Have you ever craved authentic Japanese ingredients to recreate that perfect bowl of ramen or to master the delicate art of sushi at home, only to wonder where to begin your search in the bustling landscape of the UAE? While traditional Japanese “food markets” in the vein of Tokyo’s Tsukiji aren’t directly replicated here, the Emirates offers a surprising number of specialized Asian supermarkets and dedicated online stores that serve as incredible hubs for Japanese food products, bringing the essence of Japan right to your doorstep.
Dedicated Japanese and Asian Supermarkets in Dubai
Dubai, with its diverse expatriate community and thriving culinary scene, is home to several excellent options for sourcing Japanese ingredients, ranging from everyday staples to obscure specialty items.
1004 Gourmet (1004gourmet.com) stands out as a premier destination for Japanese and Asian groceries in Dubai. Located in Onyx Tower 1 on Sheikh Zayed Road, this expansive supermarket offers a vast selection of products from Japan, Korea, and other East Asian countries. You’ll find an impressive array of Japanese rice (including varieties for sushi), a wide range of soy sauces (light, dark, tamari), different types of miso paste (white, red, awase), and an extensive selection of Japanese noodles (udon, soba, ramen). They also stock frozen goods like gyoza, edamame, and various seafood items, along with a tempting selection of Japanese snacks, sweets, and beverages. Their “non-Muslim” section also offers specific Japanese products that might contain alcohol or pork derivatives, catering to a wider range of culinary needs. They also have an online store, making it incredibly convenient to shop.
Deans Fujiya Supermarket (deansfujiya.com) is another long-standing and highly reputable Japanese supermarket in Dubai, located in the Oud Metha area. Established with a strong focus on authentic Japanese products, Deans Fujiya is a go-to for Japanese expats and anyone serious about Japanese cooking. They offer a comprehensive range of dry, chilled, and frozen Japanese foods, including fresh seafood that is often suitable for sashimi, high-quality wagyu beef, and seasonal fruits and vegetables imported directly from Japan. Beyond groceries, they also stock Japanese tableware and kitchenware, providing a holistic Japanese culinary experience. Their physical store allows you to browse and explore, offering a real sense of a traditional Japanese grocery.
Gourmet-Ya (gurumeya.com) is part of the Bentoya Group and operates both a retail store on Sheikh Zayed Road (near DIFC) and an online store. Gourmet-Ya is renowned for its selection of high-quality Japanese food materials, including sashimi-grade seafood, Wagyu beef, various frozen Japanese foods (like takoyaki and gyoza), a good selection of Japanese rice, and essential grocery items. It’s a popular spot for Japanese expats, tourists, and even professional chefs looking for authentic ingredients. Their proximity to the Bentoya Restaurant can also be a bonus for those looking to dine after shopping.
For a broader Asian selection that includes a strong Japanese presence, QKO Asian Market (qkoasianmarket.com) is a growing homegrown UAE brand with multiple branches across the Emirates, including Dubai. QKO prides itself on offering a wide range of Japanese, Korean, and Thai products, with a particular focus on halal-conscious options. You can find an excellent variety of Japanese snacks, instant noodles, condiments, and unique Japanese beverages. They aim to be an “express train to Tokyo,” and their expanding network of stores makes authentic Japanese treats more accessible.
Abu Dhabi’s Japanese Grocery Scene
While perhaps not as numerous as Dubai’s, Abu Dhabi also provides solid options for finding Japanese food products, catering to both home cooks and culinary professionals.
1004 Gourmet (thehuntr.com), which originated in Dubai, has expanded its footprint to Abu Dhabi with a large, specialist Asian grocery store on Al Reem Island. This branch is reportedly the biggest of their stores, spanning over 7,000 sq ft. Here, you will discover extensive shelves stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables, premium meats, seafood, a comprehensive range of Japanese (and Korean/Chinese) snacks, noodles, condiments, and frozen foods. Like its Dubai counterpart, it features a dedicated non-Muslim section for specialized products. It is a fantastic resource for authentic and hard-to-find Japanese items in the capital, often frequented by food enthusiasts and expats.
For a wider variety of Asian products, including Japanese essentials, many large supermarkets in Abu Dhabi will have a dedicated “international” or “Asian” aisle. While they may not offer the same depth as specialized stores, you can often find common Japanese ingredients like different types of soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin, Japanese rice, dried seaweed (nori), panko breadcrumbs, and instant ramen. Major chains like Waitrose (waitrose.ae) and Spinneys often carry a decent selection of imported Japanese goods.
