Where to Buy Japanese and Asian Groceries in Cebu

Finding Japanese and Asian groceries in Cebu can be a bit of an adventure. While there are no large Japanese supermarket chains like Don Don Donki currently in Cebu, you can still find a wide variety of essential products—ranging from soy sauce and tofu to instant noodles and Japanese snacks. This guide introduces the best supermarkets, specialty stores, and online platforms where you can buy Japanese and other Asian groceries in Cebu.

1. Major Supermarkets with Japanese Sections

Specialty Japanese Grocery Stores in Cebu

Machiya-Mart

One of the most well-known and reliable sources for Japanese groceries in Cebu. Machiya-Mart specializes in authentic Japanese products, ranging from pantry staples to frozen seafood, snacks, and household items.

• Location: Banilad, Cebu City (near Gaisano Country Mall)

• Opening Hours: Usually 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

• ️ Popular Items:

  • Japanese rice

  • Frozen fish like saba and sanma

  • Japanese curry roux, sauces, and seasonings

  • Bento boxes, miso paste, tofu, natto, soba, udon

  • Japanese sweets, drinks (e.g., Calpis, Ramune)

• Why Visit: Staff understand Japanese terms, high turnover ensures fresh items, accepts credit cards

Tips:

• Visit early for the freshest frozen goods.

• Stocks rotate monthly — follow their Facebook page for updates.

• Some rare seasonal imports may sell out quickly.

Several large supermarket chains in Cebu carry Japanese and Korean items in their international sections.

• Rustan’s Supermarket (Ayala Center): Known for its imported selection, Rustan’s offers Japanese items like miso paste, soba noodles, Kikkoman soy sauce, and occasionally frozen gyoza or natto.
• Metro Supermarket (Ayala & Colon): Features a modest international aisle with essentials such as Japanese curry roux, nori, and green tea.
• Landers Superstore (Cebu IT Park & Arcenas Estate): With a membership system similar to Costco, Landers occasionally carries Japanese sauces, seaweed snacks, and rice brands suitable for Japanese dishes.
• Robinsons Supermarket (Galleria & Fuente): Includes a small variety of Japanese and Korean condiments, ramen noodles, and snacks.
• SM Supermarket (Seaside & City Cebu): Offers a limited selection, but often stocks Japanese mayonnaise, mirin, and udon noodles.

2. Specialty Asian Stores in Cebu

For those looking for more authentic or harder-to-find items, specialty stores and import shops offer better variety.

• K-Mart (Korean Mart in Banilad): While primarily Korean, K-Mart carries Japanese items like natto, tofu, cup noodles, miso soup packets, and Japanese-style sauces. Staff are helpful and speak English well.
• Hannam Supermarket (near Cebu IT Park): A Korean-focused store but also imports Japanese sauces, ramen, daifuku, and frozen items.
• Little Japan Grocery (Mandaue): A lesser-known but growing store that specializes in Japanese dry goods, sauces, and rice. Some frozen items like takoyaki and mochi ice cream are available.
• Metro Ayala Premium Imports: Occasionally brings in high-end Japanese condiments, sake, and snacks in limited quantities.

3. What You Can Typically Find

Here are the most commonly available Japanese and Asian grocery items in Cebu:

• Soy sauce (Kikkoman, Yamasa)
• Miso paste (red & white types)
• Instant ramen (Nissin, Sapporo Ichiban)
• Seaweed (nori sheets, wakame)
• Tofu (silken and firm, both imported and local)
• Rice (short-grain rice from Australia or California)
• Green tea (Ito En, matcha powder)
• Wasabi paste, gari (pickled ginger), and sushi vinegar

However, products like natto, mochi, or fresh sashimi-grade fish are more limited and seasonal.

4. Online Shopping Options

If you can’t find what you need locally, several online options are available in the Philippines:

• Lazada PH: Search “Japanese groceries” or “Korean ingredients.” Many items like sauces, tea, and snacks are shipped from Manila or Korea.
• Shopee PH: A good source for imported ramen, condiments, Japanese rice, and kitchen tools (rice cookers, bento boxes).
• Facebook Groups & Viber Communities: Some Japanese-Filipino communities operate bulk buying or special import orders. Great for frozen items like gyoza or croquettes.

5. Local Markets with Asian Sections

While not focused on Japanese goods, some wet markets in Cebu offer ingredients for fusion cooking:

• Carbon Market: You may find ingredients like ginger, daikon, sweet potatoes, or Asian greens.
• Mandaue Public Market: Occasionally stocks imported tofu and Asian sauces from wholesalers nearby.

6. Tips for Long-Term Residents

If you’re living in Cebu for a few months or more, here are some practical tips:

• Bring essential items from Japan (e.g., natto packs, furikake, instant miso soup).
• Buy in bulk during trips to Manila or Japan.
• Invest in freezer space for frozen imports.
• Use local alternatives: For example, substitute malunggay for spinach, or native lemon (calamansi) for yuzu.

7. Areas with Better Access to Asian Groceries

Some neighborhoods in Cebu are more convenient for Japanese food lovers:

• Banilad / Mabolo: Close to K-Mart and Gaisano Country Mall
• IT Park: Surrounded by convenience stores, Korean marts, and modern condos with cold storage
• Cebu Business Park: Walking distance to Rustan’s and Metro Supermarket in Ayala

8. Cost Considerations

Japanese items are often 20–80% more expensive in Cebu than in Japan due to import taxes and logistics. A bottle of soy sauce may cost ₱150–₱250, while miso paste could range from ₱200–₱400. Consider your budget and prioritize staple ingredients.

9. Seasonal Availability and Storage

Some products are only available seasonally (e.g., sakura-themed snacks, osechi items). Storage is also a concern in the tropics, so invest in airtight containers and monitor humidity to avoid spoilage.

10. Conclusion

While Cebu may not have the same level of access to Japanese groceries as cities like Manila or Tokyo, it’s still very possible to maintain a Japanese-style diet or incorporate Asian flavors into your daily meals. By exploring both major supermarkets and hidden specialty shops—and combining it with online sources—you can find most of the essentials you need.

Take your time to discover what’s available and get creative with substitutes. Living in Cebu offers a unique opportunity to blend cultures, try local ingredients, and still enjoy the comfort of your favorite Japanese flavors.