Waaah I loved this place! Vancouver, how lucky you are to have Konbiniya! Walking into this place felt a little bit like being transported into Japan. I'm from the Bay Area and we have our fair share of Japanese grocery stores (shout out to Niiya in Japantown in San Francisco) but I was very excited to see the selection here. Definitely came across items I've never seen before like a Takoyaki flavored Ramune. It was extremely discounted just fyi probably for good reason. They even had Japanese canned drinks stored hot like in Japan! The take away Japanese desserts also looked good. This place is right on Robson street so a great place to grab a snack, drink, pick me up while shopping. Prices seemed reasonable. One caveat is that it can get busy in here and the aisles are small so it felt a little crowded but that's sort of like Japan as well lol so not a big deal for me. Added to the ambience. Checkout was quick and easy! read more

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Wonderful little slice of Japan tucked into Robson Street. Extensive selection of all manner of candies, onigiri (rice and seasonings wrapped in crisp seaweed), matcha-flavoured snacks, soy sauces, numerous styles of miso paste...you get the idea. It sounds crowded - and it is - but once you push your way to the back of the store, you'll find a tiny Japan tour travel agency and a shelf of clearance items at rock-bottom prices. Service is cheerful, personable and brisk. The store also houses a takeaway crepe and ice cream shop - the crepes are actually better than the ones I've had in Tokyo. read more

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Not quite the same as the convenience stores they have over in Japan but for a taste of Japan within downtown Vancouver...not bad. You can get Onigiri here. I didn't bother checking the price since I had no room in my stomach on this visit for Onigiri. They do have lots of stuff that you could find in Japan. Just much more expensive. However, for over here...their prices are not bad. I saw a pouch of Hojicha Latte mix in this store. This exact same Hojicha Latte mix was selling for $10 each at an Oomomo store in Richmond. At Rice World in Richmond, I had seen it for $7.80. Here at this Konbiniya store I saw it for $7.49. That is the best price I've seen for it within Greater Vancouver. They had other flavors too made by the same company. All of them also selling for $7.49 each. Lots of other Japanese snacks, foods, cooking sauces...etc. to be found here. This store has been around for a long time. They have another branch in Kerrisdale. Not sure when that one opened up. It gives me hope though that maybe they will one day open up yet another location closer to me! read more

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Such a fun throwback to Japan if you're in the area! Not quite the same quality or pricepoint of typical kombini food but still pretty good. Lots of ramen, candy, tea/drinks, onigiri, a few hot items, crepes, and snacks to choose from. A few Gochapon machines are inside as well. Snack wise, we tried chicken karaage and onigiri which we could have warmed up in the on-site microwave if we wanted. If you miss a bit of Tokyo check it out! read more

Konbiniya Japan Centre - International Grocery Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

The perfect little shop that has everything you could ever want from Japan! Some things even labels for sake in Japan Only. Lots of interesting snacks, cookies, candies as well as sauces, seasonings, noodle soups, beauty and home goods. They keep great hours as well, open until midnight on the weekends, and I believe 11 during the week. It's a very cute and conveniently located store, albeit a little bit crowded. The service is not overly friendly but super efficient which for me is all I really need in a market like this. I definitely recommend you check it out!! read more

We always stop here every Vancouver trip. Makes you feel like you are back in Japan. Tasty Japanese snacks, some that you can't find easily at other Asian grocery stores. The soft serve station is the best, my favorite is the yuzu soft serve. read more

Located along Robson St. Seems like the only Japanese snack shop in the area. The store itself, snacks are very expensive. It gets very busy and packed. Inside the convivence store is also a crepe vendor. The review is mainly for the crepe dessert we got. Let me tell you the wait for a crepe dessert was soooo long! It wasn't really busy. Took 20 minutes to make. Jeez. Had the nutella banana crepe. It was sooo sweet. Make sure you have a sweet tooth to get the crepe dessert. read more

Konbiniya Japan Centre - Nutella banana crepe - International Grocery Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

