Vancouver’s best Japanese supermarkets
Have a craving for Japanese snacks but don’t know where to get them? Looking to cook up a storm of Asian dishes but can’t seem to find all of the ingredients you need? From mochi to pocky to ponzu sauce, here are a few Vancouver supermarkets worth checking out for your Japanese grocery needs. [Photo credit: iStock.com/TAGSTOCK1]
Fujiya Japanese Foods
912 Clark Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3J8A staple for Japanese food lovers, Fujiya's flagship location is filled with a huge selection of cooking sauces, sweet and savoury snacks, and a deli with pre-made Japanese side dishes for those looking for an easy add-on to their meal. If you're hungry, don't forget to take a break in the in-store dining area and try their huge selection of sushi and yummy bento boxes made by in-house staff.
Konbiniya
1238 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1C1Konbiniya (which translates to “convenience store”) definitely lives up to its name. Located right in the heart of downtown Vancouver, the Japanese superstore is well known for its snack selection and household products – plus you can catch up on your favourite Japanese TV shows thanks to its DVD rental service. In the summer, their cold drinks section and ice cream freezer is a great place to try a little taste of Japan, or you can go for a Japanese-style crepe from Bon Crepe, which is located within the store. Onigiri and bento boxes are available for those wanting something filling.
Suzuya Japanese Market
6688 Southoaks Cres, Burnaby, BC V5E 4M7Those who want to learn more about Japanese culture should do their weekly grocery haul at Suzuya Japanese Market. This market is located right beside Nikkei Place, which is home to several organizations that work together to increase awareness about Japanese Canadian history and culture, and organize fun events for the local community. Next time you’re looking to buy some groceries, why not make it an educational outing!
Sakuraya Japanese Supermarket
517 Broadway E, Vancouver, BC V5T 1X4This small store may be hard to locate at first, but once you do, you’ll never go back. If you’re a fan of Meiji Karl cheese corn puff snacks, this is one of the only places where you can find more than five bags in stock. (I’d know this because I once called every single store to look for these snacks!) Aside from these cheesy snacks, you can find an assortment of chocolates, chips, candies and more traditional favourites like soba noodles, Ramune soft drinks, and seaweed for purchase at this charming store.
H-Mart
200-550 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2B7Although H-Mart is a Korean supermarket, you’ll find a variety of Japanese cooking utensils, rice, and Japanese household staples like soy sauce, mirin, and snacks to try during your next lunch break. For those looking to buy not only Japanese groceries but also Korean cooking staples, H-Mart is the perfect place for your next shopping trip.
Izumiya Japanese Marketplace
160-7971 Alderbridge Way, Richmond, BC V6X 2A4For those who live in Richmond, Izumiya Japanese Marketplace is the best option for Japanese groceries. This 10,000-square-foot store is filled with dry and frozen foods, sells bento boxes and meals, and also carries Japanese appliances for those that want to invest in some great Japanese gadgets! If you love their food, Izumiya also does catering for parties and school lunches at a reasonable price.
Angel Seafoods Ltd
8475 Fraser St, Vancouver, BC V5X 3Y1For those who love Japanese groceries like bonito flakes, wasabi paste and everything in between, Angel Seafoods is a great place to go for your cooking needs. Angel Seafoods imports a variety of seafood and produce from Japan, making it a great place to go for restaurants who are looking to buy authentic Asian groceries and supplies in bulk, and for individuals who want to get their hands on some Japanese seafood delicacies.
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