Additionally, some smaller, independent Asian grocery stores dotted around residential areas in Abu Dhabi might also stock a surprising array of Japanese items. These often cater to specific expatriate communities and can be hidden gems for unique finds.
Online Retailers and Specialty Suppliers Across the UAE
Beyond physical stores, the digital landscape has revolutionized how we access Japanese food products in the UAE, with several online retailers and specialty suppliers offering convenient delivery services across all emirates.
Japans Souq (japanssouq.com) is a dedicated online Japanese grocery delivery store in the UAE. They aim to be “the House of Ethnical Japanese products” and offer a diverse range of Japanese food and beverage supplies, baby care, and health care products. They pride themselves on sourcing high-quality, authentic Japanese products, including matcha green tea bags, healthy snacks, organic Japanese green tea, and even Guinness World Record-winning products. They deliver across Dubai, Sharjah, and the rest of the UAE, making it an excellent option for those who prefer the convenience of online shopping.
Kami Foodstuff Trading L.L.C. (kamifoods.com), based in Ajman, is a significant supplier of Japanese foodstuff to hotels and restaurants across the UAE, but they also cater to retail customers. Their website lists a wide array of products, from various types of miso and soy sauce to specialty ingredients. While primarily a wholesaler, their direct sales to consumers mean you can access high-quality ingredients often used by professional chefs. They offer bespoke service and fast shipping throughout the UAE.
Summit Trading Company LLC (summitwebstore.com) is one of the oldest Japanese distributors and wholesalers in the UAE, established in 1977. While primarily catering to the hospitality sector, they have expanded their business to include an impressive online presence through their Summit Webstore. Here, you can easily order true Japanese ingredients, including dry, chilled, and frozen foods, Wagyu beef, frozen tuna, fresh vegetables, fresh seafood, and seasonal fruits. They are known for their extensive range of over 500 authentic Japanese products and offer same-day delivery.
For those in Sharjah and the Northern Emirates, ASAK Supermarket (asaksuae.com) is a prominent option, with branches in Sharjah (Muwaileh Commercial and Industrial Area 13) and an online presence. While they specialize in both Korean and Japanese products, they offer a good selection of Japanese snacks, condiments, instant noodles, and beverages. Their physical stores also aim to provide a cultural escape, enhancing the shopping experience.
When shopping online, always check for minimum order requirements, delivery fees, and delivery schedules for your specific emirate. Many of these online stores are diligent about handling chilled and frozen goods to ensure freshness upon arrival.
Tips for Sourcing Specific Japanese Ingredients
Finding particular Japanese ingredients can sometimes be a scavenger hunt, but with a few strategies, you’ll be well-equipped.
For fresh produce like specific Japanese vegetables (e.g., shiso leaves, daikon radish) or high-quality fresh seafood for sashimi, dedicated Japanese supermarkets like Deans Fujiya and Gourmet-Ya are your best bet. They often receive fresh imports on a regular basis. You might also find some of these items at larger, upscale supermarkets that have a dedicated “exotic produce” or “international seafood” section.
When it comes to Japanese snacks and beverages, QKO Asian Market and 1004 Gourmet offer an astounding variety, from popular Kit Kat flavors to unique Pocky sticks, ramune soda, and various green tea brands. These stores are fantastic for exploring the fun side of Japanese confectionery and drinks.
For pantry staples such as authentic Japanese soy sauce (shoyu), mirin, sake (for cooking), dashi stock, or Japanese mayonnaise (Kewpie), most of the specialized Asian supermarkets mentioned above will have multiple brands and sizes available. Even larger hypermarkets might carry basic versions of these.
For those venturing into more advanced Japanese cooking, seeking items like specific types of miso, konbu (kelp), katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes) for making dashi from scratch, or unique Japanese pickles (tsukemono), the dedicated Japanese supermarkets and online suppliers like Japans Souq and Summit Trading Company will provide the widest selection.
The www.few.ae team believes that with a little exploration, the vibrant world of Japanese food markets and suppliers in the UAE is at your fingertips, ready to help you embark on your next culinary adventure. What Japanese dish are you most excited to try making at home?
then "Add to Home Screen"