Booming in Yamaguchi Prefecture! Deep Supermarkets Where You Can Find Authentic Asian Flavors
In recent years, with the increase of long-term foreign residents and international students in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Vietnamese supermarkets and Asian marts offering authentic seasonings and daily necessities have been opening one after another.
Rare spices unavailable in regular supermarkets, fresh tropical fruits, and frozen meats from cuts unfamiliar in Japan – step inside, and it’s like a local market in Southeast Asia.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of deep Asian grocery stores in Yamaguchi Prefecture, where people seeking authentic flavors, from locals to international students, gather. Check out the unique charm of each store and their exclusive local items, and enjoy some deep shopping this weekend.
Southeast Asian Grocery Store SENmart
📍 Address: 1-6-20 Higashikotoshiba, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-0034, Japan P 2 parking spots behind the store
Opened in Ube City in the fall of 2021, ‘SENmart’ is an authentic Asian mart offering over 100 imported food items from Southeast Asia, primarily Vietnam, as well as Thailand and Korea. It’s cherished by long-term residents and international students as a ‘supermarket from home’ where they can recreate the flavors of their own countries.
Inside, essential Vietnamese ingredients like nuoc mam (fish sauce), various spices, and rice paper are packed tightly. Another unique charm of this store is finding fresh tropical fruits such as green mango, coconut water, and longan.
Even more noteworthy is the well-stocked freezer section, brimming with the energy of a local market. Alongside meats like duck, pork small intestines, and spareribs, you’ll find a wide array of deep ingredients never seen in typical Japanese supermarkets, such as eel, catfish, and even frog. It has become an indispensable presence for international students who want to gather with friends on weekends and recreate authentic local flavors.
Saigon Mart
📍 Address: 3-4-4 Marifu-cho, Iwakuni, Yamaguchi 740-0018, Japan
Located in Iwakuni City, ‘Saigon Mart’ is a truly authentic grocery store where the moment you step inside, you’re enveloped by the aromas and vibrancy of Vietnam. Many products lack Japanese labels or descriptions, which might feel like a slight hurdle for Japanese shoppers, but this is precisely ‘proof of authenticity,’ showing that these are everyday items for local people.
An abundance of seasonings and instant noodles are packed tightly, making it the perfect place to find rare Tom Yum flavored instant noodles or essential Vietnamese condiments. Imagining the taste from the packaging is also a unique joy of shopping at this store.
And what you absolutely must aim for are the handmade ‘Banh Mi’ (Vietnamese sandwiches) sold only on weekends. It’s such a popular item that Vietnamese residents visit to buy it for their weekend enjoyment, with the crispy French bread and ethnic ingredients creating a perfect match.
GREEN MART (Fresh Vegetables, Fruits, Asian Groceries)
📍 Address: 1-25 Honmachi, Shunan, Yamaguchi 745-0036, Japan
Located next to AZ Hotel in Shunan City, ‘GREEN MART’ is a Vietnamese supermarket that opened at the end of 2021. Its charm lies in its warm atmosphere, where friendly and kind staff carefully explain how to use products, making it a comfortable place for even beginners in Asian ingredients.
A wide variety of rice noodles like pho and vermicelli, as well as frozen meats such as pig ears and trotters, are abundantly available at low prices, making it a strong ally for international students who cook for themselves. Furthermore, it stocks fresh Asian vegetables and herbs rarely found in Japanese supermarkets, making it an essential spot for those wanting to prepare authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
Another item secretly gaining popularity through word-of-mouth is ‘Nem Chua,’ a Vietnamese fermented pork sausage. The umami of pork combined with a refreshing sourness, garlic, and chili pepper creates an irresistible flavor that makes you crave more after just one bite. Enjoying it with local beer is the best way to savor it.
PHNOM PENH MART
📍 Address: 2-19-8 Era, Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi 753-0017, Japan
Named after Cambodia’s capital, ‘PHNOM PENH MART’ is a homely store, feeling like a community hub for international students, located close to Yamaguchi University and Yuda Onsen. Run by a Cambodian couple, it offers a well-balanced selection of ingredients from Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand.
The biggest highlight isn’t just buying ingredients, but also being able to enjoy authentic Cambodian dishes prepared by the owner couple. They offer Cambodian home cooking, which is still rare in Japan, and a full menu of drinks like coffee and tea sourced from the region, allowing you to savor an exotic atmosphere while enjoying friendly conversations with the couple.
Please note that the store has a hidden gem atmosphere, utilizing a private residence, and there might be times when ringing the doorbell finds no one present. When visiting, we recommend checking their operating status via social media or other platforms beforehand, or arriving with plenty of time.
[Column] Smart Shopping Tips at Vietnamese Supermarkets & Asian Marts
At Vietnamese supermarkets, where the energy of the local culture is brought directly, knowing some tips that differ from typical Japanese supermarkets will make your shopping even more enjoyable.
1. Utilize smartphone translation apps
In grocery stores frequented by locals, many product packages often lack Japanese labels. In such cases, real-time translation apps using your smartphone camera come in handy. It’s a chance to discover unexpectedly delicious seasonings and snacks.
2. Aim for weekend-exclusive deli items and sweets
Many Asian marts offer banh mi, handmade local sweets, and bento boxes on weekends, coinciding with international students’ and workers’ days off. These handmade deli items offer the authentic taste of local eateries, so if you find them, buying them immediately is the rule.
3. Try frozen local ingredients
The freezers at the back of the store are truly a treasure trove. You can find large quantities of meats like pig trotters and spareribs at low prices, and sometimes frozen herbs like lemongrass and pandan leaves. If you ask the staff, ‘How do I cook this?’ they often share delicious local recipes, which can even lead to new community connections.
