Yamazaki has it all!

Yamazaki Grocery is right smack in front of Little Tokyo in Makati. Hard to miss because it’s quite a large store. And there are perennially Toyotas parked in front (tough to find a parking spot, so be forewarned!)

We usually stock up on Japanese staples such as soy sauce, soba sauce, soba, nori, etc. etc., because it’s such a reliable source of authentic Japanese ingredients. They have huge industrial freezers. They also have a section for fresh foods. We bought some beautiful straw mushrooms and I saw some extra-long radishes in our recent trip.

Yeng always ends up buying nato (which he fell in love with during his Japan visit, much to the amazement of his Japanese homestay family). I, meanwhile, end up perusing the great selection of Japanese snacks like their own versions of kakanin, crackers and pastries. Dui always finds herself going through the chocolate section.

In Japan, freshness is a huge issue. I watched a show that highlighted that “best before dates” are actually “best before dates AND times.” And Yamazaki takes it seriously too. Dates/times are conspicuous on all products. I haven’t seen anything that has reached its shelf life, still on the shelves, unlike some other Japanese stores which put them on sale. And no dusty shelves here!

Japanese expats come and go. Business is brisk. Probably also because there is an adjoining restaurant, bearing the same name. Another addition on our “to try” list.

The only thing I am not too keen on here is their tea selection which is quite limited.

While the staff are all Filipino, they are knowledgeable on what they are selling. So don’t be shy to ask if you don’t exactly know what something is as those Japanese labels can be quite confusing. It’s just too bad that they feel the need to scream their Japanese greetings in chorus upon your arrival and departure.

Yamazaki Japanese Grocery
2277 Fernando St. cor. Pasong Tamo
(beside Makati Cinema Square)
Makati City
Tels: 893.2162, 893.2163