Amsterdam's culinary landscape has embraced Japanese cuisine with open arms, from high-end omakase counters to casual ramen shops. But to truly cook Japanese food at home, you need access to authentic ingredients. Fortunately, the city boasts a range of Japanese and Asian grocery stores that stock everything from miso paste and mirin to fresh wasabi and sushi-grade fish. This guide covers the complete list of Japanese grocery stores in Amsterdam, helping you find the ingredients you need for your next culinary adventure.

Whether you're a seasoned home cook looking for sushi-grade fish or a beginner exploring Japanese pantry staples, these stores offer reliable sources for quality products. Most are concentrated in the city center and the eastern districts, but a few are worth the trip from anywhere in the city. Prices vary, but expect to pay a premium for imported goods compared to local supermarkets.

1. Amazing Oriental – The Asian Supermarket Giant

Amazing Oriental is the largest Asian supermarket chain in the Netherlands, with multiple locations in Amsterdam. While it covers all Asian cuisines, its Japanese section is extensive and well-stocked. The chain offers a wide range of Japanese products, from fresh produce to frozen goods and pantry staples.

Locations in Amsterdam

  • Amazing Oriental – Geldersekade: Geldersekade 101, 1011 EM Amsterdam. Central location near Nieuwmarkt. Open daily 10:00–20:00.
  • Amazing Oriental – Dappermarkt: Dapperplein 12, 1093 BS Amsterdam. In the Oost district. Open Mon–Sat 09:00–19:00, Sun 11:00–18:00.
  • Amazing Oriental – Overtoom: Overtoom 117, 1054 HH Amsterdam. Near Vondelpark. Open daily 10:00–20:00.

What to Buy

  • Fresh produce: Japanese eggplant, shiso leaves, daikon, napa cabbage, and occasionally fresh wasabi root (around €8–€12 per root).
  • Frozen goods: Edamame, gyoza wrappers, frozen udon, tempura shrimp, and various fish balls.
  • Pantry staples: Kikkoman soy sauce (€3.50 for 500ml), Mizkan rice vinegar, mirin, sake, miso paste (white, red, and mixed), dried kombu, bonito flakes, nori sheets, and Japanese curry roux blocks (S&B, House Foods).
  • Snacks and drinks: Pocky, KitKat (matcha and sake flavors), ramune soda, Calpis, and a large selection of Japanese tea (green tea, hojicha, genmaicha).

Amazing Oriental is your one-stop shop for most Japanese ingredients. However, for specialized items like fresh tofu or premium sushi-grade fish, you may need to visit smaller specialty stores.

2. Tjin's Toko – Family-Run Indonesian-Japanese Grocer

Tjin's Toko is a beloved family-run business that has been serving the Amsterdam community for decades. While primarily an Indonesian toko (grocery store), it carries a significant selection of Japanese products, especially condiments and sauces. The store is known for its friendly staff and competitive prices.

Location

Eerste van Swindenstraat 391, 1093 GC Amsterdam (near Dappermarkt). Open Mon–Sat 10:00–18:00, Sun 12:00–17:00.

What to Buy

  • Japanese sauces: Ponzu, teriyaki, tonkatsu sauce, and yakisoba sauce (brands like Kikkoman and Otafuku).
  • Instant noodles: A good selection of Cup Noodles, Nissin, and Sapporo Ichiban.
  • Pickles: Umeboshi (pickled plums), takuan (pickled daikon), and gari (pickled ginger).
  • Frozen items: Japanese-style croquettes (korokke), chicken katsu, and frozen gyoza.

Tjin's Toko is a great place to pick up everyday Japanese condiments without the crowds of the larger supermarkets. It's also a good spot for Indonesian ingredients, which share many similarities with Japanese cuisine.

3. De Vegetarische Slager – For Plant-Based Japanese Alternatives

While not a Japanese grocery store per se, De Vegetarische Slager (The Vegetarian Butcher) in Amsterdam offers plant-based alternatives that work well in Japanese cooking. They have a range of mock meats that can be used in dishes like teriyaki, katsu curry, and ramen. Their products are also available at many supermarkets, but their flagship store has a wider selection.

Location

Overtoom 167, 1054 HH Amsterdam. Open Tue–Sat 10:00–18:00, Sun 12:00–17:00.

What to Buy

  • Vegetarian chicken pieces (€4.50 for 200g) – great for karaage or teriyaki.
  • Vegetarian beef strips – for gyudon or sukiyaki.
  • Vegetarian shrimp – for tempura or sushi.

If you follow a plant-based diet, this store is a valuable resource for recreating Japanese classics. However, for authentic Japanese ingredients, you'll still need to visit the other stores listed here.

