by Rosseadelle Ganayo
We’ve all been (involuntarily) stuck at home this past year. This meant a lot of time spent looking for new hobbies to do, shows to watch, and inevitably – new cravings to satisfy. With a constantly growing list of Korean, Chinese, and Japanese shows and their drool-inducing food/cooking scenes, It’s no big surprise that a lot of us crave those cuisines. And of course the inner chef that quarantine has brought out in each of us says: “Let’s make it ourselves.”
That now brings up a new dilemma: Where to get those specific ingredients?? International ingredients are hard to source unless you physically scout them out which isn’t advisable right now. Local groceries have a small chance of having them and if they do, you run the risk of getting old stock – and for a hefty price.
Here’s a list of Asian groceries near your area for your next cooking adventure to Korea, China, or Japan. Happy binging!
MANILA
Food Penguin
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Address: Cartimar Commercial Arcade & Suite Building, Leveriza 2209, 1305 Pasay City, Philippines 1305 Pasay City, Metro Manila
For great quality Chinese condiments, fresh or dried herbs and spices, this is the convenience store for you. Primarily carrying Taiwanese products, but they also carry frozen and dry goods from Hongkong, Japan, and even Australia. You can take your sweet time here too because they also have a food bar where you can enjoy munching down on the snacks you buy right there along with some Monga Chicken rice meals and Fruit or Milk Teas! For more information, visit their Facebook or Instagram pages.
Bee Tin Grocery
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Address: #735 Ongpin St. Brgy 295 Zone 028 Dist III Binondo Manila
Nothing says authentic Chinese quite like a Chinese grocery right in ChinaTown in Ongpin, Binondo. Aside from basic chinese ingredients, the grocery also hosts Chinese-made food products. From Dried fruits and spices, you can also get a few other asian ingredients here too, just take the time to browse the entire grocery! For more information, visit their Facebook page.
Fuji Mart
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Address: 1747 A. Mabini St. Malate, Manila
A Japanese Grocery with multiple branches throughout the metro, carrying lots of Japan’s signature instant snacks and quick meal favorites like cup noodles, bottled coffees and teas, and frozen gyoza. Easily satisfy cravings or even grab quick meals from a Fuji mart near you! For more information, visit their Facebook or Instagram pages.
New Hatchin Japanese Grocery
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Address: Cartimar International Shopping Center, Cartimar Avenue, Tai Kei Leng, 1307 Pasay, Metro Manila
Another Japanese grocery chain that has become widely popular due to the fact that they supply Japanese restaurants. Need takoyaki sauce? Tempura flour? Japanese curry cubes? They have it all. And the best part is, you can enjoy fresh takoyaki made right in front of you while you wait for your items to be rung up. Be sure to get there early because the takoyaki goes quick! For more information, visit their Facebook or Instagram pages.
Darumaya Japanese Food Center
Address: Plaza #5, Cartimar International Shopping Center, Cartimar Avenue, Tai Kei Leng, 1307 Pasay, Metro ManilaAnother Cartimar staple, this Japanese grocery is one of the oldest asian marts around and has been supplying genuine Japanese foodstuffs in bulk to hotels, restaurants, and retail to hungry individuals. You can have your own little private Japanese restaurant in your own home buying from their line of instant ramen soup bases, fresh noodles, frozen naruto, and Japanese drink mixes! For more information, visit their Facebook or Instagram pages.
MAKATI
Yamazaki Grocery
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Address: Little Tokyo, Chino Roces Ave., Legazpi Village, Makati City
This grocery-slash-izakaya restaurant is a favorite among its local and foreign patrons. Despite its relatively smaller store, it’s packed with everything from frozen goods, fresh produce, condiments, snacks, and even candies from Japan. You can rest assured that you’re getting quality ingredients because you can even sometimes see the chefs use the very products to create the menu items served in its restaurant half! Enjoy their large portioned dishes and buy the very same ingredients before heading home. For more information, visit their Facebook or Instagram pages.
