Shiga Prefecture, with its thriving manufacturing industry, is a diverse area home to many international students and workers from Southeast Asia. Throughout Shiga, you’ll find ‘truly authentic’ Vietnamese supermarkets and Asian markets that allow you to experience the atmosphere and energy of Southeast Asia right here in Japan.
In this article, we carefully select and introduce highly local supermarkets loved by long-term residents and locals seeking authentic flavors. These deep-dive spots boast a rich product selection, fair prices, and offer a truly authentic shopping experience. A must-read for anyone planning weekend grocery runs or looking to try their hand at authentic Asian cuisine!
Việt Shop Hikone
📍 Address: 1-12 Chuo-machi, Hikone, Shiga 522-0063, Japan
‘Việt Shop Hikone’, located in the heart of Hikone City, is a local supermarket that enjoys immense support from the local Vietnamese community and beyond. The store is packed with ingredients rarely found in typical Japanese supermarkets, from fresh vegetables, fruits, snacks, and seasonings to frozen meats and fish.
The biggest draw of this store is the owner’s warm and enthusiastic customer service. They patiently explain stock availability and prices in Japanese, making it a reassuring experience even for locals visiting an Asian supermarket for the first time. Beyond Vietnamese ingredients, you can also find Thai products at great prices, making it a lifesaver for multinational students and long-term residents. Their fresh and delicious ingredients are so popular that they often sell out quickly upon arrival. It’s a highly recommended spot to feel the authentic local energy firsthand.
QT FOOD – THỰC PHẨM VIỆT
📍 Address: 151-4 Hira-machi, Hikone, Shiga 522-0041, Japan
‘QT FOOD – THỰC PHẨM VIỆT’, also located in Hikone City, is a highly-regarded supermarket known for its high-quality Vietnamese ingredients at affordable prices. The clean store offers a wide range of products, from nutritious fresh ingredients to essential everyday seasonings.
Particularly noteworthy are the owner’s ‘passionate service’ and ‘flexible online and delivery options’. For long-term residents who don’t have time to visit the store, or those living in nearby municipalities, they arrange deliveries via SNS. The packaging is meticulously done, which explains their large number of repeat customers. It’s your go-to place for stocking up on inexpensive, fresh, and authentic ingredients.
Thực phẩm Việt T.Mart
📍 Address: K Kayo Bldg 202, 7 Chome-8-11 Ogaki, Ritto, Shiga 520-3024, Japan
‘Thực phẩm Việt T.Mart’ in Ritto City is a hidden gem of a Vietnamese grocery store, quietly tucked away on the second floor of a building right next to an electronics store. The entrance might be a little hard to find, but once you step inside, it’s like entering a local Vietnamese market. It’s a treasure trove with everything from fresh vegetables to dried goods and even obscure local frozen foods.
Run by a friendly and entertaining owner, the store always has a lively and welcoming atmosphere. There’s parking space for 2-3 cars in front of the building, making it convenient for shopping by car. They even sell shisha pipes, popular among local youth, making it a truly deep spot where you can experience not just daily necessities but also local culture and lifestyle.
MARCHAVALLAR
📍 Address: Taneike Bldg 1F, 149-4 Kunobe, Yasu, Shiga 520-2353, Japan
‘MARCHAVALLAR’ in Yasu City is a rare and valuable ‘Indonesia-focused supermarket’ that boasts an overwhelming selection, standing out among the many Vietnamese supermarkets in Shiga Prefecture. The store is lined with Indonesian culinary essentials like sambal (chili sauce), various pre-mixed seasonings, and frozen foods such as tempeh (fermented soybean cakes).
Furthermore, there’s a fantastic selection of specialty items, including Indonesian fine-ground regular coffee and local snacks. While there are many Asian grocery stores, it’s rare to find one so specialized in Indonesian ingredients. They also offer nationwide shipping, making them highly valued by Indonesian students and workers living far away. This is an absolute must-visit store for any ethnic food lover.
98 NGỌC GIANG – KONAN – ASIA FOOD
📍 Address: 363-20 Iwane, Konan, Shiga 520-3252, Japan
’98 NGỌC GIANG – KONAN – ASIA FOOD’ in Konan City is a comprehensive Asian market offering ingredients primarily from Vietnam, but also from across Southeast Asia. The spacious store is filled with a practical and abundant selection of products, from unfamiliar foreign snacks to dried noodles like pho and bun, spices, and large blocks of frozen meat.
The owner’s kind and friendly personality is also a key reason for its popularity. If you ask about spices or ingredients you don’t know how to use, they’ll kindly explain, making it highly recommended for locals trying Southeast Asian cuisine for the first time. Furthermore, they seem to offer a delivery service to areas around Koka City’s Minakuchi, making it a very convenient lifeline for students without cars or busy professionals.
[Tips] Smart Strategies and Shopping Hacks for Local Asian Supermarkets
To make the most of these truly local supermarkets, there are a few tips you should know. First, many items in the store may not have Japanese labels or price tags. In such cases, use Google Translate’s camera input feature or don’t hesitate to ask the shop owner. They genuinely welcome Japanese customers who show interest in their country’s food culture.
Also, frozen meats and fish are often sold in large ‘kilogram-sized’ blocks, so it’s a golden rule to clear space in your home freezer beforehand. Furthermore, on weekend afternoons and evenings, the stores become very crowded and vibrant with international students shopping with friends. If you prefer a more leisurely shopping experience, we recommend aiming for weekday mornings or early weekends.
