17 Popular international grocery stores in Boston
There is something extremely satisfying about discovering pieces of your culture on a store shelf. Thankfully, in a city as cosmopolitan as Boston, international grocery stores are prevalent! Whether you’re chasing a taste of home, recreating a family recipe, or simply curious about global flavors, this guide will help you discover some of Boston’s most popular international grocery stores that make exploring global cuisines effortless.
Asian grocery stores in Boston
1. H Mart
Photo credits: H-Mart Cambridge
H Mart is the largest Asian supermarket chain in America; definitely the go-to for Korean groceries. Beyond its vast selection of Korean staples, it’s a hub for products from across Asia, from Tokyo Banana from Japan, to pandan leaf from Thailand, and various sauces from China, making it easy to fill your cart with both essentials and exciting new finds. Most have a fresh seafood section, while larger outfits in Burlington and Quincy are equipped with a food court and bakery.
Locations:
H Mart, Cambridge
H Mart, Burlington
H Mart, Brookline
H Mart, Somerville
H Mart, Quincy
2. Maruichi Japanese Food & Deli
Photo credits: Maruichi
With three locations in the Boston area. This Japanese-centric grocery offers delicious Japanese ingredients, snacks, drinks, and one-of-a-kind products. You will find both fresh and packaged produce, including sashimi-grade salmon, sushi rolls, and bento boxes.
Locations:
Maruichi SELECT, Brookline
Maruichi, Brookline
Maruichi, Arlington
3. Patel Brothers
Photo credits: Swapnesh Parmar
Patel Brothers is the largest Indian grocery chain in the US, offering a wide range of ingredients from across South Asia. Shoppers can expect freshly ground spices, specialty flours, lentils, frozen parathas, and snacks that instantly transport you to a bustling Indian market. It’s the go-to when you’re looking to replicate an authentic South Asian dish.
Locations:
Patel Brothers Waltham
Patel Brothers, North Attleboro
Patel Brothers, Shrewsbury
4. Apna Bazar
Photo credits: Kp k
Apna Bazar is part farmers market, part specialty store, and a favorite for fresh produce and authentic Indian and Pakistani goods at competitive prices. You’ll find everything from tropical fruits like guava and jackfruit to ready-to-cook dosa batter and spice blends, even halal meats. There’s always a tempting assortment of traditional snacks and ready-made foods.
Locations:
Apna Bazar Farmers Market, Lowell
Apna Bazar Farmers Market, Woburn
Apna Bazar Farmers Market, Norwood
5. C-Mart
Photo Credits: Andrea Sacay
Those looking to make a big haul of Chinese products and produce should definitely head to C-Mart in Quincy. There’s everything- fresh seafood tanks, dried mushrooms, herbal teas, and hard-to-find condiments. If you’re aiming to cook traditional Cantonese, Sichuan, or Fujian dishes, this is where you’ll find the right building blocks. There’s a more compact C-Mart at the outskirts of Chinatown in Boston for those living in the city that is a 6-minute walk from the Tufts Medical Center Orange Line T.
Locations:
C-Mart Supermarket, Boston
C-Mart Supermarket, Quincy
Other notable East-Asian supermarkets include:
Super 88 Market, Brighton
99 Asian Supermarket, Malden
99 Ranch Market, Quincy
African grocery stores in Boston
1. Royal African Caribbean Supermarket
Photo credits: Google Maps
Your one-stop West African store in Boston! Find everything from crayfish powder to ukazi leaves to authentic African seasonings like suya, suro wisa powder, and hot spices that bring every dish to life. Looking for something special? They offer beautiful purses and traditional waist beads at great prices, and if you don’t see what you need, they’ll make sure to get it for you. Hungry? Enjoy freshly prepared meals such as Jollof rice or Waakye (rice mixed with beans) with your choice of protein. Delivery is also available.
Location:
Royal African Caribbean Supermarket, Hyde Park
2. Evidence of Trust: African Wholesale and Retail Store
Photo credits: Evidence of Trust: African Wholesale and Retail Store
More than just a grocery store, Evidence of Trust serves the local African community with wholesale and retail options. Ingredients like millet, shea butter, dried hibiscus petals, beans, yams, dried fish, and spice blends are staples here, making it ideal for stocking up on essentials or buying in bulk. They also stock beauty and personal care products popular across the African diaspora.
Location:
Evidence of Trust: African Wholesale and Retail store, Roslindale
Other notable African supermarkets include:
Central and South America grocery stores in Boston
1. Tropical Foods (El Platanero)
Photo credits: Hector Medina
For over 50 years, Tropical Foods has been a multicultural market showcasing products from the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Africa. From saltfish and plantains to cassava bread and Latin spices, it serves as a one-stop destination for diverse cultural kitchens, offering a wide variety of specialty items all in one place.
Location:
Tropical Foods (El Platanero), Roxbury.
2. El Valle de la Sultana Market
Photo credits: El Valle de la Sultana Market
From pupusa mixes and Salvadoran cheeses to tropical fruits and freshly baked goods, this market is a premier destination for authentic Central American flavors. It offers a wide range of fresh and frozen products, especially meats, alongside popular snacks and traditional seasonings.
