Picture this.
It’s 11:47PM. You’re craving banana milk. Or instant noodles. Or cheese that actually tastes like cheese. You step outside and – boom – five stores within walking distance.
Welcome to grocery shopping in Vietnam, where everything is available… just not always in the same place.
If you’re an expat or curious local figuring out where to buy what in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi – this guide is for you!
1. Convenience Stores
Open 24/7. Always nearby. Always ready for your 2AM spiral.
Here are the top convenience stores in Vietnam you’ll definitely run into:
Circle K
Chaos energy. Bright lights. Students everywhere.
Your late-night savior for snacks, instant noodles and iced coffee on the go.
FamilyMart
Clean. Comfy. Dangerous snack selection. Their hotpot cup went viralllll for a reason.
Ministop
Lowkey underrated. The king of comfy corners to chill, snack, or grab random Japanese treats you didn’t plan to buy.
7-Eleven
Mini heaven. Hot dogs. Oden. Rice bowls you’ll crave at 2AM.
If you’re hunting for hot food fast, this one delivers.
GS25
Seoul vibes in Vietnam.
Kimbap. Fried chicken. Banana milk.
Your go-to convenience store in Vietnam for Korean cravings. Hanoi just launched its first store last year!
2. Imported & Gourmet Shops
When you’re craving Western ingredients or hosting a dinner night, these gourmet grocery stores in Vietnam are your best bet.
Annam Gourmet (both HCMC and Hanoi)
The holy grail for imported groceries in both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
Beautiful displays. Solid wine options. Great cheese section.
Yes, prices are higher, but quality is consistent.
Nam An Market (HCMC)
Slightly more local, still premium.
Great mix of imported and high-quality Vietnamese products.
Phuong Ha II (HCMC)
If you bake, you know this name.
Baking supplies, chocolate, tools, and ingredients you won’t find in regular supermarkets.
Mr Singh (HCMC)
Missing Indian spices? Proper basmati rice? This is definitely your spot in Ho Chi Minh City!
L’s Place (Hanoi)
Stores all across Hanoi.
Find the one in your neighborhood!
Sedona MiNiMart (Hanoi)
Small but surprisingly well-stocked.
Housing Food Shop (Hanoi)
This spot is a favorite for Western groceries.
Cheeses, deli meats, baking ingredients, and international products you won’t easily find elsewhere.
3. Local Supermarkets
If you’re doing a proper weekly grocery run, this is where you go.
When you don’t need a hypermarket – just basics, these mini-supermarkets in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are perfect for daily essentials without the chaos.
💡 So Where Should You Actually Shop?
Here’s the cheat sheet:
-
Late-night snack attack → Convenience store
-
Cheese, wine, imported cravings → Gourmet shops
-
Weekly groceries on a budget → Local supermarkets
-
Quick daily essentials → Mini-supermarkets
Grocery shopping in in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi works best when you mix and match!
👉 Follow Where In Vietnam for more insider tips.
👉 And don’t forget to explore Where In Directory for our fav recommendations.
