The Buffalo area offers a variety of shopping options, from large supermarkets to small specialty stores, and Japanese ingredients are relatively easy to find. This page provides information on supermarkets, Asian grocery stores, liquor stores, and shopping malls in the area. Please check each store’s website or contact them directly for current hours and locations, as details may change. If you notice any outdated information, we’d appreciate you letting us know.
Grocery Stores
Please note that New York State law prohibits the sale of wine and spirits at grocery stores. Wine, sake, shochu, and other alcoholic beverages must be purchased at licensed liquor stores.
Wegmans
Wegmans is a beloved regional supermarket chain founded in Rochester, New York in 1916, with multiple locations throughout the Buffalo area. It offers a wide selection of groceries and everyday essentials, and has earned a loyal following among Buffalo residents for its quality and impressive variety.
One of Wegmans’ standout features is its commitment to international cuisine. Through its own private-label lines — including Wegmans Italian Classics and Wegmans Asian Classics — the store makes authentic global ingredients accessible at reasonable prices. Under one roof, you can find ingredients for Latin, Asian, Indian, Korean, Caribbean, South American, British, German, and Italian cooking, among others.
For Japanese cooking, Wegmans carries a solid selection including rice, miso, soy sauce, and ramen, as well as ITO EN teas. The store also has a sushi counter and offers catering services. And for those with a sweet tooth, the bakery’s cakes are notably less sweet than typical American desserts — a pleasant surprise for Japanese shoppers. Beer is also available in store.
Wegmans
Tops Friendly Markets
Tops is a hometown supermarket chain based in Buffalo, with 152 locations across New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont. With numerous stores throughout the Buffalo area, it’s a convenient go-to for everyday shopping.
Tops is known for its weekly sales, which offer great deals on a rotating selection of items. Its private-label products are also well regarded for their value. Some locations even feature an in-store Tim Hortons, making it easy to grab a coffee while you shop.
Tops Friendly Markets
Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s is a one-of-a-kind supermarket chain originally from California, with two locations in the Buffalo area — one on Niagara Falls Blvd in Amherst, and a second that opened in December 2025 on Transit Rd in Clarence. The store is known for its unique selection of organic foods, gourmet items, and international ingredients, all offered under its own private label at surprisingly affordable prices.
The cheese selection is exceptional, and the ever-changing lineup of seasonal products means there’s always something new to discover.
And don’t overlook the tote bags! Trader Joe’s canvas tote bags, which sell for just a few dollars in the US, have become a massive phenomenon in Japan and around the world — reselling for the equivalent of tens of thousands of yen. In Japan, they’ve become a staple of American casual fashion, and they make a hugely popular souvenir. Stock sells out quickly once it comes in, so if you spot one, don’t hesitate!
Trader Joe’s
Whole Foods Market
Located on Sheridan Dr. in Amherst, Whole Foods Market is a premium supermarket specializing in organic and natural foods. The store upholds strict quality standards, carrying no artificial additives, artificial colors, or high-fructose corn syrup — making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize food safety and health-conscious eating.
Since Whole Foods is owned by Amazon, Prime members can take advantage of exclusive discounts in store.
The store also has a lot to offer beyond groceries. Bar 1818, the in-store taproom, serves local Western New York craft beers alongside American food. There’s also a sushi counter, a salad bar, and a well-stocked prepared foods section — great for picking up something ready-made for lunch or dinner. Beer is available as well.
Whole Foods Market
Aldi
Aldi is a German-based discount supermarket chain with locations across the United States. With a straightforward selection centered around its own private-label products, Aldi delivers quality at prices that are hard to beat.
The produce section is a particular highlight — fresh fruits and vegetables are consistently priced lower than at most other supermarkets, making it a great option for keeping grocery bills down. Aldi’s coffee has also earned a loyal following, with many shoppers swearing by its quality for the price. And if you enjoy browsing, the ALDI Finds section offers rotating seasonal and specialty items, including some fun German-imported snacks that make for a unique shopping experience.
With several locations in and around Buffalo, Aldi is a convenient everyday option worth adding to your shopping rotation.
Costco (Opening Fall 2026)
Buffalo’s first Costco is coming to Ridge Lea Road in Amherst, and the wait is almost over. Until now, area residents looking to shop at Costco have had to make the trip to Rochester, but that will soon change. The store is expected to open in fall 2026, bringing Costco’s signature bulk deals and low prices right to the Buffalo area. Note that a paid membership is required to shop. Check the official website for the latest updates.
Asian Grocery Stores
Buffalo is relatively well-served by Asian grocery stores for a mid-sized American city. Several stores in the area carry a solid selection of Japanese staples, including rice, miso, soy sauce, dashi, and noodles, as well as tofu, natto, and frozen foods. The presence of the University at Buffalo and other local universities has helped support a thriving Asian student and researcher community, which in turn has contributed to the variety of Asian grocery options available in the area.
Please check each store’s website or contact them directly for current hours and locations.
