What Is Sunrise Mart? A Look at New York’s Famous Japanese Grocery
What Is Sunrise Mart? A Look at New York’s Famous Japanese Grocery
What Is Sunrise Mart in New York?
When it comes to Japanese supermarkets in New York, Sunrise Mart is probably the most famous. Its first store opened in the East Village, though sadly that location has since closed.
When I first came to New York in 2001, Sunrise Mart was a lively Japanese grocery where almost all the staff were Japanese. It truly sparkled as a symbol of Japanese culture in Manhattan.
Sunrise Mart After the Pandemic
Post-pandemic, the Japanese population in Manhattan has decreased significantly. As a result, many of the current staff at Sunrise Mart are international.
In the early 2000s, many Japanese workers were undocumented, but with today’s stricter visa rules, the situation has changed. Still, Sunrise Mart remains a beloved place for both Japanese expats and locals.
Where Is Sunrise Mart Midtown Located?
The Sunrise Mart I’m introducing today is located in Midtown Manhattan, a busy business district filled with white-collar workers.
Since I often visit the nearby New York Public Library, I frequently stop by Sunrise Mart for groceries or a quick bite.
👉 Read about the New York Public Library here
The Entrance of Sunrise Mart Midtown
Unlike before, the Midtown store is now divided into two spaces:
- One for fresh groceries
- One for prepared meals and dining
If you want to eat, head to the west-side entrance. If you’re shopping for groceries, enter through the east-side entrance. Both look quite similar, so don’t get confused (laughs)
Sunrise Mart Bento Boxes
During the 2022 inflation peak, bento prices skyrocketed, reaching nearly $18 per box. Thankfully, prices have come down a bit, though compared to Japan, they’re still shockingly high.
- Salmon Bento: about $19 (¥1,900)
- Mackerel Bento: about $16 (¥1,600)
In Tokyo, the same bento would cost around ¥500!
Nutritious and Thoughtful Bento Options
Despite the high prices, Sunrise Mart’s bentos are well-balanced. Alongside salmon or mackerel, you’ll find side dishes like chikuzen-ni (simmered vegetables) and isobe-age (seaweed fried items).
For students or busy professionals living alone, these thoughtful extras provide much-needed nutrition.
Café Space on the Second Floo
The Midtown Sunrise Mart also has a second-floor café-like space. It’s a cozy area where you can sit and enjoy your meal. While it doesn’t offer Wi-Fi, it’s still a relaxing spot to take a break.
Conclusion
In 2023, Sunrise Mart continues to thrive in New York, even though the Japanese community has shrunk since the pandemic. Once a supermarket catering almost exclusively to Japanese expats, it has now become an internationally loved grocery store.
Whether you’re craving a Japanese bento, shopping for imported groceries, or just curious about Japanese food culture in NYC, Sunrise Mart is a must-visit.
[blogcard url=”https://ny-megami.com/freshfish_daido_market/”]
