Whether you’re craving authentic Asian ingredients, trying to recreate a dish from your favorite K-drama, or simply exploring new flavors, Singapore’s diverse selection of Japanese and Korean supermarkets offers something for everyone. This comprehensive guide breaks down the best options across different price points and specialties.
Japanese Supermarkets: From Budget to Premium
1. Daiso Singapore – The Budget Champion
Price Range: $ (Everything at $2)
Number of Locations: 16 branches island-wide
Daiso has transformed from a simple dollar store into a treasure trove for Japanese product enthusiasts. With over 90,000 products in their inventory, this is where budget-conscious shoppers can score incredible deals without sacrificing authenticity.
What Makes It Special: The beauty of Daiso lies in its predictability—everything costs just $2. This flat pricing model makes it perfect for experimenting with new products without breaking the bank. While they’re known for household items and quirky finds, their food section deserves serious attention.
Must-Buy Items:
- Furikake rice seasonings – An incredible variety at unbeatable prices
- Japanese snacks – From traditional sembei to modern candy flavors
- Condiments and sauces – Including ponzu, teriyaki bases, and curry cubes
- Kitchen tools – Japanese cooking utensils and bento boxes
Best For: Students, budget shoppers, anyone wanting to experiment with Japanese products without commitment
Pro Tip: Stock rotates regularly, so if you spot something you love, grab multiple packages. It might not be there next week.
2. Don Don Donki – The All-Rounder
Price Range: $$ (Mid-range, competitive pricing)
Number of Locations: 5 branches
Don Don Donki (affectionately called “Donki” by locals) has quickly become Singapore’s go-to destination for Japanese products since opening its first store. The brand promises “Japanese quality at Japanese prices,” and they largely deliver on this commitment.
What Makes It Special: Walking into Don Don Donki feels like stepping into Japan itself. The stores are typically large, well-stocked, and organized in the characteristic Japanese style—sometimes chaotic, always exciting. The atmosphere is energetic, with bright lights, Japanese pop music, and displays that encourage discovery.
Must-Buy Items:
- Ready-to-eat foods – Their signature sweet potato (baked fresh in-store), various sushi selections, bento boxes, and onigiri
- Frozen gyoza – Restaurant-quality dumplings at supermarket prices
- Sauces and seasonings – Extensive selection from everyday staples to specialty items
- Fresh produce – Japanese vegetables like daikon, negi, and seasonal specialties
- Chilled meats – Affordable options for Japanese-style cooking
Best For: Families, regular Japanese food consumers, anyone seeking variety and convenience
Shopping Strategy: Visit during off-peak hours if possible—Donki gets incredibly crowded on weekends. The fresh food section restocks throughout the day, with the best selection in late morning and early evening.
3. Fish Mart Sakuraya – The Seafood Specialist
Price Range: $$ – $$$ (Mid to upper-mid range)
Number of Locations: 4 branches
As the name suggests, Fish Mart Sakuraya has built its reputation on exceptional seafood. This is where serious home cooks and sashimi lovers come for quality that rivals Japanese fish markets.
What Makes It Special: Sakuraya takes pride in sourcing and selecting their seafood with the same care you’d expect in Japan. Their fish counter showcases pristine cuts of sashimi-grade fish, and the staff generally knows their products well enough to offer cooking suggestions.
Must-Buy Items:
- Sashimi – The star attraction, with daily rotating selections based on availability
- Fresh fish – Whole fish and premium cuts
- Japanese vegetables – Fresher than most competitors
- Packaged ingredients – Specialty items for authentic Japanese cooking
- Beverages – Good selection of Japanese teas and soft drinks
Best For: Seafood enthusiasts, home cooks serious about Japanese cuisine, those willing to pay more for quality
Insider Tip: Ask the staff about the day’s freshest arrivals. They receive shipments at specific times, and you can sometimes get first pick if you time it right.
4. Meidi-Ya – The Premium Experience
Price Range: $$$ – $$$$ (Premium pricing)
Number of Locations: 1 (Liang Court Shopping Centre, B1-50) + Online store
Meidi-Ya stands as Singapore’s original Japanese supermarket, established long before the recent wave of Japanese stores. It caters to those who refuse to compromise on quality and are willing to pay for the authentic Japanese supermarket experience.
What Makes It Special: This is the only Japanese supermarket on this list offering comprehensive online shopping, making it convenient for busy professionals. The product selection leans heavily toward premium items imported directly from Japan, including many products you won’t find elsewhere in Singapore.
Must-Buy Items:
- Premium grade meats – Including wagyu beef and specialty cuts
- High-end seafood – Pristine sashimi and rare fish varieties
- Premium instant noodles – Artisanal ramen brands and limited editions
- Japanese sake and beverages – Curated selection of premium options
- Specialty ingredients – Hard-to-find items for serious Japanese cooking
Best For: Expats accustomed to Japanese quality, special occasion shopping, those who prioritize quality over price
Shopping Experience: The store at Liang Court feels upscale and organized, reminiscent of Japanese department store basements (depachika). The online store is particularly useful for stocking up on staples or heavier items.
