I studied abroad in Japan so when I’m craving a favorite Japanese snack Tensuke Market is one of my first stops. I have a particular weakness for anything that reminds me of wandering through a Japanese grocery store and checking out what new snack I definitely need to try.
Tensuke is a Columbus staple, and it has really grown in popularity over the years. The market is packed with Japanese groceries, prepared foods, snacks, seafood, and all the ingredients you need to make a Japanese meal at home.
One of my favorite things to browse is the bento section. They have ready-made bento boxes featuring classic Japanese dishes, along with seasonal favorites. And there are so many choices.
Beyond the prepared food, Tensuke has a huge variety of Japanese ingredients. If you’re looking for pantry staples like soy sauce, miso, noodles, curry, or rice, they have you covered. But you can also find more specialty ingredients that might be harder to track down elsewhere, like hamachi collar or kizami wasabi (basically wasabi relish).
And then there are the snacks.
Sweet, salty, crunchy, mysterious, you name it. Tensuke has a constantly changing selection, so there’s always something new to discover. It is also an excellent place to find those snacks you remember from Japan and thought you’d never see again. Prepare to leave with at least one thing you absolutely did not come in for.
What to Know Before You Go
Tensuke can run a little more expensive than some other Asian grocery stores, especially when you’re shopping for specialty products. But that comes with the territory when you’re looking for a specific Japanese ingredient or snack.
The parking lot is large, but the whole area can get a little chaotic because this is a popular shopping and dining destination. If you’re looking for the best selection of bentos and other prepared foods, it’s also worth going earlier in the day since popular items can sell out.
Final Thoughts
Basically: go hungry, leave room in your pantry, and maybe don’t bring someone who will judge you for buying all the snacks.
Tensuke Market
Address: 1167 Old Henderson Rd, Columbus, OH 43220
Phone: (614) 451-6002
Website: Tensuke Market
Instagram: @tensukemarket
Hours: Monday–Saturday 10 AM–8 PM; Sunday 11 AM–8 PM
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