Kobeya Japanese Foodmarty
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Address: G/F 1 Juno cor. Makati Ave., Bel-Air, Makati City
Perfect for both Japanese food enthusiasts and full-blown chefs who love Japanese cuisine! The grocery has a large variety of kitchen staples such as seasonings, dried ingredients, instant powders, sauces, meat cuts, and noodles both fresh and instant. They also offer Japanese snacks and Ready-to-cook frozen meals for convenient craving satisfaction. For more information, visit their Facebook or Instagram pages.
Kaya Mart
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Address: 62 Jupiter, Makati City 1209 Makati
For Korean barbecue fanatics, this Korean grocery is for you! They carry a varied selection of tender meats and fresh vegetables. Partnered with their equally varied Korean beverage selection, you can easily create a Korean feast at home! If seeing all that food makes you hungry while shopping, no worries! They also have a Ramyun cooking machine so you can snack and shop at the same time. For more information, visit their Facebook or Instagram pages.
ANTIPOLO
Fun & Mart Korean Grocery
Address: 10000 Sumulong Highway, Brgy. Mambugan 1870 AntipoloThis Korean Grocery is basically a grocery, a shop, and a bakery in one! They carry not only food but other unique products from Korea like cute character plushies and small accessories. They also host the Korean Bakery – Mr. Parks Breads and Cake inside their store! For more information, visit their Facebook or Instagram pages.
Army’s Korean Mart
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Address:Clean Fuel, Unit 1 Ground Floor Sen. Lorenzo Sumulong Memorial, Barangay, Antipolo, Rizal
From the name of this Korean mart alone, you can already know something that sets them apart. Aside from their korean food stuff, they also carry kpop BTS merch! Located in the heart of Antipolo, they offer samgyupsal sets, snacks, beverages, and fresh produce for all kinds of K-cravings. For more information, visit their Facebook or Instagram pages.
ABCT Japanese Store
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Address: Sakura Circle, Lot 11A Circumferential Road Cor. Sumulong Extention Brgy San Roque Antipolo City 1870 Antipolo
Proudly the first authentic Japanese Store in Antipolo, this Japanese grocery offers shabu-shabu sets for you to buy and prepare at home as well as ready-to-eat Bentos aside from their dry foodstuffs. This Grocery has also expanded to have its own restaurant where you can enjoy hot pot cravings as well as a Korean grocery under the same name! For more information, visit their Facebook or Instagram pages.
MANDALUYONG
Nishikiken Mart
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Address: Nishikiken Mart 451 G.square Bldg G/F, Barangka Drive BRGY Plainview, 1550 Mandaluyong
This Japanese grocery not only supplies you with Japanese ingredients, they also manufacture their own food products, ensuring you get the freshest and best produce! For noodle buffs out there, you can try the freshly made ramen, udon, and soba noodles from this grocery for that really authentic feel when you cook noodle dishes at home. For more information, visit their Facebook or Instagram pages.
PASIG
SSADA Mart
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Address: Ground Floor, Horizon Condominium, F Meralco Avenue, Ortigas Center 1600 Pasig
A three-in-one Asian mart, this grocery carries Korean, Chinese, and Japanese items for a convenient, all-in-one shopping experience. They have Kpop food merchandise along with their stocks as well as freshly made food packs from rice cakes, Gimbaps, ready-to-eat Bentos, and even Caldereta in case you need a local food break from the cravings. For more information, visit their Facebook or Instagram pages.
Tokyo Market PH
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Address: Space Ayala 30th 2F Ayala Malls 1603 Pasig
More infamously home to the 500ml Yakult, this Japanese Grocery prides itself on being the gateway to Japan. Constantly receiving new shipments of the latest trending snack and ingredients, they even offer same-day pick up when you order on their website. They also have their own line of easy-to-cook and ready-to-heat dishes to make it easier for everyone to enjoy their favorite Japanese food at home. Instructions on heating up meals can be found on their website. For more information, visit their Facebook or Instagram pages.
Which one is your favorite grocery? Did we miss any of your go-to groceries for your cooking needs and cravings? Let us know! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Youtube for foodie finds, re-imagined recipes, and easy eats that will take Pinoy bellies on an adventure!
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