Korean Supermarkets: Bringing K-Culture Home
Korean supermarkets in Singapore generally maintain more consistent pricing across different stores compared to their Japanese counterparts. The variation comes more from product selection and shopping convenience than dramatic price differences.
5. Harin Mart – The Digital Pioneer
Price Range: $$ (Competitive online pricing)
Number of Locations: Online only
Harin Mart represents the future of ethnic grocery shopping—no physical overhead means better prices passed to customers. Their exclusively online model works surprisingly well for Korean products, which often have longer shelf lives.
What Makes It Special: Without a physical store to maintain, Harin Mart can offer competitive pricing while maintaining decent selection. The shopping experience is straightforward, focusing mainly on groceries and food products rather than the lifestyle items you’d find in brick-and-mortar stores.
Must-Buy Items:
- Ready-to-eat meals – Convenient options for busy weeknights
- Soju – Good variety at reasonable prices
- Rice cakes (tteok) – Fresh and packaged varieties
- Kimchi – Multiple types and brands
- Korean snacks – Popular items from variety shows
Best For: Busy professionals, those comfortable with online shopping, people stocking up on pantry staples
Ordering Tip: Plan ahead as delivery times may vary. Combine orders to maximize value since shipping is typically a flat rate or has minimum order requirements.
6. Shine Korea – The Widespread Option
Price Range: $$ (Mid-range)
Number of Locations: 11 branches + Online store
With the most extensive physical presence among Korean supermarkets, Shine Korea makes authentic Korean products accessible across Singapore. Their promise of “authentic Korean products at the best price” is backed by their direct sourcing relationships.
What Makes It Special: Convenience is Shine Korea’s biggest strength. With 11 locations spread across different neighborhoods, there’s likely one within reasonable distance. The stores maintain consistent quality and selection across branches, so you know what to expect.
Must-Buy Items:
- Instant noodles – Impressive variety of brands and flavors, including the latest Korean trends
- Snacks – From traditional rice crackers to modern treats featured in K-dramas
- Beverages – Korean coffee, teas, and soft drinks
- Frozen dumplings – Convenient for quick meals
- Korean sauces – Gochujang, doenjang, and specialty marinades
Best For: Regular Korean food consumers, families, those who prefer in-person shopping with online backup
Shopping Strategy: Check their website for current promotions before visiting. They often run sales on popular items, particularly instant noodles and snacks.
7. Koryo Mart – The Expat Favorite
Price Range: $$ – $$$ (Mid to upper-mid range)
Number of Locations: 8 branches + Online store
Originally targeting Korean expats in Singapore, Koryo Mart has earned a reputation for authenticity and quality. Their focus on the Korean community means they stock items that are truly essential for Korean home cooking, not just trendy K-pop merchandise.
What Makes It Special: The expat focus means Koryo Mart doesn’t compromise on authenticity. They stock regional Korean specialties and seasonal items that other stores might skip. The hot sale section is worth checking regularly for excellent deals on staples.
Must-Buy Items:
- Kimchi – Multiple varieties with authentic fermentation
- Korean snacks – Both traditional and modern favorites
- Strawberry milk – The iconic Korean beverage
- Fresh Korean vegetables – Perilla leaves, Korean radish, etc.
- Korean alcohol – Beyond soju, including makgeolli and Korean wines
Best For: Korean expats, serious Korean food enthusiasts, those seeking authentic regional products
Pro Tip: The hot sale section rotates weekly. If you find your favorite kimchi or snack on sale, stock up—these deals can be significant.
8. Lee Mart – The Convenient Choice
Price Range: $$ (Mid-range)
Number of Locations: Multiple outlets, concentrated in CBD and downtown areas
Lee Mart occupies a unique niche with its strategic locations near business districts. Several outlets go beyond typical supermarket offerings by serving Korean meals, making them lunch destinations as well as grocery stops.
What Makes It Special: Location, location, location. For office workers in the CBD or downtown area, Lee Mart offers the convenience of grabbing Korean groceries or a meal without traveling far. The Suntec City Mall location, in particular, is popular for its meal service.
Must-Buy Items:
- Soju – Affordable selection perfect for gatherings
- Korean snacks – Good variety of popular items
- Dried fish and seafood – Korean banchan essentials
- Instant rice and meal kits – Convenient for office workers
- Korean beverages – Coffee drinks and traditional options
Best For: Office workers, downtown residents, those looking for quick Korean meal options
Note on Selection: While Lee Mart has a Qoo10 presence, the online selection is significantly smaller than what you’ll find in physical stores. Visit in person for the full range.
