Introduction
In recent years, the Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture area has seen a rapid increase in Asian supermarkets offering authentic ingredients from countries like Vietnam, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
These stores are invaluable hubs for local international students and long-term residents to recreate ‘the taste of home,’ and unmissable spots for locals who are passionate about making spice curries or want to enjoy authentic Asian cuisine at home.
This time, we’ll introduce a carefully selected list of ‘Vietnamese Supermarkets and Asian Marts’ scattered around Sendai’s Aoba Ward. We’ll delve into the charm of unique local items you can only find there, along with practical shopping tips, so be sure to check them out.
Ton-chan Asian Groceries
📍 Address: 3-8-5 Chuo, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0021, Japan
Located in a prime spot easily accessible on foot from Sendai Station, ‘Ton-chan Asian Groceries’ is packed with a wide variety of Asian condiments, primarily Vietnamese ingredients. Of particular note are the fresh vegetables and fruits, including green papaya, and the extensive selection of frozen foods.
First-time visitors to Asian supermarkets might feel hesitant, unsure of what to buy. However, this store’s appeal lies in its abundance of inexpensive snacks and local instant noodles, making it easy to try things out. Its support for cashless payments like PayPay also makes it convenient for daily use.
With staff who speak fluent and polite Japanese, you can easily ask for advice on cooking methods or recommended seasonings. If you’re looking for niche ingredients like Mam Tom (fermented shrimp paste), you might even find local customers friendly helping you out, creating a warm atmosphere much like a local market in Asia.
HASUKO SHOP (Vietnamese Ingredients)(Asia)(Myanmar)(Indonesia)
📍 Address: 1-6-25 Honcho, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0014, Japan
‘HASUKO SHOP’ in the Honcho area of Aoba Ward is a local supermarket that broadly covers Southeast Asian ingredients, focusing primarily on Vietnamese items, but also including those from Myanmar and Indonesia. The store was recently renovated, making it more spacious and easier to navigate, which has further enhanced the shopping experience.
It covers not only food ingredients but also a wide range of daily necessities, making it an indispensable ‘life hub’ for international students and long-term residents living nearby. The biggest draw of this store is its generally low prices. It’s ideal for stocking up on everyday staples like rice, dried noodles, and seasonings.
With a friendly owner who greets you with a smile, it has an at-home atmosphere and also serves as a warm community aspect supporting life in a foreign country. It’s highly recommended for locals who want to recreate authentic Southeast Asian dishes at their own tables.
Manami Super Market
📍 Address: 2-3-10-2 Miyamachi, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0004, Japan
Located in Miyamachi, Aoba Ward, ‘Manami Supermarket’ has been loved by those seeking authentic South Asian ingredients since its opening in 2021. Unusually for the Sendai area, it is operated by a Japanese company involved in imports, offering a sense of security regarding quality control and product range.
Though compact, the store is packed with Halal-certified foods from rare Bangladeshi and Indian brands. It’s characterized by a product lineup that caters to Islamic dietary culture, with no pork whatsoever, and a freezer display featuring beef, mutton, and chicken.
The selection of spices, in particular, is remarkable. Mixed spices like meat masala, essential for making curries and biryani, can be found here at lower prices than online retailers. You can also discover niche ingredients rarely seen in Sendai, such as ‘Alubukhara (dried plums)’ for biryani, making it an irresistible spot for locals keen to try their hand at authentic spice cuisine.
The Asian Mart
📍 Address: Region Goshikibashi II 1F, 2-3-13 Goshikibashi, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0022, Japan
Located right near Goshikibashi Subway Station, ‘The Asian Mart’ is a small Halal-friendly Asian mart primarily offering Nepalese and Indian ingredients.
This store’s biggest strength is undoubtedly its ability to provide various spices like Basmati rice and cumin in ‘large quantities and at incredibly low prices.’ Compared to buying small bottles of spices at typical Japanese supermarkets, it offers overwhelming cost performance. Though its small storefront might seem uninviting at first glance, stepping inside reveals a surprisingly comprehensive selection of ingredients for Nepalese and Indian cuisine.
By taking advantage of occasional campaigns, you can shop even more affordably, making it a must-visit for international students who cook for themselves. The owner speaks very polite Japanese, so you can consult them with confidence even when sourcing spices for the first time.
Sen Mart
📍 Address: 1-13-20 Ichibancho, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0811, Japan (Room 102)
Tucked away in Ichibancho, Aoba Ward, ‘Sen Mart’ is a specialty supermarket fully stocked with essential and niche ingredients for Vietnamese cuisine. The store, lined with mysteriously packaged foreign snacks and seasonings, creates a truly local atmosphere, as if you’ve stumbled into a small private shop in a Vietnamese alleyway.
A store so specialized in Vietnamese ingredients is a rare find in Sendai, making it incredibly useful for shopping when you want to prepare authentic pho, fresh spring rolls, or banh mi at home.
The staff are Vietnamese, but they can communicate in Japanese, so it’s recommended to ask about the uses of unfamiliar ingredients or delicious ways to prepare them. This hidden gem is perfect for those who want to experience the ‘real atmosphere’ of an overseas shop.
Local Tips for Making the Most of Sendai’s Asian Supermarkets
When visiting an Asian supermarket for the first time, you might feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of products and foreign languages on the packaging. Here are some insider tips to make your shopping more enjoyable and practical.
1. Choose Your Store Based on Your Spice Needs
Spices like cumin and coriander, which can be expensive when bought in small bottles, become dramatically cheaper when purchased in bulk at Asian markets. For Nepalese/Indian supermarkets, look for masala-based mixed spices; for Vietnamese supermarkets, fish sauce (nuoc mam) and shrimp paste are key targets.
2. Make Full Use of Translation Apps
Many products only have labels in local languages, so it’s a golden rule to use your smartphone’s translation features (like Google Lens). If you’re unsure about anything, local international students or long-term residents shopping in the store might kindly help you, which can also be a chance for local interaction.
3. Don’t Miss the Frozen ‘Meat’ and ‘Fresh Produce’
Halal shops’ freezer cases often stock rare meats in Japan, such as bone-in mutton and duck. Vietnamese supermarkets also sometimes receive fresh Asian vegetables difficult to find in regular supermarkets, like green papaya and lemongrass, so be sure to check every corner.
