Finding something new to cook each week can feel like a chore—most of us end up cycling through the same familiar recipes with the same go-to ingredients. One of the best ways to break that routine is by exploring international grocery stores and finding the best international ingredients. These markets are more than just places to shop—they’re vibrant cultural hubs filled with ingredients that are deeply rooted in regional traditions. The moment you walk in, it feels like you’re traveling the world aisle by aisle, discovering spices, sauces, and staples that spark inspiration.
International grocery stores are hidden gems, filled with ingredients you’d never find in a typical supermarket. As you explore, you’ll expand not just your palate, but your entire approach to cooking. Each cuisine carries its own story—through spices, grains, and preparation —that adds depth and authenticity to your meals. Before long, your family dinner table becomes a gateway to global flavours and unexpected combinations.
The best part? These stores don’t just stock your pantry—they deepen your appreciation for food culture and how communities around the world gather around their version of a heavenly table.
Vancouver is a goldmine for international cuisine, and many of the best grocery finds are tucked into neighbourhoods off the beaten path—far from the usual big-box stores. Here are some incredible shops I’ve discovered simply by wandering and following my curiosity (and my appetite).
Exploring Persian Delights
Persian grocery stores are a treasure chest of flavorful ingredients that can instantly elevate your everyday cooking. From fragrant spices and specialty cheeses to rich yogurts, fresh breads, and marinated meats, these markets bring the bold, nuanced flavours of Persian cuisine right into your kitchen.
Persian food is often centred around beautifully grilled meats—like kebabs and koftas—paired with aromatic rice dishes. Their approach to seasoning is subtle yet deeply satisfying; the spices don’t overpower, but instead bring out the best in each bite. A well-grilled piece of meat, infused with Persian spice blends, offers a perfect balance of smokiness, warmth, and complexity.
If you love making dishes like kebabs, meatballs, or even pot roasts at home, Persian spices can add a whole new dimension. As someone who’s always looking to expand my culinary repertoire, I’ve found Persian ingredients to be both exciting and versatile. I’ve discovered dried vegetables, tart barberries, tangy sumac, and preserved lemons—all of which I’ve used in everything from chicken curry to rice pilafs and soups. These unexpected additions add a layer of brightness or umami that takes a dish from good to unforgettable.
Sometimes, we don’t even know what our cooking is missing until we stumble upon the right ingredient—and Persian grocery stores are full of those hidden gems just waiting to be explored.
| Dairy | Labneh, clotted cream, pressed yogurt, Macedonian feta and whey |
| Must Try | Frozen cherries, flat bread, grapevines, pickled lemons, sour cherry jam, pickles, eggplant spread, tahini |
| Herbs | Mint, dill, sumac, vegetable seasoning |
- Persian foods ( Coquitlam)
- Urban Gate ( Coquitlam)
- Parsargard Supermarket (Coquitlam)
- Persian Foods Produce (North Vancouver)
What to cook: saffron chicken, herbed rice, mezze night, kebabs, flat bread and dip
Exploring the World of Asian Grocery Stores
I love wandering through Asian grocery stores—each visit feels like a mini culinary adventure. From Chinese staples to Japanese curries and Thai-inspired ingredients, there’s a world of flavour tucked into every aisle. Many stores even have hot food counters offering ready-made dishes like fried rice, chow mein, and noodles, along with dim sum favorites like pork buns, roast duck and shrimp dumplings. And don’t skip the bakery section—each region offers its own take on soft, subtly sweet pastries that are as beautiful as they are delicious. To name a few…… fresh buns, cakes, puddings, egg tarts and pastries.
One of the most exciting parts of shopping in Asian markets is the produce. You’ll find an incredible variety of vegetables and greens that are not only healthy but packed with flavor—shiitake, king, and oyster mushrooms, Chinese chives, Napa cabbage, kabocha squash, lemongrass, garlic chives, and even fresh curry leaves. There’s always something new to discover.
The seafood counters are another highlight. You can often choose your own whole fish, and they’ll clean and prep it for you right on the spot.
And let’s not forget the sauces—aisles filled with every kind of soy sauce, chili oil, curry paste, and stir-fry seasoning you can imagine. Whether you’re whipping up a quick noodle dish or building the base of a rich soup or curry, these sauces can transform your cooking.
If you’re looking to try new flavours, expand your recipe list, or just get inspired—Asian grocery stores are a must.
| Fresh food | Dim sum, sticky rice, Chinese food, steamed buns, pot stickers, sushi, desserts, cookies, barbeque meat. |
| Must Try | Lotus root, bitter melon, variety tofu, beancurd, bamboo shoots, mustard greens, lotus seeds, taro, rice paper wrapper, nori seasoning for rice, dark soy sauce, gochujang, miso, chilli, array of frozen dumplings |
| Herbs | lime leaves, chinese chives, lemon grass, thai basil, |
- TNT Supermarket-Biggest Asian grocery chain in Canada.
- H Mart– Korean grocery store
- Sungiven Foods-A growing chain specializing in Asian and natural foods
What to cook: saffron chicken, herbed rice, mezze night, kebabs, flat bread and dip
From Pasta to Prosciutto: Inside the Best Italian Markets
Italian delis are a favourite for anyone who loves good food—and especially for fans of Italian cuisine.Vancouver is home to many incredible Italian grocery stores where you can find fresh pasta, imported pantry staples, quality olive oils, and beautifully curated deli counters. Italian food is one of my absolute favourites, and what sets it apart is its elegant simplicity—many dishes rely on just a few ingredients, which means quality is everything.
At Italian stores, you’ll often find specialty items you simply can’t get at a standard supermarket—like San Marzano tomatoes, perfect for a rich pasta sauce or a classic pizza base. There’s also a great selection of imported dried pasta made in Italy, high-quality Parmesan and Pecorino cheeses, and beautiful truffle oils and pastes to elevate your cooking.