I am actually surprised I have never ever reviewed this place, for as long as it has been here, and if you ever needed some type of Japanese snack this place always had something that would make you put your hand in your wallet and give them money. So what brought me on my most recent visit? Well it was Boxing Day, the day I probably shouldn't even be anywhere near Robson street, but there I was, wasting time, and the wife and I needed a quick bite, and yet we did not want to line up at any place for food due to limited time. Somehow I thought let's go here.. they got food... and yes they do, we ended up buying two onigiri from their fridge and they even had a microwave to use right next to it to heat up your food. I could have went with some special curry on rice, or a spam misubi, or some sushi in the fridge, many options, and also more snack/junk food, yet the onigiri looked about right, and fair priced to all the other options in the neighbourhood. If you are looking for something cheap, fast, fair, and Japanese, come on in here, also it's right on Robson, just be warned, if you like packaging and you look a little too long you are probably going to spend a lot more money here. read more

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konbiniya japan centre on robson street offers a vibrant taste of tokyo's bustling convenience stores. as you enter, you're greeted by a cute automated voice in japanese, setting the tone with catchy music playing in the background. rows of gachapon machines line the aisles, adding a playful touch that mirrors the lively atmosphere of japanese konbinis. having visited japan myself, i found konbiniya japan centre to be a nostalgic haven. it's just like i am in tokyo again. the store is always bustling, packed with a diverse selection of snacks, sauces, and authentic ramen varieties that transport you back to the streets of tokyo. one of the highlights is their offering of boss coffee, a familiar sight from tokyo's ubiquitous vending machines, which adds to the store's authentic charm. they have onigiris available and so much more. outside, the bon crepe station and soft serve ice cream further enhance the experience, offering a taste of japanese street food delights. whether you're grabbing a quick snack or exploring their extensive range of japanese products, konbiniya japan centre captures the essence of japan's vibrant and convenient culinary culture right in the heart of vancouver. read more

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My little glimpse of Japan. Went here three times during our three night stay in Vancouver. The onigiri are so good. Haven't been to Japan, but they compare to Hawaii, which is really tasty. Perfect for a snack or when on the go. Took it when visiting Capilano and now for our flight back to the states. They are made fresh and delivered at 10 am and 2 pm. They are gone by the end of the day so get yours quick. We happened to go during the weekend and weekday without an issue. I was so ecstatic to find dango and mochi ! So hard to find dango unless heading to the city. They have also other Japan goodies. Excited to visit the real deal in actual Japan, but this will do for now ! Make sure to stop by if in downtown Vancouver read more

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They have a huge selection of Japanese grocery products from snacks, to drinks, to sauces. They don't seem to have much fresh produce. They also have some knick-knacks behind the counter (toys and beauty products. In front, they also serve crepes and ice cream. read more

Konbiniya Japan Centre - International Grocery Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Konbiniya is "konbini-ently" situated halfway down Robson, and is one of my favorite little shops along this storied street. For those from Oregon or Washington in the US, it's like a mini, corner store/bodega version of Uwajimaya, with more Japanese goodness crammed into its claustrophobic walls and shelves than seems possible, including all of my favorite snacks and beverages from across the Pacific. You'll find just about any staples of Japanese cuisine for sale here: rice, sauces, seasonings...you name it. There's also a significant selection of health and beauty products. I love this place, and I wish there was one on every street...or at least *my* street. read more

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Loved it a tiny slice of Japan. Great Onigiri. Go when it's fresh at 11:00am. Nice selection of Japanese products.

Nice little Japanese grocery store in downtown. We got some onigiris and Japanese snacks. The onigiris were similar to the ones we had in Tokyo. read more

What a little gem on Robson St! Love stopping by for snacks, chips, candies and drinks. A lot of authentic goodies, though they can get expensive. I like stopping by for their desserts too! You can order at Bon Crepe inside at the cash register or at their window. The soft serve ice cream is $3.99. I got the matcha twist with vanilla. The matcha flavor was very good. The seasonal ice cream flavor when I went was yuzu. read more

Konbiniya Japan Centre - Matcha soft serve - International Grocery Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

