Looking for Japanese rice, dashi, or proper miso in London? Here’s where to shop – from budget-friendly gems to large food halls.
1. Rice Wine Shop – Best Value in London
If you only visit one Japanese supermarket in London, make it this one.
A small Soho shop packed with Japanese groceries. The key thing? It’s cheap. The price difference compared to Japan Centre is significant.
They also do takeaway curry and gyudon (beef bowl) that’s genuinely good. They have an online shop too, so you can order in bulk and get it delivered.
They run regular sales, so keep an eye out for those.
Get: Rice, seasonings, frozen items, takeaway curry and gyudon
Details:
- Address: 82 Brewer Street, Soho, W1F 9UA
- Nearest station: Piccadilly Circus
- Hours: Mon–Sat 10:00–20:00, Sun 11:00–19:00
- Online: ricewine.co.uk
2. Natural Natural
A neighbourhood Japanese supermarket near Finchley Road station.
Good selection of sashimi-grade fish and Japanese vegetables. If you live nearby, this is your everyday shop.
They have an online shop with first-time buyer discounts.
Get: Sashimi, Japanese vegetables, everyday seasonings
Details:
- Address: 1 Goldhurst Terrace, South Hampstead, NW6 3HX
- Nearest station: Finchley Road
- Hours: Check website
- Online: naturalnatural.com
3. Atariya
For serious sashimi and sushi-grade fish, Atariya is the answer.
They’ve built their reputation on fish quality. Multiple locations across London – West Acton, Finchley, Golders Green, Kingston, and Swiss Cottage. Each store is compact but covers the basics: dashi, soy sauce, mushrooms, rice, plus their fish counter.
The West Acton branch is particularly good. They also run sushi restaurants, so they know their fish.
Get: Sashimi-grade fish, fresh seafood
Details:
- West Acton: 7 Station Parade, Noel Road, W3 0DS
- Swiss Cottage: 75 Fairfax Road, NW6 4EE
- Finchley: 595 High Road, N12 0DY
- Golders Green: 15-16 Monkville Parade, NW11 0AL
- Kingston: 44 Coombe Road, KT2 7AF
- Website: atariya.co.uk
4. T.K. Trading
A Japanese-owned wholesaler that also serves retail customers. Located in an industrial area of North West London (Acton), it’s worth the trip if you have a car – free parking is a rare bonus in London.
Two floors of products – one of the largest selections in London. Rice, noodles, frozen goods, snacks, sake, seasonings, even Japanese magazines. They supply restaurants across London, so stock turnover is good and products are fresh.
Most signage is in Japanese, which tells you something about their customer base. Great value if you buy in bulk.
Get: Bulk rice, restaurant-quality ingredients, hard-to-find items, sake
Details:
- Address: Unit 6-7, The Chase Centre, Chase Road, NW10 6QD
- Nearest station: North Acton (then bus or walk)
- Hours: Mon–Fri 10:00–16:00, Sat 9:30–16:30, Sun 10:00–16:30
- Online: japan-foods.co.uk
5. Japan Centre
The biggest name in Japanese groceries in London.
Three locations: Panton Street flagship near Leicester Square, Ichiba at Westfield Shepherd’s Bush (billed as Europe’s largest Japanese food hall), and UMAI at Westfield Stratford.
Good range of products – fish counter, bakery, sake bar, hot food, sushi, snacks, cookware. Most things you’d need are there.
But it’s expensive. You’re paying for the central location.
Get: When you need something quick in central London
Details:
- Panton Street: 35b Panton Street, SW1Y 4EA (Leicester Square)
- Ichiba: Westfield London, W12 7HB (White City)
- UMAI: Westfield Stratford City, E20 1EJ
- Online: japancentre.com
Online: WASO
No time to visit a shop, or live outside London? WASO is a good option.
An online-only Japanese grocery covering sashimi, thinly sliced meat, vegetables, and everyday staples. UK-wide delivery with next-day option, including frozen items. They’ve recently expanded to Paris too.
They also have prepared meals and bento supervised by a former 2-Michelin-starred executive chef – handy when you don’t have time to cook.
- Website: waso.tokyo
- Delivery: UK-wide + Paris (next-day in London, frozen items OK)
- Minimum order: From £29.95 (varies by area)
Honourable Mentions: Asian Supermarkets with Japanese Sections
Not exclusively Japanese, but useful to know.
Tian Tian Market
A large Asian supermarket chain covering Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, and Vietnamese products. The Aldgate branch is huge – two floors with a sake bar.
Japanese section covers basics: instant ramen, snacks, sauces, frozen dumplings. Good for one-stop shopping if you cook multiple Asian cuisines.
- Aldgate: 1 Leman Street, E1 8EN
- Other locations: Bloomsbury, South Quay, Wembley, Ealing, South Bank
- Website: tiantian.london
Seoul Plaza
Mainly Korean, but stocks Japanese products too. The Tottenham Court Road branch near Goodge Street is convenient for central London. Good for a cheap lunch – they have affordable hot food.
- Address: 52 Tottenham Court Road, W1T 2EH
- Nearest station: Goodge Street
Quick Comparison
| Store | Best For | Price | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rice Wine Shop | Value | £ | Central |
| Natural Natural | Fish, veg | ££ | North London |
| Atariya | Sashimi-grade fish | ££ | Multiple |
| T.K. Trading | Range, bulk buying | £–££ | West London |
| Japan Centre | Convenient in central | £££ | Central |
Prices and hours may change – check websites before visiting.
About the Author
Ayaka Uchida is a government-certified Japanese teacher and CEO of A-Digital Works Ltd, a London-based digital marketing and localization company. With over 10 years of experience in international business development across Japan, Singapore, the US, and Europe, she founded Nihon GO! World in 2023 to bridge global markets through language education and cultural consulting.