Santo Supermarket!

A "Restaurant Supermarket" Experience in Nagoya

For foreign residents in Japan, the supermarket experience can often be a quirky and satisfying cultural experience at first. However, that initial charm can wear off as time passes, leaving you feeling somewhat disappointed and frustrated.

While the average Japanese supermarket is undoubtedly clean, efficient, and friendly, these stores are primarily designed to cater to the needs and tastes of Japanese customers with distinct culinary preferences. What you'll find on their shelves often reflects what appears on the typical Japanese family's dinner table—items that may differ significantly from what many international shoppers are looking for in terms of quantity, variety, and authenticity.

The frustration builds when you realize that one supermarket rarely has all the ingredients you need for your unique eating habits, special recipes, or traditional party fare. If you're not preparing something traditionally Japanese, you may often find yourself hopping from shop to shop just to complete your shopping list.

Sound familiar?

In recent years, Japanese supermarkets have expanded their offerings to attract younger shoppers who are more accustomed to international foods and expect greater variety. While this has led to a more diverse selection of products on the shelves, many of the things international shoppers are looking for simply aren't available - especially at the prices they can afford.

Some people go to Costco because it offers bulk quantities and international products. However, these products are often heavily processed and packaged.

Gyōmuyō shokuhin supermarkets are a haven for chefs, restaurant owners, and serious home cooks who need large quantities of high-quality ingredients.

However, if you are a true foodie and if you're looking for a whole new level of grocery shopping, you should check out a gyōmu supermarket (業務スーパー).

A supermarket that specializes in bulk sales and caters to both businesses and general consumers is commonly referred to as a 業務用スーパー (Gyōmuyō Sūpā) or 業務用食品スーパー (gyōmuyō shokuhin sūpā) in Japanese.

業務用 (Gyōmuyō) means "for business use" or "commercial use," and スーパー (Sūpā) is shorthand for "supermarket." These stores are designed to provide large quantities of products at lower prices, which appeals not only to restaurants and businesses but also to individuals looking for cost-effective shopping options.

While Gyōmu Sūpā is a specific brand name, the term 業務用スーパー can be used more generally to describe any supermarket that focuses on bulk sales and commercial use products, regardless of the brand or company operating it. These particular types of supermarkets primarily cater to businesses, particularly restaurants, but are also open to the general public. Known for offering bulk quantities of fresh produce, seafood, meat, and specialty ingredients at lower prices. They are a haven for chefs, restaurant owners, and serious home cooks who need large quantities of high-quality ingredients.

Aichi is home to several of these gems, operated by the Santo Supermarket chain, with branches in Meito-ku, Tenpaku-ku, Kasugai, and Kariya. The Meito-ku location is particularly popular with local Nagoya residents, especially those living near Motoyama or Issha.

Exceptional Fresh Seafood Selection

Santo stands out with its exceptional seafood offerings. Customers can savor fresh catches such as live fish, crabs, shellfish, and even lobster, all sourced from daily shipments from local markets and fishermen to ensure maximum freshness.

Whether you are looking for live seafood or fresh sashimi, the selection here satisfies casual diners and gourmet aficionados. The store also boasts top-quality tuna varieties, including Honmaguro (bluefin), Indian, and yellowfin tuna, available in frozen blocks and ready-to-eat portions.

Every Saturday at the Meitou-ku store, they hold a maguro kaitai-shō (まぐろ解体ショー), where they display a whole tuna and cut it in front of shoppers. The process is carried out by a skilled fishmonger who demonstrates their expertise in cutting the massive fish into various parts, which are then sold fresh to shoppers. It is a real cultural and culinary experience.

For those who prefer frozen options, the supermarket also offers a wide range of flash-frozen seafood, preserving flavor and quality for gourmet and everyday cooking.

A Diverse and High-Quality Selection of Meat
The meat section is exceptional, offering a wide variety of domestic and imported meats. From premium domestic Wagyu (graded A5-A4) to imported Australian chilled beef, the selection includes tenderloin, ribeye, strip loin, ground beef, and more. This caters to a range of cooking methods, such as grilling, roasting, or steak preparations.

Pork enthusiasts can explore high-quality options such as Iberico pork from Spain, known for its rich flavor and fine marbling, alongside Kagoshima black pork and various domestic cuts ideal for Japanese dishes like tonkatsu or shabu-shabu.

The poultry section is equally diverse, featuring prized breeds like Awaodori chicken from Tokushima and the famous Nagoya Cochin, perfect for yakitori, karaage, or nabe.

Santo also offers a unique selection of frozen meats, including turkey (depending on the season) and foie gras. This surprising collection of culinary oddities is mostly intended for the many restaurateurs who come here to stock kitchens serving a variety of international cuisines. Although these items are primarily targeted at professional chefs, anyone is welcome to shop here.

Fruits and Vegetables Galore
The seafood and meat sections are complemented by a well-stocked fruit and vegetable selection emphasizing freshness, quality, and quantity. They offer an astonishing variety of seasonal produce from across Japan, including every day staples as well as exotic fruits and vegetables. Looking for coriander? They have it. Need kale? Yes, they have that too. Fresh herbs? A wide selection is on offer. Mushroom aficionado? You will stagger to take in the entire aisle of available shrooms on sale!

Additionally, they offer a wide variety of fruit, including high-end, beautifully wrapped seasonal fruits, as well as a large selection of less expensive options for those looking for a bargain.

Spices, Condiments, and Foreign Ingredients

Santo excels in providing spices, condiments, and foreign ingredients, making it a go-to destination for those seeking unique culinary elements. The vast assortment caters to local and international shoppers who need something specific, ensuring that even hard-to-find items are available. While some products are competitively priced with larger volumes, others may carry a premium due to their superior quality. This focus on high-grade and bulk ingredients aligns with the store's reputation for variety and quality.

With all of this said you may be surprised to find that while this store offers a great variety and quality of products, it doesn't extend to many of the items typically found at a regular supermarket. The sections for cheese, dairy, and bread selections are particularly unremarkable in comparison to the rest of what is available and can be kind of hit-or-miss.

Great Staff!
Navigating these expansive and well-organized stores is a fun experience. Though no one seems to speak much English, many foreigners come here – especially to the Meitou-ku location, so your presence won't shock anyone. As in most places in Japan, the staff is exceptionally courteous and helpful. They are quite busy - but when you catch them, they are ready to assist with specific ingredient inquiries or culinary advice (in Japanese only!).

Cash Only Folks!
This store only accepts cash, so be prepared. There are no ATMs inside, though is a conbini around the corner.

Getting There
Although the Meito Ward location can pose accessibility challenges, especially for those relying on public transportation, many customers find the effort worthwhile. Long-term patrons consistently praise the store for its unmatched selection and quality. As one satisfied customer expressed:

"I've been coming here for years! This is the place to find fresh seafood, spices, and foreign ingredients you can't find anywhere else in Nagoya. While some items are more expensive due to their high quality, the selection is unmatched. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for unique ingredients in larger quantities."