Amin Abbas

DUBAI: A new Japanese store has landed in Dubai, displaying the different popular Japanese snacks and desserts from renowned Japanese manufacturers and brands.

Nihon Mart, which was established in Nov. 2021, offers customers the chance to experience the taste of Japan through a curated list of selective snacks and sweets that are famous in Japan.

Speaking exclusively to Arab News Japan, Sukirt Singh Sabharwal, co-founder of Nihon Mart said the theme of the store was: ‘Taste Japan through every bite, delivered to your doorstep.’

“We would like to spread the word of Japan through the best way possible – your tastebuds,” he said.

Sabharwal explained that the concept was popular but the challenge they have faced and continue to face is the sourcing of delicacies not only from famous confectionaries but artisanal sweets from local renowned manufacturers that have not yet been discovered.

“Also, Japan as a taste landscape is always changing, there are many limited edition and seasonal delicacies that will never be put into production once sold out. The challenge for us to access those and be able to market and fully develop the customer’s taste palate is extremely tricky,” he added.

“The challenge is even more surmountable due to the ongoing pandemic, with shipping schedules and frequencies entirely disrupted. We however are trying our best to adapt to the current landscape and thus have decided on a ‘theme based’ model of selling.”

Sabharwal explained that the product variety will constantly change, however, the theme will remain consistent.

“This exponentially increases our workload as we always have to be at the forefront of new products and to ensure the items we bring are manufactured and adhere to the highest quality standards of Japan as well as the UAE,” he said.

About distinguishing Nihon Mart from other Japanese stores in Dubai, Sabharwal said: “We are not a conventional store, we do not stock SKU’s in bulk displayed on shelves so that customers may browse what they like nor do we have a set menu.”

“We aim to be a bridge that connects people to Japan through their tastebuds and in this current pandemic with the uncertain travel conditions, such a responsibility to undertake is more demanding than ever,” he added.

The Co-founder said that the feedback to the store has been “overwhelming.”

“The feedback and positive re-enforcement we have received not only from the Japanese community but the Arab and expat communities as well has been more than what we anticipated,” he explained.

Nihon Mart plans to diversify into cosmetics and miniature collectibles.