One thing living in the city will teach you is that your neighborhood can directly influence the way you cook and eat. In my case, just a couple blocks in one direction is Little Tokyo, and in the other direction you will find a mainly Hispanic district. In between these, there is a hodgepodge of multi-cultural cuisine restaurants (admittedly, few of which I have tried or even been compelled to). Luckily, you aren’t limited to sampling new things only in these restaurants, there are farmer’s markets, small grocery stores, and vendors scattered all over downtown. There still isn’t a full-fledged chain grocery store 2008 update - there is a Ralph’s, uck), but that’s another story. In the future, I hope to write about some of these overlooked (even sometimes by myself) food sources in the vicinity. This post is about the recently opened, new location of Marukai, a well known market in Little Tokyo. Even if you don’t live around here, most chain grocery stores carry a selection of ethnic foods that many just pass by on a mission to fulfill their list. Even if you aren’t going to cook with these ingredients, it is worth a minute to check out what’s available, you might find something interesting.
If you aren’t familiar, Marukai is a Japanese super market with 5 locations in the Los Angeles area. The closest to me is the Little Tokyo store, and that will also be the one I am writing about. Very recently this store has changed location by a couple hundred feet, still within Weller Court. For those in the know, some Marukai stores are membership based, this one is not. Marukai isn’t (wasn’t rather), quite a full service grocery store, but because of it, I’ve discovered many things I would have never had the opportunity to try. I don’t do much Japanese cooking, but it was also good in a pinch for basic groceries, not to mention the fact that the employees are helpful with explanations and suggestions.
The new store is a huge improvement. It actually feels like a real grocery store now, carrying both Japanese and American products. Each time I have been, the shoppers seem to be more diverse. It is unfortunate that some of the “loft-dwellers” and new people to the neighborhood aren’t familiar with this great place. There is a lot more stock, and because it is such a bigger space, one can move around easily in the new store. You can find anything from the best matcha green tea to delicious Japanese candy. They also have a full meat, fish, and produce (with a great selection of exotics) department. Those who enjoy Japanese cuisine or snack products will especially appreciate Marukai, and it is the place to go if you are into Asian cooking and don’t want to settle for ingredient substitutes. They have a huge freezer section, as well as a complete “ready to eat” department (anchored with a big island of patisserie style sweets!). In addition to the groceries, Marukai has a selection of general home items, mostly Japanese; things like tea accessories, cooking supplies, paper and the like. You can also find some fantastic cleaning products, even a thorough health and beauty department. Although the selection is not nearly as great as the Gardena store, which I visited for the first time recently (it even has furniture!), Little Tokyo Marukai is definitely worth a visit.
Just like Downtown, Little Tokyo is in the midst of a major resurgence, there are many new stores and restaurants and if you haven’t been in a while, you should make a trip out of it. If you are already a fan of Marukai and haven’t made it to the new store, I’m sure you’ll be satisfied.
Marukai
123 S. Onizuka St. #105
Little Tokyo/Weller Court
Los Angeles, CA 90012
