Marukai Market - Los Angeles, California

Anna V. G.

The problem is it’s size. It’s small.

I asked if they had corn starch and they only had potato starch. They’re both thickeners but one ends up being clear and the other opaque. I found out these are the most important differences between them on google much later because I had poor reception there. I’m not sure if Japanese cuisine rarely uses corn starch as opposed to potato starch or something but it wasn’t great that there was no corn starch.

All in all I was very frustrated. Maybe I deserved it because, alas I was going to make orange chicken lol. Getting stuff for orange chicken at a Japanese grocery store? Well, I must admit that I chose this store because it had one of my favorite items.

Ponzu sauce. The ponzu sauce was made in Japan and it was not terribly expensive. I always look for items that are made in Japan as opposed to China. Items like wakame. Yeah, some of it isn’t produced in Japan. Of course the Japanese stuff is more pricey but it’s worth it. I like to think the Japanese stuff will be less carcinogenic or something.

I found everything besides the corn starch. Chef grade soy sauce, Kadoya sesame seed oil and ponzu.

The store is overflowing with snack foods. Maybe they could calm down with the snack foods and bring in other things? Just maybe, so I can maybe find corn starch next time? Lol

Parking in the underground structure is validated.

stefan

I had the best wafer ice cream ever here and i could not be happier

They also sell other japanese stuff i guess

Vince L. L.

Awesome one-stop shop for authentic imports and premium cold-case meals and dishes. Tons of fresh made items and an extensive selection of the snacks and treats we remember from Japan. Bonus parking validation if you're in their closest garage.

Jason C.

I love this store in Japantown! Cute greeting cards, tote bags, lanyards and more!

Tim F.

There are so many shops. This place was great. This is always a go-to when we are visiting. Love the market gor snacks. The bookstore has so much in it. There are plenty of other great stores too, and then there are the vendors too. It's a great find and I recommend you go there when you are in the area.

Jenae L.

Marukai feels exactly like a grocery store in Japan. They have it down with the daily fresh sushi and rolls, signage, and employees that will greet you in Japanese.

I had to visit a couple of times before I felt comfortable walking around the store to and figure out what I wanted. It can feel like you’re going in circles cause you are, but the layout does make sense after a few visits.

Sushi and bento boxes are 20% off after 7PM.
Parking is free with $25 purchase for up to 1 hour.
Personal checks are no longer accepted at checkout.
Alcohol sales end at 9PM.

They have a self check out and a regular check out, and microwaves by the exit to heat up meals.

You can get all kinds of specialty groceries, frozen food, Japanese snacks and fresh produce here. The price points are similar to that of a Ralphs or Vons.

Kevin C.

Great selection of Japanese products from Japan and embodying Japanese culture. Picked up a few snacks to go. Area is busy at all hours. Great diversity in snacks, produce, and home goods. There is plenty of English translation and labeling to help understand what products are.

Isadora

Every time we come to Little Tokyo, Marukai Market is a must stop. We always find something new and interesting to try. There are so many great things here that you simply cannot go just once. The sushi quality is outstanding, my personal favorite is the Toro Bowl with a Melon Calpico. 😊

Besides the large selection of food to-go and beverages, they have an extensive selection of vegetables, fruits and Japanese necessities. You can get everything you need here, and they validate parking, which is very helpful when parking in the Weller court. Love this place, will be back soon!