The first problem I have after moving to Malaysia is ``Where can I get the same ingredients as in Japan?''** We will thoroughly explain the characteristics of each supermarket and how to shop wisely, focusing on information on ingredients that have actually become a hot topic in the Japanese community living in Japan.
Pasta situation — Reasons for choosing Barilla
When choosing pasta in Malaysia, residents say ``Barilla is my choice!''**.
Pasta comparison table
| Brand | Rating | Price Range | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barilla | ◎ | RM5-8 (approx. 200-320 yen) | Cheaper than Japan. Paper boxed |
| De Cecco | ○ | RM8~12 (approximately 320~480 yen) | Stable quality |
| Various famous brands | ○ | Various | Choose according to your preference |
| Cheap transparent bag pasta | ✕ | RM2-4 (approx. 80-160 yen) | The texture is significantly inferior |
| Quick Pasta | ✕ | RM3-5 (approx. 120-200 yen) | Makes something chewy |
“Adventure is important, but I thought Barilla was the place for me.” (Review from a resident)
⚠️ Be careful when storing pasta! — Shiban bug problem
Barilla is packed directly into the paper box (no inner bag), so shiban beetles (small brown beetles) may occur. This problem is especially common in Malaysia's hot and humid climate.
| Measures | Method | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Store in the refrigerator | Place in the refrigerator after opening | Free |
| Sealed container | Transfer to ziplock or glass bottle | RM5~15 |
| Food Pest Trap | Available on Lazada | Approx. RM24 (Approx. 960 Yen) |
| Insect repellent sheet | Place on food shelf | RM10~20 |
“Once the beetles appear, I put everything in the refrigerator.” (Review from a resident)
Shibanbugs occur not only in pasta but also in all flours such as wheat flour, okonomiyaki flour, and bread crumbs. In Malaysia, the golden rule is to keep all powders refrigerated.
Rice situation — Is Japanese rice available?
Japanese and American brands available in Malaysia
| Brand | Where to get it | Price guide | Voices from residents |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUMO | Each supermarket | RM15-20/2kg (approx. 600-800 yen) | Standard. Stable taste |
| Hikari | Village Grocer | Around RM20/2kg (approx. 800 yen) | Popular for its “no smell” |
| Donki's unwashed rice | Don Don Donki | Variable system | Irregular arrival time |
| Red rice (local) | Each supermarket | RM5-8/kg (approx. 200-320 yen) | Parapara. Perfect for Nasi Goreng |
"That's amazing! They sell more than in Japan lol" (Review of Donki's product lineup during Japan's rice shortage period)
Storage of rice
- ●Malaysia's hot and humid climate makes it easy for insects to spawn**
- ●Ideally stored in the refrigerator
- ●Sealed container + chili pepper (folk remedy for insect repellent)
Seasoning Guide — Recreate Japanese Flavors
Seasonings recommended by residents
| Seasonings | Recommended brands/sources | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ketchup | HEINZ | About RM5 (about 200 yen) | Cheaper than Japan |
| Vinegar | Local variety | Approx. RM3.5 (approx. 140 yen) | Value for money |
| Chili pepper | Honest shop (1 Mont Kiara) | Various | Donki only with habanero |
| Soy sauce | Kikkoman (all supermarkets) | RM10~15 | Imported goods |
| Mirin | Honest Shop Donki | RM15-20 | Imported items are a little expensive |
| Miso | Honestly-ya, Donki, AEON | RM10-25 | Domestic products available |
| Dashi base | Donki Shojiya | RM8~15 | Powder type is convenient |
BOH tea — a classic Malaysian souvenir
Malaysian tea brand BOH Tea is popular among residents. Also perfect as a souvenir.
“I also recommend the flavored tea, BOH Tea.” (Review from a resident)
- ●Tea from Cameron Highlands
- ●More than 10 flavors (mango, lychee, passion fruit, etc.)
- ●Can be purchased at supermarkets for RM5-10 (approximately 200-400 yen) per box
Super Comparison Chart — What to buy and where?
Supermarket where you can buy Japanese ingredients
| Store name | Japanese ingredients | Price | Features | Main location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Don Don Donki | ⭐⭐⭐ | Slightly expensive | Largest selection. Wash-free rice available | Lot 10, The Exchange, etc. |
| Shojikiya | ⭐⭐⭐ | Slightly expensive | Over 1,000 types. Japanese food specialty | 1 Mont Kiara etc. |
| Isetan The Japan Store | ⭐⭐⭐ | High | Top quality. Bedding is also recommended | Suria KLCC |
| AEON | ⭐⭐ | Medium | Standard items available | Various locations |
| Village Grocer | ⭐⭐ | Slightly expensive | Hikari rice, etc. | Various locations |
| Jaya Grocer | ⭐⭐ | Slightly expensive | Full of chicken and dairy products | Various locations |
Supermarket with cheap local ingredients
| Store name | Cost performance | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Lotus's (formerly Tesco) | ◎ | Cheapest. Ideal for bulk purchases |
| Mydin | ◎ | Local purveyor |
| NSK Trade City | ◎ | Commercial sizes available |
| Korean supermarket (around Mont Kiara) | ○ | Vegetables such as green onions are cheap |
Household items — where to get them first
Shopping route on the first day of moving in
| Priorities | Store | What to buy |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daiso + Mr DIY | Tableware, cooking utensils, hangers, cleaning supplies |
| 2 | Isetan (Suria KLCC) | Bedding (sheets, pillows, futons) |
| 3 | Shonest Shop or Donki | Seasonings, Dashi, Rice |
| 4 | Jaya Grocer | Fresh food (first day's supply) |
"I get the basic things at Daiso 163 and Mr DIY. I recommend buying bedding at Isetan in Suria KLCC." (Review from a resident)
“Nitori is also quite expensive.” (Reason for recommending Isetan)
Online shopping at Lazada
- ●Japanese cards may cause errors → Ask your credit card company to loosen their security.
- ●Amex only Reviews saying they were able to order from Japan and have it shipped to an address in Malaysia.
- ●Japanese cosmetics such as Melano CC are also available on Lazada (Donki is more expensive)
Summary
Iron rules for ingredients
- ●✅ Pasta is Barilla. Avoid cheap pasta
- ●✅ Chicken is available at TTDI Market > Supermarket. Choose a pack on the day
- ●✅ Rice is stable at SUMO or Hikari
- ●✅ Seasonings are available at Shojiya + Donki
- ●✅ The golden rule is to store flour and pasta in the refrigerator.
- ●⚠️ Japanese fruits are super high-end items (RM60 for 2 peaches = about 2,400 yen)
Super usage
| Purpose | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Want to stock up on Japanese ingredients | Donki → Honestly Shop |
| I want the highest quality | Isetan |
| Everyday fresh food | Jaya Grocer → Village Grocer |
| Cheap anyway | Lotus's → NSK |
| The freshest meat | TTDI Market |
"The food situation in Malaysia is improving year by year. With the arrival of Donki and Honestlya, it is now possible to have a diet that is almost the same as in Japan."
*This article contains word-of-mouth information from the LINE community. Please read this as personal impressions and experiences.
Last updated: February 2026
