15 International Grocery Stores You Need to Know About
Story by Sara Srinivasan
Throughout its history, Metro Detroit has served as a beacon of hope and opportunity for countless immigrants seeking a better life in America. Waves of people from different corners of the globe have flocked to the city, bringing with them their customs, traditions, and most notably, their culinary heritage. These immigrant communities have not only contributed to the economic and cultural fabric of Detroit but have also left an indelible mark on the local food scene.
From Europe to Asia, Africa to the Middle East, Detroit's ethnic grocery stores are a testament to the city's diverse population. Each of the following markets is stocked with ingredients and delicacies that reflect the traditions and flavors of the communities that have made Detroit their home. Whether a resident or visitor, here are some of the 15 best international markets to try.
Polish
Srodek's Market is a renowned ethnic grocery store in Detroit, specializing in Polish and Eastern European food products. Established in 1981 by Stanislaw Srodek, a Polish immigrant, the market celebrates Polish heritage through its diverse range of products. It offers authentic ingredients like pierogies, kielbasa, pickles, sauerkraut, and imported cheeses. The market also features a bakery section with freshly baked Polish bread, pastries, and cakes, evoking the comforting flavors of traditional Polish cuisine.
While in downtown Hamtramck, check out New Palace Bakery, also known as the Paczki Headquarters of Metro Detroit. Family-owned since 1908, they specialize in bread, cakes, cookies, pastries, wedding cakes, and more. Once a year on Fat Tuesday, it is not uncommon to see people lining up before dawn to get boxes of freshly-fried Paczki in many flavors including some unique to New Palace Bakery. Because it happens only once a year, though, the wait is definitely worth it!
Middle Eastern
Greenland Market is a well-known Middle Eastern grocery store that offers a wide range of products and ingredients catering to the culinary needs of the local Middle Eastern community and beyond. The market specializes in Middle Eastern groceries, including fresh produce, halal meats, spices, pantry staples, baked goods, and a variety of imported products from different Middle Eastern countries. Greenland Market is known for its diverse selection, quality products, and a welcoming atmosphere that attracts customers looking for authentic Middle Eastern ingredients and specialty items.
Saad Wholesale Meats is a well-established meat market located in Detroit, Michigan. It is a family-owned business that has been serving the local community for many years. Saad Wholesale Meats specializes in providing a wide variety of high-quality meats, including beef, lamb, poultry, and veal. They are known for their selection of Halal meats, which adhere to Islamic dietary guidelines. The market prides itself on offering fresh, locally sourced meats that are expertly cut and prepared to meet the needs of their customers. Saad Wholesale Meats has gained a reputation for its exceptional customer service, reasonable prices, and commitment to providing top-notch meat products to the Detroit community.
Indian
Detroit is also home to a large Indian population, thanks in part to our thriving automotive & technology industry. There are a number of both local and chain Indian grocers in the area. Patel Brothers is a well-known Indian grocery store chain that has a presence in several cities across the United States, including the Detroit area. Patel Brothers provides a wide range of Indian food products, spices, ingredients, and household items to cater to the needs of the local Indian community and anyone interested in Indian cuisine.
Bombay Grocers (Canton) is known for its selection of fresh vegetables. India Grocers is a larger store (Farmington Hills) providing a large section of fresh fruits & vegetables, aisles of cookware & household goods, a wide variety of frozen foods, and more. Meanwhile, Vani Foods (Farmington Hills) specializes in South Indian staples and a whole aisle of ceremonial supplies.
Asian
Located in Novi, One World Market is the largest Japanese grocery store in the Detroit area. It offers all the typical Japanese staples including dry goods like rice and seaweed, a whole aisle of green teas, fresh fruits vegetables, sashimi-grade fish, and sake (rice-based alcohol); it also offers sundries such as cookware, bento boxes, cleaning supplies, and more. There are also Japanese-style baked goods, daifuku & mochi, and frozen ice cream treats. Don’t forget to stop by the sushi bar (as of June 2023, it still remains carry out only). Although not large, it is a one-stop shop for anybody looking to satisfy their cravings for fresh and delicious Japanese food or unique ingredients.
For a similar experience on a smaller scale, visit their sister store Noble Fish, located in Clawson. Its “hole in the wall” sushi bar and has been a favorite of locals for over 30 years.
Perhaps you are looking for a warehouse-style Asian Megamart with absolutely everything under the sun - if so, then 168 Asian Mart may be the store for you! Being the largest Asian mart in the midwest, you can probably spend half a day here browsing the thousands of selections. There is a seafood counter, meat counter, bakery, frozen food section, food court, and more. There is even a cookware section with inexpensive pots, pans, bowls, utensils, woks, plates, cups, tea sets and more. Home chefs will enjoy the abundance of fresh fruits & vegetables, including those which are harder to find in normal grocery stores such as Jack Fruit, Durian, and Daikon Radish - just to name a few.
