Marukai Market Little Tokyo

The 17 Essential Restaurants in LA’s Little Tokyo

"When short on time, pick up a pre-made bento at Marukai Market. The variety is wide and portions are generous, with most bentos priced around $10. The market has a microwave near the registers for easy reheating, too. Don’t overlook the small fridge between the bentos and the drinks that contain the purin, or Japanese custard pudding. The sweet, silky dessert is available for a steal." - Kimberly Madrid, Eater Staff

22 Grocery Stores To Check Out When You’re Sick Of Ralphs - Los Angeles - The Infatuation

"From dazzling sushi to floor-to-ceiling walls of rice crackers, Marukai is a true one-stop shop. The Japanese grocer carries everything from fresh sashimi to the best waterproof mascara in the world, and has an extensive sake collection to boot. Plus for around $10, you can also snag a solid lunch. Their pre-made food section includes chicken karaage bentos, expertly packed inari sushi, and sweet, fluffy clouds of tamago. As far as supermarkets go, this could very well be heaven." - Brant Cox, Sylvio Martins, Kat Hong

Where Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka Loves to Eat and Drink in LA - Eater LA

"Also, Marukai Market. Their sushi is really, really good. I can eat that a lot, the hand rolls, and sometimes I’ll even get a curry with katsu." - Cathy Chaplin

Marukai Market Review - Little Tokyo - Los Angeles - The Infatuation

Jenae Lien

Google

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.

Anna V Garibay

Google

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.

Kevin Chen

Google

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.

Jason Chan

Google

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

stefan

Google

I had the best wafer ice cream ever here and i could not be happier They also sell other japanese stuff i guess

Isadora

Google

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!

Tim Fuest

Google

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.

SOGABE LEO

Google

Sushi!! Anime stuff!! Snacks!! Drinks!! Avocados & vegetables!! Yakiniku meats!! Much more!! So convenient fairly clean & fresh!! Best atmosphere small building but not as big as one in Gardena (Artesia Blvd) location!! Wow!! The service is great!! Picking items what to eat; what to drink. My plan goes well. Busy shopping I’ve ever experienced!! I haven’t visited in Little Tokyo forever!! Happy as always!! Everyone must visit Tokyo Central to go shopping have fun commicate each other get involved with new items!! That’s about it!!

The 17 Essential Restaurants in LA’s Little Tokyo

22 Grocery Stores To Check Out When You’re Sick Of Ralphs - Los Angeles - The Infatuation

Where Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka Loves to Eat and Drink in LA - Eater LA

"Also, Marukai Market. Their sushi is really, really good. I can eat that a lot, the hand rolls, and sometimes I’ll even get a curry with katsu." - Cathy Chaplin

Marukai Market Review - Little Tokyo - Los Angeles - The Infatuation