3.5 stars Not the most convenient if you had a car, parking is difficult on this block. As it's name suggested they are a mini market. Interesting items, ice cream/dessert bars, Japanese cosmetics, rice balls They carry the usual, sauce mixes, noodles, etc... It's not really a destination if you have a go to asian store near you. read more

Love the assortment and have been ordering delivery for a while now. I have to say, the service is incredible and the gentleman that delivers our order is always so courteous and grateful. I have occasionally added tips but even if I don't, the service is very consistent. I have gone to the actual store too and it really does remind me of being in Japan. If you're in the mood for Japanese snacks and food items, this is your destination read more

The cutest little shop!! Cashier was super friendly. Love that it's open late -- 11pm on weekdays and 12am on weekends I believe -- so great for late-night snacking. Storefront is very small so can get really crowded, especially from 6-8pm. I genuinely appreciate the assortment of Japanese snacks, toiletries, and cosmetics. Has every kind of chip, chocolate, or candy you could want, though I wish they carried more ready-to-eat hot items, like onigiri, pudding, yogurt, sushi, etc. I also wish they carried more beauty items but I can't really complain given how small the store is. Compared to other Asian stores and even online retailers like Wee or Yamibuy, I've noticed their prices for snacks and candy are about equal or slightly cheaper. For other things like toiletries, cosmetics, noodles, sauces, seaweeds, other kitchen ingredients, instant noodles, ready-to-eat items, etc. their prices are higher than average. Recommended to go before 5pm or after 9pm. Made the mistake once of going at 6pm and it was so packed it was difficult to move through the aisles. read more

I've been here a couple of times. The first time I came, I enjoyed the green tea parfait. They also have soft serve and crepes. There is a variety of Japanese snacks, some that come with a premium price tag. They also have onigiri if you want to grab a quick snack. read more

The aisles are very narrow. I had crouched down to look at a product on the bottom shelf. Suddenly, two employees came around the corner and rushed towards me so I had to stand to make way for them to pass. They did not apologized or excused themselves. This happened again minutes later. They could have hit us if we did not move away. They should say 'excuse me' when they passed customers closely especially when they were training a new employee. It is clear that they do not value customers. read more

Mocha bun and pudding parfait Bun was average. Nothing special. Pudding parfait was a delicious treat! Not only is it pretty to look t but it tastes great too. The crunch of the flakes paired with the smooth soft serve and sweet pudding is to die for! There's no need for the wafer and pocky but I'm not complaining! I shared mine but I definitely could have had one all to myself. Highly recommend! read more

Konbiniya Japan Centre - Melon pan- mocha - International Grocery Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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When we can't go to Japan, we like to visit for some nostalgia vibes. You can find everything Japanese at affordable prices. My partner and I decided to have a Japanese cuisine night and we found everything we needed. We bought corn croquettes, 8 pcs for $6.80, we also got takoyaki, the toppings and ingredients for udon. Spent about $40 for everything. Totally worth it because you'll end up spending a lot more at other Japanese stores. Or just go there for their crepes and ice cream because they are so yummy the matcha soft serve is on point! it tastes similar to the soft serve we had in Asakusa back in Japan. read more

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It's been years since I have been to Japan and stopping by this little center gave me quite vivid flashbacks. So much snacks and food items that are straight from Japan. The prices are a bit higher than I would have liked, but i would definitely come back! read more

I was really excited to try their crepes because it said they use the Japanese mochi mochi recipe. I'm a fan of mochi, crepes and matcha so I guess I had some high expectations that left me disappointed. First off, don't expect a traditional French crepe that you get cooked at those stalls in front of you and it comes out crispy and warm. It does get cooked in front of you but this batter is different, it isn't crispy at all it's still really soft. But the weirdest part to me was that even though I watched it cooked in front of my eyes, it wasn't warm at all. I don't know why but it was so odd to me. Also the texture of the crepe I didn't hate, but also wasn't a fan of because I wish it had a chewier mochi type of texture. The crepe also had almost no flavor and it had so sweetness to it. I had chosen the matcha and red bean crepe. So it came with matcha ice cream and red bean filling. Since the crepe had no sweetness to it, overall it seemed unbalanced because the matcha ice cream also wasn't that sweet so it was only the red bean bringing sweetness to it. Maybe a different crepe would have ended up tasting a lot better like one with nutella because then it wouldn't seem so unbalanced. But if you don't like sweet things then I'd recommend this. read more