H-Mart is a popular Korean-American supermarket chain that specializes in providing a wide variety of Korean food products, ingredients, and household items. H Mart stores are known for their extensive selection of fresh produce, meats, seafood, pantry staples, snacks, and other Korean food items. Similar to Kroger, H-Mart features well-organized aisles with an assortment of Korean food products, including various types of kimchi, gochujang (fermented chili paste), doenjang (soybean paste), rice cakes, noodles, teas, and a wide range of banchan (side dishes). H Mart also offers a selection of kitchenware, cookware, and Korean beauty products, providing a comprehensive shopping experience. In addition to Korean products, H-Mart stores often include sections dedicated to other Asian cuisines, such as Japanese, Chinese, and Southeast Asian foods. This multicultural aspect allows customers to explore a broader range of flavors and ingredients from different Asian cultures.
Filipina’s Oriental Groceries is a small Filipino grocery store and eatery which also houses an international “balikbayan box” freight shipping service. Known for its fresh & authentic Filipino food offerings, the menu offers items like dinuguan and jackfruit cooked in coconut milk, chicken curry, and chicken adobo, served in a way similar to how they are served at street stalls in the Philippines.
Mexican
Honeybee Market is a beloved grocery store located in the heart of Southwest Detroit, Michigan. It is a vibrant and bustling market that specializes in offering a wide range of Latin American and Hispanic food products and ingredients. The store is known for its diverse selection, affordable prices, and friendly atmosphere, making it a go-to destination for both the local Hispanic community and anyone looking to explore the flavors of Latin American cuisine.
Honeybee Market features an extensive produce section, offering fresh fruits and vegetables commonly used in Latin American cooking. The store also provides a variety of imported food items, including spices, sauces, canned goods, beverages, and specialty ingredients from different Latin American countries for some of the lowest prices around. One of the highlights of Honeybee Market is its butcher counter, where you can find an assortment of fresh meats, including various cuts of beef, pork, chicken, and seafood commonly used in Latin American recipes. There is also a bakery section where you can find freshly baked bread, traditional pastries, and desserts that reflect the flavors and traditions of Latin American countries. It's a delightful spot to indulge in treats like pan dulce (sweet bread) or empanadas. The cookware aisle is another favorite – featuring clay pots, cast iron tortilla presses, and more.
Italian
Cantoro's Italian Market in Plymouth, Michigan, is a upscale Italian grocery store known for offering top-notch Italian imports as well as an authentic European shopping experience. A large store with a wide selection of imported cheeses, cured meats, fresh produce, pastas, olive oils, and more, Cantoro's captures the heart of Italian cuisine. Their exceptional butcher counter provides premium cuts of meat, while the bakery section offers freshly baked Italian bread and delightful pastries. Craving one of the cannolis in Michigan along with a petit cup of espresso with a nice head of crema? Then Cantoro’s is a must-visit!
The market extends its offerings to include a deli section and a curated wine selection, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for customers to celebrate Italian culinary traditions. Whether you're a food enthusiast, Italian-American, or simply appreciate the rich flavors of Italy, Cantoro's provides the finest Italian products and an opportunity to explore the diverse offerings of Italian cuisine.
African
Darou Salaam in Detroit is small in size but offers an excellent selection of African grocery items not otherwise available in most groceries. They offer halal meats such as goat & lamb, frozen fish such as snapper & tilapia, as well as specialty spices and juices. There's a small produce section with plantains, mangoes, and other fresh fare used in African cooking. Family African Market offers food, sundries, as well as health & wellness items including detox tonics, soaps, shea butter, hair oils, & more.
Scottish
Ackroyd's Scottish Bakery is a family-run shop offering many types of Scottish savory pies, tea cakes & breads available for shipping across the USA. As of June 2023, it has scaled up to become a mostly online store with limited retail storefront (it is curbside pickup only and you must order online in advance). In 2022, it relocated to a larger facility with more room to create and ship the delicious meat pies that have made it famous.
Detroit's ethnic grocery stores are gateways to the city's rich immigrant heritage, telling stories of resilience, unity, and the transformative power of food. As we wander through the aisles of these vibrant establishments, we not only embrace diverse culinary traditions but also celebrate the collective human experience that has shaped Detroit into the cultural mosaic it is today. So, let us embark on a journey of flavors, where the past converges with the present and where every ingredient holds a story waiting to be discovered.
