A Guide to Sanko: Toronto’s Essential Japanese Grocery Store for Students and Expats

A Toronto Oasis! Where to Go When You Crave the Taste of Japan

After living in Toronto for a while, it’s only natural to start craving the authentic flavors of Japan. “Local burgers and pizza are great, but I’d give anything for white rice with furikake or those nostalgic Japanese snacks…” For long-term residents and international students feeling this way, there is a legendary Japanese grocery store in the heart of downtown that acts as a true lifeline.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the charm of this shop—a true “savior” for Japanese expats—and share some local shopping tips you’ll want to know.

Sanko Trading Co.

At the intersection of Queen Street West—Toronto’s hub for cutting-edge culture—and Claremont Street, you’ll find a building adorned with a vibrant, giant mural depicting iconic Japanese scenes. This is Sanko Trading Co., an institution that has supported the Japanese community in Toronto for over half a century since its founding in 1968.

Run by the Mizuno family, stepping inside feels like a nostalgic trip back to a local shop in Japan. The store is so deeply loved that some fans have been coming here since their working holiday days 30 years ago. The staff are incredibly kind and helpful, providing a sense of security and a place to breathe for students who might feel a bit overwhelmed by their first time living abroad.

A Selection That Brings Tears of Joy! Finding Exactly What You Need

While you can find basic soy sauce or miso at the large East Asian supermarkets along Spadina Avenue, Sanko’s true appeal lies in its niche lineup tailored specifically to Japanese tastes.

For example, many people face the “no thinly sliced meat” struggle when trying to cook at home in Canada. Most local supermarkets only sell large blocks or thick steaks, but Sanko carries the precious thinly sliced meat essential for making dishes like Nikujaga (meat and potato stew) or Sukiyaki.
Furthermore, the snack selection is legendary among students. You’ll find shelves stocked with “Otoko Ume Gummy,” “Kandemina,” and “Wasabi Kaki-pi”—pure Japanese versions that haven’t been localized for the North American market. From handmade onigiri (rice balls) perfect for lunch to a wide variety of furikake, ponzu, dressings, and even fish cakes (nerimono), the store is packed with items essential for a Japanese table, curing homesickness in an instant.

Sanko vs. J-Town: How to Shop Smart

When looking for Japanese food in Toronto, people often compare Sanko with “J-Town,” a Japanese shopping center located in Markham (the suburbs). In terms of pricing, Sanko can be a bit more expensive due to its prime downtown location, so J-Town usually wins on pure affordability.

However, Sanko’s biggest strength is its unbeatable accessibility. Located right in the middle of downtown, the convenience of being able to hop off the TTC streetcar on your way home from school or during a weekend shopping trip is priceless.

A common strategy for savvy residents is to “go to J-Town for bulk buying when you have time on the weekend, and use Sanko for everyday essentials like ponzu, reward snacks, or that sudden craving for thinly sliced meat.” For students without a car, Sanko is an especially reliable ally.

Perfect for Gifts and Introducing Culture to Canadian Friends!

Sanko isn’t just about food; they also have a fantastic selection of Japanese tableware, including rice bowls, teacups, and chopsticks. Their lineup of authentic matcha and green tea is also impressive and a joy to browse.

It’s the perfect place to find a small gift or to pick up ingredients when hosting Canadian friends for a Japanese dinner. The store even features helpful English guides, such as color-coded explanations on how to choose the right soy sauce (for sashimi vs. cooking), making it very welcoming for those unfamiliar with Japanese cuisine. Why not bring your friends along, snap a photo in front of the mural, and give them a little tour of Japanese culture?