Foreign products in local Japanese grocery stores

My wife and I make our weekend grocery runs for the entire week, and our usual go-to spot is the nearby Yoshizuya, akin to a Dutch Albert Heijn or a Swiss Migros.

However, when my wife decides to whip up non-Japanese dishes on weekends, we head over to Gyomu Super (https://www.gyomusuper.jp/), a budget-friendly grocery store offering exotic foreign imports.

Today, something caught my eye – Dutch stroopwafels with a chocolate coating. It amused me because, in the Netherlands, I’ve never come across stroopwafels like these. Despite the temptation, I refrained from buying a pack, as I’ve often found disappointment in products wrapped in excessive plastic. While it’s a common practice in Japan, it’s something I’ve learned to accept.

Moving on to chocolates at Gyoma Super, I spot Belgian Godiva, but my preference leans towards Swiss chocolate – a rare find at reasonable prices here in Japan. Surprisingly, I stumble upon dark chocolate without added sugar and coconut. Though different from my beloved Lindt, at 250 JPY a bar, it’s worth a try. To my surprise, it’s made in Spain – a delightful deviation.

Then, my wife draws my attention to a peculiar item, exclaiming “Swiss.” It turns out to be an apple-flavored yogurt drink. Reminiscent of the Yogi Drink from my childhood in Switzerland, I don’t buy it but appreciate the quirky packaging featuring Heidi near an alpine church.

Gyoma Super never ceases to amaze me with its selection of European products at pocket-friendly prices. It’s become our go-to for foreign items not found at Yoshizuya or other Japanese grocery stores.

#GroceryAdventures #InternationalFlavors #GyomaSuperFinds #ExoticTreats #FoodDiscoveries