5 Must-Buy Souvenirs from Ho Chi Minh City Supermarkets, Chosen by an 8-Year Local Woman (with usage tips!)
Hello, this is Hazuki from ít ít Việt Nam.
One of the joys of traveling abroad is exploring local supermarkets, isn't it?Ho Chi Minh City's supermarkets are filled with a wide variety of unique Vietnamese foods and seasonings.
However, with so many options, many people might wonder, "Which ones should I buy?" or "Which ones are easy to use in Japan?"
So, this time, as someone who has lived in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, for 8 years, I will introduce 5 carefully selected "Vietnamese souvenirs I'm glad I bought" that I actually use in my daily life.
This is highly recommended not only for those looking for souvenirs to hand out but also for those seeking items that offer a glimpse into Vietnamese life and food culture.
Please use this as a reference for your shopping on your Ho Chi Minh City trip.
Recommended Supermarkets in Ho Chi Minh City
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WinMart
There are many stores in the city, but the one inside Vincom Center in District 1 is convenient to visit while sightseeing!🎶
📍Vincom Center, Lê Thánh Tôn/72 Đồng Khởi, Sài Gòn, Hồ Chí Minh
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Annam Gourmet
There are many stores in the city, but the Takashimaya and Thao Dien branches are easy to access!
Takashimaya Branch
📍Takashimaya building, Basement 2, 65, Lê Lai/94 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, Street, Sài Gòn, Hồ Chí Minh
Thảo Điền Branch
📍41 Thảo Điền, An Khánh, Hồ Chí Minh,
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MM Mega Market An Phú
A large supermarket with a Costco-like atmosphere in Vietnam!br>📍Khu B, Khu đô thị An Phú An Khánh, Bình Trưng, Hồ Chí Minh
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Emart
A large Korean supermarket where you can find both Vietnamese and Korean products.
📍10 Mai Chí Thọ, An Khánh, Hồ Chí Minh
[Classic] Available at Supermarkets! Souvenirs for Cooking Enthusiasts
More than just fresh spring rolls: Rice paper that everyone loves to receive
When it comes to classic Vietnamese souvenirs, rice paper definitely comes to mind.
Ho Chi Minh City supermarkets offer various types and sizes, but the "smaller size" is recommended for ease of cooking.
While fresh spring rolls are a common association, it's surprisingly versatile and pairs wonderfully with ingredients readily available in Japan.
Even a large quantity can be used up surprisingly quickly.
[Recommended arrangements]
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Fruit Daifuku style with fresh cream and fruit
Simply wrap seasonal fruits like strawberries, mangoes, or mandarins with fresh cream for a chewy, fruit daifuku-like dessert.
Using two layers of rice paper is recommended for an even chewier texture!✨
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Shrimp dumplings style by wrapping shrimp
Wrap shrimp and pan-fry them for a dumpling-like dish.
Steaming them on parchment paper prevents the rice paper from sticking to the pan, making it less likely to fail!🎶
Nuoc Mam, a Vietnamese seasoning beloved by cooking enthusiasts
Nuoc Mam, a staple Vietnamese seasoning, is a fermented condiment made from salted anchovies.
It's similar to Thai nam pla, but Vietnamese nuoc mam is typically milder, making it easy to incorporate into Japanese dishes.
Nuoc Mam from Phu Quoc Island in Southern Vietnam is famous and popular as a souvenir. The Thuyền Xưa Foods brand shown in the image is recommended and from Phu Quoc Island!
With a rich umami from fish, it's easy to use not only in ethnic cuisine but also in everyday home cooking.
[Nuoc Mam: Easier to use than you think!]
The following are ways I often use it myself.
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Just add a little to stir-fries
Adding about a teaspoon to your usual stir-fry or fried rice instantly boosts the umami. The ethnic flavor isn't too strong, so you can use it as a hidden ingredient. -
Stir-fried egg and tomato
A simple side dish where nuoc mam and oyster sauce are all you need for flavor.
