Where to Buy Sushi Ingredients in the UK (Without Spending a Fortune)

Where to Buy Sushi Ingredients in the UK (Without Spending a Fortune)
Aug, 24 , 25 Oishii Kit Admin

Where to Buy Sushi Ingredients in the UK (Without Spending a Fortune)

So you’ve got your sushi kit, you’re ready to roll… but where do you actually buy the ingredients?

If you’ve ever wandered the aisles of a supermarket thinking, “Where on earth do they keep the sushi rice?”, this blog’s for you.

Here’s a simple, no-fuss guide to buying sushi ingredients in the UK — from rice to nori, and even a few budget-friendly surprises.

🛒 Supermarkets that sell sushi ingredients

Most major UK supermarkets now stock basic sushi ingredients — though some are better than others.

🟩 Waitrose & Sainsbury’s

Great for:

  • Sushi rice

  • Nori sheets

  • Rice vinegar

  • Soy sauce

  • Wasabi paste

  • Pickled ginger

They also often have own-brand sushi kits — but if you’re reading this, you’ve probably got something better in mind. 😉

🟨 Tesco & ASDA

These usually carry a smaller selection but still cover the basics:

  • Own-brand sushi rice (or short grain rice if you’re stuck)

  • Blue Dragon or Yutaka sushi packs

  • Soy sauce and wasabi

Prices here are often slightly lower than the premium supermarkets.

🏪 Where to buy Japanese-specific ingredients

🟥 Asian supermarkets (e.g. Hoo Hing, SeeWoo, Loon Fung)

You’ll find:

  • Larger bags of sushi rice for better value

  • Variety of nori brands (some crispier than others)

  • Japanese mayo (Kewpie)

  • Tobiko (fish roe), miso paste, pickled radish

  • More authentic options and often cheaper per gram

💡 Pro tip: Look out for packs of frozen sushi-grade fish — some come pre-sliced for nigiri.

🌐 Online shops (for when you can’t find it locally)

If your local shops don’t stock what you need, there are some brilliant UK-based online stores:

  • Japan Centre (London-based, wide range, fast delivery)

  • Sous Chef (great selection, lovely branding)

  • Yutaka Shop (from the brand you’ll see in most supermarkets)

  • The Wasabi Company (premium, small-batch, UK-made items)

Many of these shops offer bundles or gift boxes too — perfect if you’re restocking.

💷 Budget-friendly swaps

Want to keep things cheap and cheerful?

Authentic Budget Swap
Sushi rice Short grain rice (rinse well!)
Rice vinegar White vinegar + sugar + salt
Nori sheets Asian supermarket 10-packs (better value)
Kewpie mayo Hellmann’s + dash of rice vinegar or lemon

You don’t have to buy everything top-shelf. Just make sure you get decent nori and rice — those are your foundations.

Final thoughts

Buying sushi ingredients in the UK has never been easier — and you don’t need to spend a fortune. Start with the basics from your supermarket, then explore Asian grocers or online shops as you go.

And if you want to skip the sourcing stress entirely, our Oishii Kits include all the essential tools (plus a guide), so all you need to grab is the fresh stuff.

← Older Post Newer Post →