Miso paste is a cornerstone of Japanese cooking, used in soups, marinades, dressings, and more. In Amsterdam, you can find a wide range of miso varieties — from classic white and red to specialty blends — at dedicated Japanese grocery stores, Asian supermarkets, organic markets, and even some mainstream Dutch supermarkets. This guide will walk you through the best places to buy miso paste in Amsterdam, what to look for, and approximate prices as of 2025.

Japanese Grocery Stores in Amsterdam

The most reliable source for authentic miso paste is a Japanese grocery store. Amsterdam has several, each with its own selection and specialties.

Amazing Oriental – A Major Asian Supermarket Chain

While not exclusively Japanese, Amazing Oriental (often called “TOKO”) is the largest Asian supermarket chain in the Netherlands, with multiple locations in Amsterdam. They stock a broad selection of miso pastes, including well-known brands like Hikari, Marukome, and Shirakiku. Prices range from €2.50 for a 400g pack of white miso to €6.00 for organic or specialty varieties. The Amsterdam branch at Geldersekade 1 (near Centraal Station) has a particularly good Japanese section, with refrigerated miso in tubs and vacuum-sealed pouches.

  • Address: Geldersekade 1, 1012 BH Amsterdam (and other locations)
  • Selection: White (shiro), red (aka), mixed (awase), and barley (mugi) miso
  • Price example: Marukome Organic White Miso 400g – €4.99

Akitsu – Small Japanese Delicatessen

Akitsu, located in the De Pijp neighborhood, is a small Japanese delicatessen and grocery. They import products directly from Japan, including several artisanal miso pastes. You can find Hatcho miso (a dark, rich soybean miso) and Saikyo miso (a sweet white miso used in Kyoto cuisine). Prices are higher, typically €6–€10 per 300–500g tub, but the quality is excellent.

  • Address: Eerste van der Helststraat 63, 1073 AC Amsterdam
  • Selection: Artisanal and regional miso varieties
  • Price example: Hatcho miso 400g – €8.50

Mitsukoshi – Japanese Department Store (at Schiphol)

Technically outside Amsterdam city center but accessible via train, Mitsukoshi at Schiphol Plaza is a small Japanese department store. They have a grocery section with miso paste, including premium brands like Yamasa and Kikkoman. Prices are comparable to Akitsu, but the selection is smaller.

  • Address: Schiphol Plaza, 1118 CP Schiphol (a 15-minute train from Centraal)
  • Selection: White, red, and instant miso soup packets
  • Price example: Kikkoman Miso Soup Mix 12 servings – €5.50

Organic and Health Food Stores

For those looking for organic or gluten-free miso, Amsterdam's health food stores are a good option.

Esther's Groente & Fruit

This organic market in the Jordaan has a small Japanese section with miso paste from Clearspring (a UK brand specializing in organic Japanese foods). They stock both white and brown rice miso, as well as mugi miso (made with barley). Prices are around €5–€7 for a 300g jar.

  • Address: Lindengracht 259, 1015 KH Amsterdam
  • Selection: Organic, gluten-free, and unpasteurized miso
  • Price example: Clearspring Organic Brown Rice Miso 300g – €6.29

EkoPlaza

EkoPlaza is a chain of organic supermarkets with several branches in Amsterdam. They carry Rapunzel and Bio Planète miso pastes, which are organic and often vegan. The selection is limited to basic white and red, but the prices are reasonable.

  • Location: Multiple, e.g., Van Baerlestraat 33A
  • Price example: Rapunzel White Miso 200g – €3.99

Dutch Supermarkets

Mainstream Dutch supermarkets like Albert Heijn, Jumbo, and Dirk have started stocking miso paste, especially in larger stores. However, the selection is usually limited to a single brand, often Kikkoman or Honteri (a Dutch brand). Prices are competitive, around €2–€3 for a 200g pack.

  • Albert Heijn: Look in the international or Asian food aisle. Their house brand (AH Basic) does not sell miso, but they stock Kikkoman Miso Paste (white) for €2.49 per 200g.
  • Jumbo: Similar offering, with Honteri Miso Paste (red) at €1.99 per 200g.

Note: These supermarket miso pastes are often pasteurized and may contain additives. For traditional, unpasteurized miso, stick to Japanese or health food stores.

Online Shops Delivering in Amsterdam

If you prefer home delivery, several online stores offer miso paste with fast shipping in Amsterdam.

Asian Food Center (online)

This Dutch website specializes in Asian groceries and delivers throughout the Netherlands. They have a large selection of miso, including Hikari, Marukome, and Miyako. Prices are similar to physical stores, with a flat shipping fee of €5.95 or free for orders over €50.

  • Website: asianfoodcenter.nl
  • Price example: Hikari White Miso 1kg – €7.95

Japans Warenhuis (online)

Based in the Netherlands, Japans Warenhuis is an online Japanese grocery store. They import directly from Japan and offer a curated selection of premium miso, including Saikyo miso and Hatcho miso. Delivery to Amsterdam costs €6.95.

  • Website: japanswarenhuis.nl
  • Price example: Saikyo Miso 500g – €9.50

Tips for Choosing Miso Paste

When buying miso, consider the following factors:

  • Type: White miso (shiro) is mild and sweet, good for dressings and light soups. Red miso (aka) is saltier and stronger, ideal for heartier dishes. Mixed miso (awase) is a blend. Barley miso (mugi) has a nutty flavor.
  • Ingredients: Traditional miso contains only soybeans, rice or barley, salt, and koji (a fermentation culture). Avoid miso with additives like MSG or preservatives.
  • Organic vs. conventional: Organic miso is widely available and may be preferable for those avoiding GMOs.
  • Unpasteurized vs. pasteurized: Unpasteurized miso contains live probiotics, beneficial for digestion. It must be refrigerated. Pasteurized miso has a longer shelf life but fewer health benefits.

If you are new to miso, start with a white miso from a Japanese grocery store. For a deeper dive into Japanese cooking, read our Complete Guide to Japanese Dining in Amsterdam.

Using Miso in Amsterdam Kitchens

Miso is incredibly versatile. Beyond miso soup, you can use it in marinades (like miso-marinated black cod), salad dressings, glazes for vegetables, and even desserts. For authentic recipes, check out our Kaiseki Menu Explained article, which includes a miso-based dish. If you're interested in fine dining, see our Best Omakase in Amsterdam guide.

When cooking with miso, remember that it should be added at the end of cooking to preserve its flavor and beneficial bacteria. For soup, dissolve the miso in a small amount of hot broth before stirring it into the pot.

Where to Find Specialty Miso

For rare or regional miso varieties, such as shiro miso from Kyoto or Hatcho miso from Aichi, your best bet is Akitsu or Japans Warenhuis online. Some health food stores also carry genmai miso (brown rice miso) and soba miso (buckwheat miso).

If you are planning a Japanese-themed dinner party, you might also need sushi-grade fish. Read our Where to Buy Sushi-Grade Fish in Amsterdam article for recommendations.

Conclusion

Amsterdam offers a wealth of options for buying miso paste, from dedicated Japanese grocers to convenient online shops. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, you can find the perfect miso for your needs. For more Japanese food resources, explore our Japanese Grocery Stores in Amsterdam article.

Related Articles

  • The Complete Guide to Japanese Dining in Amsterdam
  • Japanese Grocery Stores in Amsterdam
  • Where to Buy Sushi-Grade Fish in Amsterdam
  • Best Omakase in Amsterdam
  • Kaiseki Menu Explained