’ and ‘unfamiliar fruits’ not commonly seen in Japan.
Most product labels are in Vietnamese, and the clientele is almost exclusively Vietnamese. While Japanese is only somewhat understood at the register, making it a bit challenging for non-Vietnamese speakers, it is highly valued by core fans seeking authentic local items.
Payment is likely cash-only, so don’t forget to prepare in advance.
Summary: Shopping Tips and How to Enjoy the Local Vibe
Vietnamese and Asian grocery stores in Sapporo are more than just shopping destinations; they serve as hubs for local international students and communities.When visiting for the first time, keeping the following points in mind will help you enjoy your shopping more smoothly:
・Check payment methods
At deep, independently-run stores, cash payment may be the norm. Credit cards and electronic money might not be accepted, so it’s wise to have some cash ready.
・Parking situation
Most stores are located in urban areas or university districts within building tenants, meaning they do not have dedicated parking. If you’re driving, it’s best to check nearby coin-operated parking lots in advance.
・Expiration dates and labels
Since many products are imported, Japanese ingredient labels may not be present, or expiration dates might be hard to find. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask the friendly staff – it’s part of the fun of experiencing the local atmosphere.
