Taste the World: International Food Markets
Written by Revue Staff. Photo: Kim Nhung Superstore.


West Michigan is full of diverse cuisines from around the globe, and you can bring those flavors home to your own kitchen thanks to international markets of all kinds.

The city is home to a variety of food markets and stores that offer a taste of the world, right in your backyard. Here, you’ll see ingredients and snacks you’d never find at the larger chain grocery stores.

Whether you're searching for authentic ingredients, unique snacks, or just looking to explore new culinary horizons, these international food markets in Grand Rapids are must-visits.

Kim Nhung Superstore
4242 S. Division Ave., Grand Rapids

Kim Nhung Superstore is a cornerstone of the Asian food community in Grand Rapids. This expansive market offers a wide range of products from across Asia, including fresh produce you won’t find anywhere else, a huge variety of quality seafood (including live lobsters and crabs, at times), and tons of specialty items. Whether you’re cooking a traditional Vietnamese pho or simmering up a complex curry, you’ll find everything you need here. The store is also known for its extensive selection of rice, noodles, sauces, and spices, making it a go-to destination for authentic Asian ingredients. Not to mention a massive selection of ramen!

Highlights: Fresh seafood, a variety of noodles and rice, Asian sauces and spices, and a selection of snacks from countries like Japan, Korea, and Thailand.

Asian Delight Marketplace
4463 Breton Rd. SE, Kentwood

Owned by a Japanese family, this market boasts a diverse and comprehensive selection of more than 4000 groceries from China, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Korea and the Phillipines. You’ll find more than 50 kinds of fresh Asian vegetables arriving weekly, more than 100 kinds of frozen fish and seafood, and top-notch (and affordable) tofu. Whether you are looking for your favorite Japanese snacks, Chinese sauces, Thai coconut milk, fresh vegetables, or cookware to make a meal out of it all, you can find it all at Asian Delight.

Highlights: Fresh vegetables, Filipino food, frozen seafood, a large dried noodle selection, extremely affordable tofu.

Mediterranean Island International Foods
4301 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Grand Rapids
facebook.com/mediisland

Mediterranean Island International Foods is a treasure trove for those seeking ingredients from the Middle East, North Africa, and the Mediterranean. This store is known for its extensive selection of olives, cheeses, pickled vegetables and spices, as well as fresh pita bread and an array of dried goods like lentils, couscous, and bulgur wheat. The island also offers a variety of halal meats and a deli section where you can find prepared foods like hummus, tabbouleh, and stuffed grape leaves.

Highlights: Fresh pita bread, a wide selection of olives and cheeses, Middle Eastern spices, halal meats, and prepared Mediterranean dishes.

Supermercado Mexico
3375 S. Division Ave., Wyoming
1160 Chicago Dr. SW, Wyoming
1546 Clyde Park Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
supermercadomexico.com

Supermercado Mexico is more than just a grocery store, it’s a community. With three locations in Grand Rapids, this market offers a rich selection of Mexican and Latin American products. From fresh produce and meats to an impressive array of tortillas, beans, and chilies, Supermercado Mexico has everything you need to create authentic Latin American dishes. The stores are known for their top-notch meat and deli counters, and the Division location has a great bakery as well with a huge selection.

Highlights: Fresh tortillas, a wide range of spices and dried chilies, and a bakery offering traditional Mexican breads and pastries.

Spice of India
1310 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids

For those seeking the vibrant flavors of India, Spice of India is the place to go. This market offers a comprehensive selection of Indian spices, lentils, rice, and flours, along with frozen foods and fresh produce that are essential for Indian cooking. Whether you’re making a spicy curry, flavorful biryani, or sweet gulab jamun, Spice of India has all the ingredients you need. The store also offers a range of imported snacks, teas, and sweets that are perfect for exploring the diverse flavors of Indian cuisine.

Highlights: Indian spices and masalas, basmati rice, lentils, flours, frozen Indian meals, and a selection of Indian snacks and sweets.

Horrocks Market
4455 Breton Rd. SE, Kentwood

While not explicitly an “ethnic” food market, Horrocks is known for its wide selection of international foods, making it a great place to find unique ingredients from around the world. The market features an impressive selection of European cheeses, Asian sauces, and Middle Eastern spices, alongside fresh produce and a bakery that offers everything from Italian bread to French pastries. Horrocks is a one-stop-shop for both everyday groceries and specialty items, making it a favorite among local food enthusiasts.

Highlights: International cheeses, European pastries, Asian sauces, Middle Eastern spices, and a wide selection of fresh produce.

 

OTHER MARKETS

Martha International Market (African & Caribbean)
2915 Eastern Ave. SE, Grand Rapids

Safari Supermarket
1324 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids

Everest Marketplace
4301 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Grand Rapids

Mi Guatemala
9 Diamond Ave. SE, Grand Rapids

Afghan Halal International Market
4520 Breton Rd. SE, Grand Rapids

La Fonda Mercado y Taqueria
1000 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids

Supermercado Michoacan
602 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids