One thing Boston is known for is its international population. People from around the world come to Boston for higher education, to see historic sites, to catch a sports game, or just to start anew. With such an influx of international visitors, students, and immigrants, the availability of international foods has also risen. Across the Greater Boston region, international markets have popped up, and we’re excited to share with you some of the local favorites:
Asian Markets:
With two locations, one near Boston University in Allston and one in Malden, this supermarket offers a wide range of Asian groceries, including produce, meats, spices, sauces, and everything in between. There’s even a food court where you can enjoy some sushi or pho at your own leisure.
Location: 1095 Commonwealth Ave, Allston & 188 Commercial Street, Malden
Located on Massachusetts Ave in Cambridge, HMart is another Asian food superstore. From ready-to-serve, to Kimchi, to snacks, to household items, HMart is your one-time stop for any Asian food you are looking for.
Location: 581 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge
If you’re looking for superbly fresh sushi made right in front of you while you shop for all your pantry necessities, then you should absolutely make a stop at Ebisuya. This market is located right in Medford, and has all your Japanese cooking essentials.
Location: 65 Riverside Ave, Medford
Indian Markets:
This market may be small, but it has much to offer. With a butcher on site, the Halal meat selection is incredibly fresh and the variety of seasonings and grains are plentiful for a good price. Be sure to stop by if you’re planning a traditional Indian meal.
Location: 274 Broadway, Somerville
Located in Cambridge, this market also has an in-shop butcher and fresh produce and spices. A local favorite, be sure to check it out!
Location: 2234 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge
African Markets:
If you’re looking for African foods and spices, or natural body products, or handmade items for your home, this is a great market with knowledgeable staff right in the heart of Boston.
Location: 29 Roxbury Street, Roxbury
Specializing in Ethiopian products, this wonderful little store stocks its shelves with plenty of spices, fresh njera, and hard to find items. This shop is sure to please both mind and body!
Location: 1127 Harrison Ave, Roxbury
Middle Eastern Markets:
If you’re looking for high quality Halal meats at a reasonable price, this is your go to place. With a wide variety of foods and pleasant service, you will have a fabulous experience.
Location: 1433 Tremont Street, Boston
When you visit this little store, you will discover that it is more than just a bakery. With an amazing selection of imported foods from Armenia and the Middle East, you will surely not be disappointed. Be sure to taste some of the Armenian and Middle Eastern food prepared fresh in the kitchen every day.
Location: 599 Mount Auburn Street, Watertown
This shop is a small Armenian grocery store that also boasts products from Turkey, Greece, and the Middle East. A local favorite, everyone recommends the olive bar and the baklava. Check it out!
Location: 585 Mount Auburn Street, Watertown
This little store offers a wide variety of imported gourmet essentials, including Armenian appetizers, every spice you can think of, snacking goodies, and loads of the best dips you can find. Don’t forget to try their stuffed grape leaves!
Location: 145 Belmont Street, Belmont
Russian & Eastern European Markets:
Berezka International Food Store
In business for over 30 years, this Russian grocery has expanded to include more than just food. Beyond the fresh foods and imported Russian spices, they now have a department entirely focused on natural remedies. There you can find all sorts of high quality natural herbs, teas, and tinctures. Be sure to check this store out!
Location: 1215 Commonwealth Ave, Boston
This special little spot is a gem for those who find it. From kosher goodies to Greek spreads, this one of a kind store has the Eastern European product you have been looking for. Go in with an open mind, and your day will surely be made.
Location: 62 Washington Street, Brighton
Latin American & Caribbean Markets:
This supermarket is known as the store with “the best of both worlds”. Not only does it function as a regular grocery store (selling milk, eggs, veggies, etc.), it also provides ethnic products, such as special produce, curries, rice, beans, and unique/hard-to-find specialties from the Caribbean, Central/Latin America, and Africa.
Location: 450 Melnea Cass Blvd, Boston
La Internacional Food Corporation
This is a must-go for your Central and Latin American food shopping needs. Their selection of spices, cheeses, beans, and more are extraordinary. Known as a friendly and well-stocked store, this is a great local market to do some of your ethnic shopping at.
Location: 318 Somerville Ave, Somerville
This little shop lives up to its name! With a restaurant/butcher in back, and a stocked grocery store in front, you are sure to find everything you may need. Traditional Brazilian products and brands line the shelves of this store, and all at an affordable price!
Location: 57 Union Sq, Somerville
These are just a few of many, many international food markets in the Greater Boston/Boston area. Be sure to do some of your own research and pop in to the next local market that you see!