Shopping Strategies and Tips
Understanding Price vs. Quality
Japanese and Korean products span a wide quality spectrum. Here’s what you’re typically paying for at different price points:
Budget Options (Daiso, Harin Mart):
- Mass-market brands
- Smaller packaging
- Limited selection but solid basics
- Perfect for experimentation
Mid-Range (Don Don Donki, Shine Korea, Most Korean marts):
- Good balance of authenticity and value
- Broader selection
- Mix of mainstream and specialty items
- Reliable quality for regular consumption
Premium (Meidi-Ya, Sakuraya seafood):
- Highest quality ingredients
- Specialty and hard-to-find items
- Premium brands from Japan/Korea
- Worth the splurge for special occasions
When to Shop Online vs. In-Store
Choose Online When:
- You know exactly what you want
- Stocking up on heavy or bulky items
- Time is more valuable than slight price differences
- You live far from physical locations
Choose In-Store When:
- Browsing for new products
- Buying fresh or temperature-sensitive items
- You want to check expiration dates and packaging
- Taking advantage of in-store only promotions
Maximizing Value
- Join loyalty programs – Most stores offer points or membership benefits
- Follow social media – Stores announce flash sales and new arrivals
- Time your visits – Fresh items arrive on specific days/times
- Compare prices – Some items vary significantly between stores
- Buy seasonal – Japanese and Korean products follow seasonal cycles
What to Buy Where
For Fresh Seafood: Sakuraya > Meidi-Ya > Don Don Donki
For Budget Snacks: Daiso > Shine Korea > Harin Mart
For Premium Meats: Meidi-Ya > Sakuraya > Don Don Donki
For Korean Staples: Koryo Mart > Shine Korea > Lee Mart
For Convenience: Don Don Donki (Japanese) / Lee Mart (Korean)
For Online Shopping: Meidi-Ya (Japanese) / Shine Korea or Koryo Mart (Korean)
Cultural Considerations and Product Highlights
Japanese Products Worth Trying
Seasonings that Transform Cooking:
- Furikake – Rice seasonings in countless varieties
- Shichimi togarashi – Seven-spice blend
- Ponzu – Citrus-based sauce perfect for dipping
- Mentsuyu – Versatile noodle sauce base
Snacks with Staying Power:
- Pocky and Pretz – Iconic stick snacks
- Umaibo – Affordable corn puff sticks
- Kit Kat specialty flavors – Japanese exclusive varieties
- Senbei – Traditional rice crackers
Convenience Heroes:
- Instant curry blocks – Just add protein and vegetables
- Instant miso soup – Individual packets for quick preparation
- Ochazuke – Pour hot water over rice for instant comfort food
- Onigiri fillings – Pre-seasoned options for rice balls
Korean Products Worth Trying
Essential Sauces and Pastes:
- Gochujang – Fermented chili paste, the soul of Korean cooking
- Doenjang – Fermented soybean paste
- Gochugaru – Korean chili flakes
- Ssamjang – Thick, spicy paste for wraps
Instant Noodle Royalty:
- Shin Ramyun – The classic spicy noodle
- Samyang Buldak – The viral spicy challenge noodles
- Chapagetti – Black bean noodles
- Neoguri – Seafood udon-style noodles
Snack Culture:
- Honey Butter Chips – The snack that launched a thousand trends
- Pepero – Korea’s answer to Pocky
- Choco Pie – Nostalgic marshmallow treats
- Korean seaweed snacks – Crispy and addictive
Beverage Scene:
- Banana milk – Iconic yellow bottle
- Soju – Korean spirit in countless flavors
- Makgeolli – Traditional rice wine
- Korean barley tea – Refreshing and healthy
The Verdict: Where Should You Shop?
For Japanese Products
If you’re just starting out: Begin with Daiso to experiment affordably, then graduate to Don Don Donki when you know what you like.
If you cook Japanese food regularly: Make Don Don Donki your main store, supplemented by Sakuraya trips when you need quality seafood.
If quality is non-negotiable: Meidi-Ya is your destination, especially for special occasions or hard-to-find ingredients.
If you’re a seafood enthusiast: Sakuraya should be your first stop, with other stores filling in the gaps.
For Korean Products
If convenience matters most: Shine Korea’s 11 locations mean you’re never far from Korean products.
If you want authenticity: Koryo Mart’s expat focus ensures genuine Korean products and brands.
If you work downtown: Lee Mart’s CBD locations make it easy to grab Korean items during lunch or after work.
If you prefer online shopping: Harin Mart offers good prices without leaving home, though selection is more limited.
Final Thoughts
Singapore’s Japanese and Korean supermarket scene has matured beautifully over the past decade. What started as niche stores serving expat communities has blossomed into a diverse ecosystem catering to everyone from casual browsers to serious home cooks.
The key to successful shopping is understanding what each store does best. No single supermarket excels at everything, but collectively, they provide access to virtually any Japanese or Korean product you might want. Start with the stores closest to you, experiment with different products, and gradually develop your own shopping rotation based on your needs and preferences.
Whether you’re chasing the latest K-drama food trend, attempting to recreate your favorite Japanese restaurant dish, or simply curious about Asian flavors, these supermarkets serve as your gateway. The investment in trying new ingredients and brands pays dividends in expanded culinary horizons and the ability to bring a taste of Japan and Korea into your own kitchen.
Happy shopping, and even happier eating!