If you’ve stayed in Hirafu before you will know that while Seicomart offers some very interesting dinner options, said options aren’t strong on a balance from the five food groups. You could eat out every night and never get through the incredible choice of restaurants, but that option is not easy on the wallet or the waistline!
All hail Niseko Supermarket & Deli, a new operation this season that’s saving us time and money as well as adding flavour to our cookpots. You may say I’m late to the party blogging about this one, but now that this little market has proved itself in freshness, keeping itself well stocked, reasonable prices, and offering the foods you miss most when you’re far from home, I think it’s time to toot its horn.
Niseko Supermarket & Deli survives another sniper spot check for Mi Goreng!
Foods from home
The supermarket offers a pleasing array of ‘foods from home’, including peanut butter, instant porridge, and Mi Goreng noodles, and I was interested to see if they could keep up with the demand. I sagely predicted that they would run out of Mi Goreng as soon as the Aussie contingent of Niseko discovered it there, and sure enough, every packet was gone within days. However, they were impressively restocked within a week, and I haven’t noticed them run short again, despite my sniper spot checks.
Say cheese!
Deli
Possibly my favourite feature is the deli, which offers a delicious variety of cheese, amongst other delicacies. I am a huge sucker for cheese, which often taxes my little purse, and the lovely attendant Tiago was kind enough sift through the Gorgonzola and find me the smallest (ie cheapest) piece.
The deli also offers a breakfast on the go, as well as a variety of freshly made sandwiches for lunch, and let me tell you, the pulled pork sandwich could bring the pig out in anyone.
Captain Morgan’s Spiced Rum for ¥1800? Who wouldn’t be excited?
Wine and spirits
The supermarket also hosts a very agreeable alcohol selection, with prices ranging from about ¥1500 to ¥10,000 per bottle. The selection is varied, tastefully chosen, and very reasonably priced, and much to my delight, Captain Morgan’s Spiced Rum is available at nearly half the price I would expect to pay for it in Australia.
Fresh fruit and veg, keeping Niseko healthy
Fresh off the farm
Another major draw is the attractive display of fruits and vegetables, as well as meat and seafood. From mouthwatering, thick-cut Aussie steaks to friendly little local cabbages, this fresh section is a huge delight to Niseko locals, who can now add some sustenance to their bento boxes without leaving town.
Pick up ingredients for dinner without having to leave town!
The supermarket also offers fresh flowers, frozen chips, pate in a can, and gourmet cookies, not to mention an international ATM.
All in all, Niseko Supermarket and Deli is a very welcome addition to our little ski town, and we look forward to them starting to offer a local’s discount ;)