It pairs perfectly with the acidity of tomatoes.
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Delicious even over cold tofu
Combine nuoc mam, soy sauce, and ginger and pour over cold tofu. It also goes well with condiments like green onions, perilla, and ginger, making it perfect when you don't have much appetite or want a light meal.
[For sharing] Popular among women! Cute and delicious souvenirs
Popular souvenir jams from LE FRUIT, allowing you to enjoy tropical fruits
"LE FRUIT" jams are popular as Vietnamese souvenirs.
You can enjoy Southeast Asian flavors like guava, mango, and pineapple.
The mini size is perfect for souvenirs to hand out. Combining several types to distribute is also recommended.
Beyond spreading on bread, their versatility allows for easy arrangements, such as mixing into yogurt or adding to tea.
It's a souvenir that allows you to continue enjoying the memories of your Vietnamese trip even after returning to Japan!✨
Recommended Flavors
- Pink Guava Jam
- Pomelo Mandarin Marmalade
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Mango Cinnamon Spread
More than just coffee♡Tea from Phúc Long Coffee & Tea
While Vietnam is often associated with coffee, tea is also quite famous.
Among them, teabags from "Phúc Long," a well-known Vietnamese café chain, are also recommended as souvenirs.
Since each teabag is individually packaged, they are easy to distribute, making them perfect for small gifts.
Flavors include:
- Oolong
- Green Tea
- Jasmine
- Peach
- Lychee
and many other varieties.
[Other recommended ways to drink it]
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My favorite is mixing peach tea and lychee tea with sparkling water to make a tea soda.
It's perfect for the coming hot season and looks refreshing, so be sure to introduce it to your friends when you give it to them.
[Tips for distributing souvenirs]
Also, when I bought several jams and teas and divided them to give as gifts, my friends really loved them. If you put them in a lace embroidered pouch sold near ít ít Việt Nam in Ben Thanh Market, the pouch itself will also be appreciated as a souvenir.
[For yourself] Also recommended while you're at the supermarket
Vaseline Body Lotion, convenient for your trip to Vietnam
Vaseline body lotion, popular in Japan, can be easily purchased at supermarkets in Vietnam.
With its international packaging, it also makes for a souvenir that brings a sense of travel.
Its light texture and non-greasy feel make it ideal for use even in hot Ho Chi Minh City.
It's available in many supermarkets, making it convenient to purchase for body care during your trip.
It's also recommended for those who want to "pack light."
The time spent using Vietnamese souvenirs bought at the supermarket after returning to Japan is also part of the joy of travel.
Making Vietnamese dishes with rice paper and nuoc mam, or remembering the streets of Ho Chi Minh City while sipping tea.
Why not incorporate "Vietnamese-style tableware and goods" that can enhance such moments even more?
For those interested, we recommend "ít ít Việt Nam."
Our store offers traditional Vietnamese ceramic ware from Son Be and glasses.
Furthermore, we also have unique, handcrafted items that embody Vietnamese life and craftsmanship, such as handmade accessories made from recycled broken Son Be ceramics that would otherwise be discarded, and everyday tote bags.
If you're looking for more than just "souvenirs to hand out" and want lasting keepsakes from Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City, please stop by.
ít ít Việt Nam Store Information 📍
Ho Chi Minh City Store: Right near Ben Thanh Market!
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📍3rd floor, 14 Đ. Nguyễn An Ninh, Bến Thành, Quận 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
→Google Map
⏰10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🚶2-minute walk from Ben Thanh Market
💳Cash and credit cards accepted
Hoi An Store: While exploring the Old Town
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📍567 Đ. Hai Bà Trưng, Phường Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam
→Google Map
⏰10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🚶About a 10-minute walk from Hoi An Japanese Bridge
💳Cash and credit cards accepted
- See the latest items on Instagram
Our staff looks forward to seeing you in Vietnam! ♡
