Can You Get Japanese Soy Sauce in HCMC? A Selection Guide

When you want to cook Japanese food in HCMC, soy sauce is the first seasoning you reach for. Vietnam has its own soy sauce called "nuoc tuong," but it differs from Japanese soy sauce in both production method and flavor. Without Japanese soy sauce, simmered dishes, grilled fish, and sashimi simply will not taste right. This article covers how to get Japanese soy sauce in HCMC and key points for choosing the right type.

Differences Between Japanese Soy Sauce and Vietnamese Nuoc Tuong

Production Method

Japanese soy sauce is made from soybeans, wheat, salt, and koji mold, naturally fermented and aged for at least six months. Vietnamese nuoc tuong uses a different production process, with shorter fermentation periods or amino acid solutions to adjust the flavor.

Flavor Differences

Japanese soy sauce contains a well-balanced combination of five taste elements: umami, sweetness, saltiness, sourness, and bitterness. To recreate the delicate seasoning of Japanese cuisine, Japanese soy sauce is essential. Dipping sashimi in nuoc tuong will not produce the same flavor profile as Japanese soy sauce.

Usage Differences

Vietnamese nuoc tuong is suited for pho, stir-fries, and other Vietnamese dishes. Japanese soy sauce is used for simmered dishes, grilled fish, sashimi, cold tofu (hiyayakko), egg-on-rice (tamago kake gohan), and Japanese cooking in general. Using the right soy sauce for each cuisine is recommended.

Where to Buy Japanese Soy Sauce in HCMC

Japanese Supermarkets

AEON and FamilyMart carry products from Japanese soy sauce brands like Kikkoman. They mainly stock koikuchi (regular dark soy sauce), though some locations also carry usukuchi (light) and tamari varieties.

Large Local Supermarkets

The import food section at Lotte Mart and Mega Market sometimes carries Japanese soy sauce. However, stock is not always consistent, so it is best to buy when you find it.

Delivery App (Farmi)

With Farmi, you can order Kikkoman soy sauce and other essential Japanese seasonings in one order. The app supports Japanese, with refrigerated delivery in as fast as one hour. It is reliable when you do not have time to shop or when you suddenly run out of soy sauce.

Types of Japanese Soy Sauce and When to Use Each

Koikuchi (Regular Dark Soy Sauce)

The most common type of soy sauce and the all-rounder of Japanese cooking. Use it for simmered dishes, grilled dishes, dipping sauce, stir-fries, and virtually any Japanese recipe. If you are buying your first bottle of Japanese soy sauce in HCMC, choose koikuchi.

Usukuchi (Light Soy Sauce)

Lighter in color but slightly higher in salt content. It is ideal for Kansai-style udon broth, simmered dishes, and chawanmushi (savory egg custard) where you want to preserve the natural color of ingredients.

Tamari

Made with a higher proportion of soybeans, tamari has a rich, deep flavor. Use it as a sashimi dipping sauce or as the base for teriyaki glaze for an especially savory finish.

How to Store Soy Sauce (For HCMC's Climate)

Refrigerate After Opening

In HCMC's hot and humid climate, opened soy sauce oxidizes faster than in Japan. Always store opened soy sauce in the refrigerator. Avoid leaving the bottle out on the dining table.

Choose a Smaller Bottle

Large bottles are more economical, but considering how quickly soy sauce deteriorates after opening, choose a size you can finish within two to three months. Farmi carries small packs as well.

Seasonings to Order with Soy Sauce on Farmi

Japanese cooking uses multiple seasonings in combination, not just soy sauce. You can order them all together on Farmi.

• Kikkoman Soy Sauce: the essential, start with this one bottle
• Kikkoman Oyster Sauce: adds depth to stir-fries
• Yamamori Tsuyu: contains dashi, great for somen noodles and rice bowl sauces
• Wasabi: a must-have for sashimi and sushi
• Curry Roux (House / Vermont): add soy sauce as a secret ingredient for Japanese-style curry

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I use Vietnamese nuoc tuong for Japanese cooking? You can substitute it, but the flavor will be quite different. For dishes where soy sauce flavor is front and center, like sashimi or cold tofu, Japanese soy sauce is recommended.

Q2. Is reduced-sodium soy sauce available in HCMC? Some Japanese supermarkets and Farmi may carry it. If you are health-conscious, try searching for "reduced sodium" on the app.

Q3. How long does soy sauce last? If unopened, follow the best-before date on the package. Once opened, aim to use it within one to two months when stored in the refrigerator.

Q4. Besides soy sauce, what other seasonings are essential? With miso, mirin, cooking sake, and dashi (granulated or in packets), you can cover the basic seasoning for Japanese cooking. All are available to order on Farmi.

Conclusion: Japanese Soy Sauce Is Available in HCMC

Even in HCMC, you can get Japanese soy sauce through Japanese supermarkets and delivery apps. Since it is a completely different product from Vietnamese nuoc tuong, keep a bottle on hand if you want to recreate authentic Japanese flavors. With Farmi, you can order in Japanese and receive delivery in as fast as one hour.

Download the Farmi app and get Japanese soy sauce delivered in as fast as one hour.

Related Articles

• Essential Seasonings for Japanese Cooking
• Where to Buy Miso in Vietnam
• How to Make Dashi and Recipe Ideas

Note: This article and some images were created with the assistance of AI (artificial intelligence) and reviewed by our editorial team before publication.