Konbiniya Japan Centre - Crepe with matcha ice cream and red bean - International Grocery Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

4 stars banan crepe. Chewy soft moist crepe just like I had in Tokyo japan 3.5 stars Azuki green tea soft serve $4.75 Soft serve matcha was good but no y rich enough for me. The one that tsujiya is better ( more expensive.) regular soft serve is $3.89. adding $1 for azuki and whipped cream. they gave very little azuki. read more

do not get the sakura mochi (it is so bad. so bad.) DO get the matcha warabi mochi - i picked it up on a whim and it was perhaps the best thing I've eaten in the past year, and I'm frankly kind of a snob about food, so this is saying something. do yourself a favor. get the warabi mochi. get as many as you see in the fridge. you (and your friends, if you're really generous) will thank me, i promise read more

I used to come here all the time like 20 years ago. Back in the day when I first started training mma before it all went mainstream I used to rent mma/kickboxing tapes here. Yes! tapes...I believe they were vhs! haha! They were upstairs, Well I haven't been here for a long time now but was in the search of matcha soft serve and found out they served it here. I didn't go inside cuz they had a takeout window and all I wanted was the ice cream. I had a cup of the matcha swirl, with tax it come to 4 bucks. It was pretty good. It's always been a cool Japanese when I used to come here for the tapes, now I guess I'll be back for the matcha! read more

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Japanese convenience store with a Bon Crepe window attached selling crepes and ice cream. The main counter for the Bon Crepe is outside but I believe if you're in the store you can also order at the register there. The store has a nice variety of Japanese snacks including packaged stuff (candy, chips, soft drinks, etc.) as well as fresh items. I really like the pudding cups, the onigiri isn't mind-blowing but it's still good, and I appreciate the variety of fillings they have on hand. Pudding and onigiri each cost a little under $3, I think most single size soft drinks are the same. Honestly for the stuff that I've bought here I don't think the price is too bad, especially since a few of these things are hard to find in a grocery/convenience store setting. At the Bon Crepe, I've tried the Azuki cup which is matcha soft serve with a few dollops of azuki paste and whipped cream. This one is a pretty good deal to me since it's basically a simplified version of the elaborate parfaits that you can get at the big matcha chains, about half the price, and also manageable for one person to eat and not feel stuffed after. I think they also have a more elaborate parfait available here. I like their matcha soft serve - the matcha taste is very present, and although not the strongest it's definitely passable. Even if you don't have anything in particular you're looking for, the store is an interesting place to visit just to walk around and check out the aesthetic, which is pretty true to a convenience store in Japan. read more

Konbiniya Japan Centre - Azuki - International Grocery Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

A little piece of Japan in the heart of downtown Vancouver. I love this grocery/cafe/convenient store. Located in busy Robson Street. They carry a lot of Japanese treats, food, drinks so on. I love the matcha ice and desserts located right in front , a must try!!!! read more

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Super cute market, but a little overpriced. I came here mostly to see the cute decor on the outside of the shop. When I picture a Japan Center, I typically think of Little Tokyo in Los Angeles or the Japantown Mall in San Francisco. This was more of a mini mart and small ice cream shop attached. It was still cute and fun to walk through. I didn't end up buying anything because the Japanese snacks were a bit overpriced, even in CAD. We were able to get some cute photos & were on our way after. There was tons of other things to do in downtown but were happy we stopped by. read more

Konbiniya Japan Centre - Outside of the Japan Center! - International Grocery Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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Best matcha soft serve icecream!! I go there literally every time I'm on Robson. The little icecream/crepe shop is just nested in the store and you can order from inside or outside. (Didn't know about inside till maybe the 3rd visit lol) Outside is great for a quick order since the inside is quite small and can be difficult to navigate through especially if you've been shopping down Robson on the way there and have a million bags like me haha but there are 2 tables inside to sit at if you do plan to stay. My favourite is actually their matcha icecream crepe since I've never been able to find that anywhere else. So delicious! read more