Asian Food Market
Located on Niagara Falls Blvd in Amherst, Asian Food Market is the largest Asian grocery store in the Buffalo area. Its spacious floor carries an impressive selection of ingredients from across Asia, including Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Southeast Asian products.
For Japanese cooking, this is the place to go. You’ll find a wide variety of vegetables such as sweet potatoes, napa cabbage, mountain yam, and shimeji mushrooms, along with Japanese rice, natto, ramen, miso, soy sauce, and much more. If you’re looking for Japanese ingredients in Buffalo, this should be your first stop.
The store is open daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. There is also a food court inside where you can enjoy bubble tea, BBQ, and other Asian dishes.
Asian Food Market
Makoto Japan Market
Located on Sheridan Dr. in Amherst, Makoto Japan Market is Buffalo’s only dedicated Japanese market — and it’s much more than a grocery store. Whether you’re interested in Japanese food, beauty, or pop culture, there’s something here for everyone.
On the food side, the store sources its frozen sashimi-grade seafood from the same supplier as Taisho, Buffalo’s Japanese restaurant, offering tuna, squid, shrimp, unagi, and more — perfect for making sushi or sashimi at home. You’ll also find onigiri in the style of Japanese convenience stores, a variety of frozen foods, and a well-stocked selection of Japanese snacks and sweets.
Beyond food, Makoto carries Japanese and Korean skincare and cosmetics, collectibles such as figures and blind boxes, anime merchandise, and stationery. It’s a great destination for anyone interested in Japanese pop culture, not just cooking.
An online shop is also available, with delivery service offered as well.
Makoto Japan Market
Hana Mart
Located along Millersport Hwy in Amherst, Hana Mart is a family-owned Asian grocery store with a cozy atmosphere and a surprisingly well-stocked selection. It’s the perfect place to pick up that one ingredient you’re missing, and you may find items here that are hard to come by elsewhere. The store specializes in Korean and Japanese products.
The owners are known for their warmth and friendliness, giving the shop a welcoming, neighborhood feel. The homemade kimchi is a local legend — widely regarded as the best in Western New York — and the owner also prepares a selection of ready-made dishes available in store.
Note that a $20 minimum is required for credit card purchases, so it’s a good idea to bring some cash along.
Liquor Stores
Under New York State law, wine and spirits — including sake, shochu, and whiskey — cannot be sold at grocery stores. For these items, you’ll need to visit a licensed liquor store. Beer, however, is available at most supermarkets.
Premier Wine & Spirits / Premier Gourmet
Premier Wine & Spirits is a long-established liquor store group with over 50 years of history and three locations in the Buffalo area — Amherst, Williamsville, and Orchard Park. The stores carry an extensive selection of wine, whiskey, and vodka from around the world, as well as sake and shochu. In-store wine dispensers allow customers to sample before they buy, and free tasting classes are held regularly.
Sister store Premier Gourmet, located on Maple Rd. in Amherst, is a destination in its own right. Specializing in gourmet foods and drinks, it stocks over 1,500 craft beers, artisan cheeses from around the world, and more than 100 varieties of in-house roasted coffee beans. It has been recognized as one of the top 50 gourmet stores in the United States — a true gem for food and drink enthusiasts.
Consumer’s Beverages
Founded in 1948, Consumer’s Beverages is a Buffalo-born beverage specialty store with numerous locations throughout the Buffalo area. While wine is available, the store truly shines when it comes to beer, hard seltzer, cider, and a wide variety of other drinks — all at discount prices.
Shopping Malls
The Buffalo area is home to a variety of shopping malls, large and small. Here we highlight two that are particularly worth a visit. As store lineups change frequently, please check each mall’s website for the most up-to-date information.
A note on sales tax: In the United States, sales tax is determined by a combination of federal, state, and county taxes — similar to consumption tax in Japan. In New York State, clothing and footwear priced under $110 per item are exempt from the state’s 4% sales tax. However, county tax policies vary, so the exemption may not apply in all areas. This is a handy tip to keep in mind when shopping, especially for visitors from other states or from Japan.
Walden Galleria
Located in Cheektowaga, this is the largest shopping mall in Buffalo. It features over 200 stores and more than 10 restaurants, along with a wide range of entertainment venues such as Dave & Buster’s, 5 Wits Adventure Entertainment, Regal Cinemas, and Urban Air Adventure Park. Popular brands including Anthropologie, Apple, Sephora, ZARA, and H&M are available, and you can also enjoy dining at restaurants such as The Cheesecake Factory and P.F. Chang’s. In addition, Gyukaku Japanese BBQ is scheduled to open its first Western New York location in 2026.
Fashion Outlet of Niagara Falls
Located in Niagara Falls, this is a large outlet mall featuring over 100 brands, including Nike, Coach, Adidas, Under Armour, Polo Ralph Lauren, Kate Spade, and Michael Kors, making it one of the largest indoor outlet centers in the United States. It is close to the Canadian border and has been ranked among the top 10 outlet centers in the U.S. It is also a popular destination to visit in combination with sightseeing at Niagara Falls.