4. Sushi-Specialist Shops: The Catch and Toko Ichidai

For sushi enthusiasts, finding premium fish is key. Two shops in Amsterdam stand out for their sushi-grade offerings: The Catch and Toko Ichidai.

The Catch

The Catch is a fishmonger and sushi specialist located in the Foodhallen area. They source high-quality fish directly from the market and offer a range of sushi-grade options. They also sell prepared sushi and poke bowls.

Location: Bellamyplein 51, 1053 AT Amsterdam. Open Tue–Sat 10:00–18:00, Sun 11:00–17:00.

What to Buy: Salmon (€35 per kg), tuna (€50–€80 per kg depending on cut), yellowtail, mackerel, and scallops. They also sell nori, sushi rice (Kokuho Rose brand), and seasoned rice vinegar.

The Catch is ideal for those who want to prepare sushi at home with restaurant-quality fish. They can also advise on which cuts are best for sashimi.

Toko Ichidai

Toko Ichidai is a small Japanese grocery store in the Jordaan neighborhood. It stocks a curated selection of Japanese products, including fresh fish, tofu, and snacks. The owner is knowledgeable and often brings in seasonal items.

Location: Tweede Leliedwarsstraat 15, 1015 TB Amsterdam. Open Tue–Sat 11:00–18:00.

What to Buy: Fresh tofu (€2.50 for 300g), frozen edamame, Japanese mayonnaise (Kewpie), panko breadcrumbs, and a small selection of fresh fish (depending on catch).

Toko Ichidai is a hidden gem for those in the Jordaan area. It's small but well-curated, and the owner can order specific items upon request.

5. Online Options: Japanese Groceries Delivered

If you prefer home delivery, several online stores deliver Japanese groceries across Amsterdam. These are especially useful for bulky items like rice or for specialty products not available in physical stores.

  • Oriental Webshop (orientalwebshop.nl): Offers a wide range of Japanese products, from fresh fish to pantry staples. Delivery within 1-2 days. Minimum order €25, delivery fee €5.95.
  • Amazing Oriental Online (amazingoriental.com): The online branch of the supermarket chain. Free delivery for orders over €50. Stock includes many of the same items as their physical stores.
  • Japan Centre (japancentre.com): UK-based but ships to the Netherlands. Specializes in Japanese groceries. Delivery takes 3-5 business days, shipping from €7.50. Ideal for hard-to-find items like yuzu kosho or matcha powder.

For sushi-grade fish, you can also order from specialized online fishmongers that deliver to Amsterdam.

6. What to Look For: Essential Japanese Ingredients

When shopping at these stores, keep an eye out for these essential Japanese ingredients. They form the backbone of Japanese home cooking.

  • Rice: Japanese short-grain rice (e.g., Koshihikari, Tamanishiki) is a must for sushi and everyday meals. A 5kg bag costs around €12–€18.
  • Soy sauce: Look for naturally brewed (honjozo) soy sauce. Kikkoman is widely available, but premium brands like Yamasa or San-J are also found.
  • Mirin: Sweet rice wine for glazes and sauces. Hon-mirin (genuine) is preferred over aji-mirin (imitation). A 300ml bottle costs €4–€7.
  • Miso: White miso (shiro) is mild and versatile; red miso (aka) is stronger. A 500g tub costs €5–€9.
  • Kombu and bonito flakes: For dashi stock. Kombu (dried kelp) costs around €3 for 50g; bonito flakes (katsuobushi) around €5 for 100g.
  • Nori: Dried seaweed sheets for sushi. A pack of 10 sheets costs €3–€5.
  • Sushi vinegar: Seasoned rice vinegar (often with sugar and salt) for making sushi rice. A 350ml bottle costs €3–€5.
  • Japanese curry roux: Blocks like Vermont or Java Curry. A 200g box costs €3.50–€5.

For a deeper dive into Japanese dining culture, read our Complete Guide to Japanese Dining in Amsterdam.

7. Tips for Shopping at Japanese Grocery Stores

  • Check expiration dates: Imported goods may have shorter shelf lives. Always check the date, especially for fresh tofu and fish.
  • Bring cash: Some smaller toko's may prefer cash, though most now accept cards.
  • Go early: For fresh fish, visit in the morning for the best selection. The Catch, for example, gets its fish early and sells out quickly.
  • Ask the staff: Owners of smaller shops are often happy to share cooking tips or recommend substitutes.
  • Compare prices: Amazing Oriental tends to have the best prices for staples, while specialty shops like Toko Ichidai may charge more for niche items.

If you're planning a Japanese-themed dinner party or simply want to explore authentic flavors, these stores have you covered. For those interested in the finer points of Japanese cuisine, check out our articles on best omakase in Amsterdam and omakase etiquette tips.

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