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Some of my friends wanted to check out the japanese market and this soft serve place. We walked through the asian shop and bought some snacks. While paying, you're able to pay for your soft serve as well and pick up at a different window so thats what I did. The market is super small and was quite pricey as well. Inside the market is a small soft serve shop that sells soft serves and crepes. I got the matcha soft serve and it was super bitter. I didn't really enjoy the bitterness and was overwhelmed with how strong the matcha flavor was. I didn't taste much milk so it wasn't as creamy. The soft serve was quite pricey too. read more

I never really remember the name of this place. I call it the Pocky store. Yup its the store that sells a lot of Japanese Pocky. Came in for a treat instead of getting real food. They have discount once in awhile and on different items. So I picked up a bag of honey butter flavored chips and Matcha Pocky. This store is basically a Japanese goodie store. read more

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A Japanese grocery store with a cute little dessert shop operating out of the side window of the shop. Their crepes and matcha soft serve are great value for its price. $5 gets you a nice cup of matcha soft serve, which would be much more expensive at specialty shops in the area. The soft serve was on medium creamy on the matcha soft serve spectrum. I've had soft serve with much more matcha flavor (for example Nana's Green Tea), and I've also had soft serves that tasted like vanilla with some matcha powder. This comes very in between, which is perfectly fine for its price. It comes with a small scoop o red bean paste and a dollop of whipped cream! read more

Konbiniya Japan Centre - Matcha azuki! - International Grocery Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

A small Japanese supermarket for all kinds of Japanese sauces and ingredients to satisfy your Japanese inspired dishes. Yes, there have sauces and Ingredients that you can't find at your local groceries stores. Sometimes you might end up snatching up some really good deals! We found a giant bottle of okonomiyaki sauce (last bottle) on sale. And yes, we bought it. Not quite sure if that was a very good decision at that time since we have to carry the 1L bottle of sauce walking around downtown all day. We were really only looking for the Japanese mustard but ended up with something much larger than we originally planned. Also, they have a wide variety of miso selection to pick from. It's a definite hidden gem. read more

Japanese grocery stores got desserts! It is worth to try since they're not that expensive. They're not superb and super tasty, but they're worth to try. There are so many flavours too, so I am willing to go back to try their other flavours! read more

Konbiniya Japan Centre - Chocolate banana - International Grocery Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

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They seem to have all the little Japanese treats here--chips, cookies, crackers, beverages and even produce. There's a whole section for just matcha flavor products. Green tea/matcha is a favorite of many, so it's kind of cool that they put them all in one place, easy to find, right as you come in. They even have a walk-up counter on the outside where you can order soft serve ice cream, crepes and things. In the middle of Robson Street. I am assuming a lot of young Asians come to Robson Street? So, it's fitting to have something like this here. It was clean, welcoming with a huge selection of goodies, and it's convenient. read more

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Craving some Japanese food? This is the place to go to get snacks, candy, dessert, and various cooking ingredients. I enjoy coming here to grab some onigiri and a matcha soft serve when it's good weather. You get a deal when you buy two onigiri (2 for $4). The matcha soft serve is a must; it's easy to eat and full of that matcha goodness. Another thing to look out for is the close-to/past best before date section at the back of the store. If you don't mind the suggested date, you'll get away with some good bargains on snacks and goodies. read more

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Such a fun and interesting convenience store. I had the yuzu soft serve which was tasty, well made. I would go back for the crepes or for the vanilla, I'm not a big matcha fan. Very nice staff too. read more

Konbiniya Japan Centre - International Grocery Near Me - Vancouver, British Columbia

Amazing Japanese store in Vancouver on Robson Street. Has convenience store foods like onigiri but also foods you can order like takoyaki made on the spot. Has Japanese cosmetics and drinks, all at reasonable prices. read more