Locations:
El Valle De La Sultana Market, Everett
El Valle De La Sultana Market, Somerville
El Valle De La Sultana Market, East Boston
3. Vitoria Meat Market
Photo Credits: Google Maps
Victoria Meat Market is well-known for its high-quality, expert butchery and exceptional services. They specialize in meats suited for Latin American dishes. Meat cuts include seasoned and ready-to-grill short ribs, sirloin strip steak, brisket, Brazilian sausages, and picanha, to name a few. Whether you are making carne asada, grilled chorizo, or a slow-cooked stew, this market has a variety of fresh, flavorful options to help elevate your meals.
Locations:
Vitoria Meat Market, Everett
Vitoria Meat Market, Revere
Vitoria Meat Market, Peabody
Vitoria Meat Market, Lynn
Vitoria Meat Market, Allston
Vitoria Meat Market, Somerville
Vitoria Meat Market, Malden
Vitoria Meat Market, Quincy
Vitoria Meat Market, East Boston
Vitoria Meat Market, Burlington
Other notable Central and South American supermarkets include:
La Favorita Market, Allston
La Chapincita Market, Waltham
Caribbean Choice & Varieties, Mattapan
Middle Eastern groceries in Boston
1. Turco Market
Photo credits: Turco Market
Discover the authentic taste of Turkey and the Middle East. Turco Market sells freshly baked breads, pitas, baklava, Turkish pastries, and snacks such as lahmajun and Dubai chocolate. Specialty items include kashkavel cheese, labne, fresh Turkish butter, pistachios, halal sujuk and hotdogs, Turkish coffee, and tea. You'll also find packaged goods, halal ingredients, cologne, hand cream, and a carefully curated selection of fresh produce, spices, and specialty items that are difficult to find elsewhere.
Location:
Turco Market, Boston
2. Arax Market
Photo credits: Babak Babakinejad
A family-owned Armenian and Middle Eastern grocery, Arax is renowned for its fresh produce, freshly baked lavash, cheeses, and cured meats. The store is also well-stocked with olives, pickles, spices, nuts, grains, and deli favorites like hummus, baba ghanoush, and tabbouleh, making it the perfect place for assembling an authentic Mediterranean mezze spread.
Location:
Arax Market, Watertown
3. Sayar Market
Photo credits: Moh Alazmi
A must-visit for high-quality ethnic and cultural goods from a variety of international brands. The store offers fresh herbs, organic chickens, and strictly halal custom-cut meats that are tender and flavorful, along with pantry staples like tahini, bulgur, and rose water. Shoppers can also find Bulgarian cheeses, spreads, and specialty ingredients for dishes like banitsa, plus a tempting selection of regional sweets. Perfect for those observing religious diets or seeking organic Middle Eastern and North African foods. Conveniently located in Revere, just steps from the Blue Line.
Location:
Sayar Market, Revere
Other notable Middle Eastern supermarkets include:
European groceries in Boston
Photo Credits: Winne S
Formaggio offers a selection of gourmet and artisanal products from Europe. Cheese lovers will find themselves in heaven as Formaggio stocks not only imports from Europe, but also small-batch exclusive selections from regional farms. It is an intimate space that additionally offers charcuterie, jams, chocolates, and fresh groceries. If you’re looking for an immersive experience, their tasting sessions - typically cheese, wine, or breads - are a fun way to interact and learn about food.
Locations:
Formaggio Kitchen, Kendall
Formaggio Kitchen, South-End
Formaggio Kitchen, Cambridge
Formaggio Kitchen Annex, Watertown
2. BazaAr
Photo credits: Jon Langbert
With multiple locations, BazaAr is the go-to market for Russian and Eastern European groceries. It offers a wide selection of smoked fish, black bread, caviar, breads, and an array of pastries. Customers can also enjoy the in-store buffet, featuring numerous options for a quick bite or taking home for dinner.
Locations:
Bazaar on Cambridge, Allston
Bazaar on Beacon Street, Brookline
BazaAr, Framingham
Baza Gourmet Food & Spirit, Newton
Photo credits: Zachary Zawila
Salumeria Italiana is an iconic Italian Market in the classic North End. It is packed with premium olive oils, aged balsamic vinegars, pasta, and fine cheese. The deli counter serves some of the best cured meat. It’s the place to go for building the perfect antipasto or pasta night!
Locations
Salumeria Italiana, North End
4. Euromart
Photo credits: Boston Preservation Alliance
Euromart is a go-to for Eastern European groceries, with a special emphasis on Polish favorites. Shelves are filled with imported chocolates, beer, pierogi, cured meats, cheeses, baked goods, sweets, and specialty preserves. Their kielbasa and deli meats are unmatched, complemented by pickles, sauerkraut, and other pantry staples. The store also sells Polish greeting cards, cosmetics, and unique gifts. In the back, they make fresh sandwiches to order, as well as cooked, ready-to-eat meals. From homemade smoked sausages to products from Hungary, Romania, and beyond, Euromart offers a true taste of Eastern Europe all under one roof.
Locations:
Euromart, Dorchester.
