Singaporeans love Japanese food, and it goes beyond just sushi and teppanyaki. Some of us enjoy authentic Japanese produce and snacks too – even if we have to travel just for it! Thankfully, Japanese supermarkets and grocery stores are more common in Singapore now. For all the wagyu beef cuts, unique KitKat flavours, hand brewed sake and more, here are 6 Japanese supermarkets in Singapore to check out.
1. Meidi-Ya
The OG Japanese supermarket in Singapore, Meidi-Ya is one of the go-to for Japanese produce and staples. Its products are on the pricier end, but you can also find affordable sashimi and bento sets. The highlight here is the Hokkaido Dosanko Plaza, a section dedicated to just selling Hokkaido goodies! And I’m a big fan of the fact that unlike the shouty colourful signs in Don Don Donki, everything in Meidi-Ya is neatly organised in aisles and makes for a much more calming shopping experience.
2. Don Don Donki
Unless you’re living in a cave, you’re probably pretty familiar with Don Don Donki (and their theme song.) For bargain hunters like myself, this is our top spot for Japanese goods, even though the crazy interior and on-repeat theme song gives me mild anxiety. You can find anything from imported fruits and veggies, desserts, peach-scented toilet papers, bentos, sashimi platters… and the list goes on and on.
3. Iroha Mart
If you love Japanese snacks, then head right over to Iroha Mart, which stocks tons of Japanese sweets, chocolates, cookies, rice crackers, cup noodles, potato chips and more. If you love trying unique KitKat flavours, then make sure to pick up some of them here! Iroha Mart not only imports rare Japanese snacks, but they’re also quick to pick up on trends and tend to stock up on new Japanese snacks faster than anyone else.
4. Kurara
Located in Tudor Court, this specialty sake shop is a hidden gem, except for those in the know. Pick up some imported, rare Japanese liquors and rare sake you’ll be hard pressed to find at other Japanese supermarkets! Other than sake, Kurara also stocks some household items and decor.
5. Isuramuya
Shopping for halal-certified Japanese goods has never been easier thanks to Isuramuya! You’ll be able to find a wide range of staples here from bonito to tea and snacks. Make sure to also drop by the restaurant section which serves 100% halal food items such as sashimi, ebi fry, and fish gyozas that are their own creation!
6. Daiso
Of course we’re not gonna forget our favourite $2 store! Daiso carries around 5,000 items and that includes miso paste, soba noodles, soba sauces, mirin, bonito flakes, spices, seasoning powders, packaged sauces, tea and many more. The quality can be a bit of a hit or miss, but that’s part of the fun in our opinion! Check out other great Daiso products that we think are worth your $2.