The deli counters are usually packed with fresh meats, house-made sausages, and a wide variety of antipasti—perfect for an Italian-style charcuterie board. Some stores also feature impressive bakery sections, offering everything from crusty loaves to sweet treats like cannoli and biscotti.
Shopping at an Italian deli feels like stepping into a little piece of Italy. Whether you’re recreating dishes from your travels or simply inspired by a scene from your favorite cooking show, these shops are the perfect place to start. I always walk away inspired—and hungry.
| Dairy | burrata, truffle cheese, fresh cream, italian imported cheeses |
| Must Try | good olive oil, cherry tomato sauce, cured meats, imported pasta, Calabrian chili,Dried Porcini Mushrooms |
| Fresh Food | baked goods, antipasto, cooked meatballs, Arancini, stuffed pasta |
- Bosa Foods ( Vicotria Drive and Kootenay)
- Cioffi Market ( Pacific Heights Hastings-Burnaby)
- Casa Del Pane Italian Bakery & Deli ( Newport Village- Port Moody)
What to Cook: Seafood pasta, meatballs or bolognese.
Spices, Snacks, and Surprises: Inside Indian Grocery Stores
Indian grocery stores have an array of imported ingredients, bold spices, and nostalgic snacks. Indian cuisine is incredibly diverse—each region offering its own unique flavours, techniques, and specialties. If you’re looking to cook traditional dishes at home, these stores are the place to find authentic ingredients that are hard to source elsewhere. Whether you’re making a rich North Indian curry, a tangy South Indian sambar, or simply brewing a comforting cup of masala chai, Indian grocery stores carry all the essentials—and so much more—to bring the vibrant taste of India into your kitchen.
| Dairy | dhai (yogurt), paneer, ghee, buttermilk, |
| Must Try | green chilis, mini eggplants, frozen curries, chapatis, chutneys, indian snacks, indian pickles, atta (Whole Wheat Flour), lentils, Papadums |
| Herbs and Spices | Mint, cilantro, chilli powder, cumin, coriander, curry powder, turmeric, curry leaves, Asafoetida (Hing), garam masala, cardamon, Amchur (Dried Mango Powder), Jaggery. |
- Surabhi Store-South Asian grocery store chain.
- Fruiticana- North Indian groceries
- Sabzi Mandi Supermarket– Large variety of Indian and Pakistani groceries, sweets, and household items
What to cook: lamb curry, daal, somosa, paneer curry, chicken curry
The Best Mexican Grocery Stores for Authentic Flavors
If you’re looking to bring authentic Latin American flavours into your kitchen, some amazing grocery stores make it easy and exciting. These markets have everything from fresh tortillas and tamales to spices, sauces, tropical produce, and unique staples like achiote paste and dulce de leche. Whether you’re making homemade empanadas, arepas, or ceviche, these stores offer a taste of home for some—and a culinary adventure for others.
| Dairy | Labneh, clotted cream, pressed yogurt, Macedonian feta and whey |
| Must Try | Frozen cherries, flat bread, grapevines, pickled lemons, sour cherry jam, pickles, eggplant spread, tahini |
| Herbs | Mint, dill, sumac, vegetable seasoning |
- Los Guerreros Mexican Food Products (Vancouver & Surrey)-The go-to for authentic Mexican groceries.
- Andes Latin Foods- vibrant Latin mini market and eatery offering a diverse array of products from Mexico to Argentina.
- Mercado Mexican Market & Taqueria– authentic Mexican street food and a variety of grocery items
What to cook: tacos, tamales, sala, enchaledes
From Athens to Your Table: Exploring Greek Specialty Stores
Greek stores typically have an array of fresh meats, traditional desserts, imported cheeses and authentic products. Some favourites to try , tender lamb chops and house-made sausages, spanakopita, baklava, olive oils, and fragrant herbs. These markets are perfect for anyone craving authentic Greek ingredients or looking for good meats.
| Dairy | Kasseri (sheep’s milk or a mix of sheep and goat Mizithra (ricotta-like cheese), Greek yogurt |
| Must Try | phyllo dough, Dolmades (Stuffed Grape Leaves), Taramasalata, kebabs, |
| Herbs | Wild Greek oregano, mint, dill, thyme, rosemary, Greek Spice Blends, rosemary |
- Parthenon Market (Vancouver, West Broadway)-Traditional Greek grocery store.
- Kea’s Meats & Deli is a family-run butcher shop and deli
What to cook: Spanakopita, kebabs, greek salad or stewed lamb chops.
A Taste of Ukraine
At these stores you will fine family-run deli offering handmade perogies, pelmeni, borscht, cabbage rolls, and European imports like smoked fish, kolbasa, and chocolates. Their commitment to authenticity and quality has made them a cherished spot for both the Ukrainian community and those looking to explore Eastern European flavours.
| Known for | Perogis, cabbage rolls, Borscht soup, Sauerkraut & Pickled Vegetables |
| Must Try | Kovbasa (Ukrainian sausage), Smoked Fish |
| Herbs | dill, Horseradish Root, Mint or Lemon Balm, |
- A Taste of Ukraine– Deli & Catering ( Port Moody)
- European Breads Bakery ( fraser street)
What to cook: sausage, perogis, borscht, and dumpling soup.
From Yorkshire Tea to Jaffa Cakes: Inside British Grocery Stores
I’ve always had a soft spot for British products—maybe it’s the charm of their sauces, teas, and savory bites, or maybe it’s the memories tied to my travels. Every time I visit a British grocery store, it feels like a nostalgic trip back to the UK. These shops are packed with everything from Jaffa Cakes and Cadbury chocolates to handmade sausages, mint chutney, and Devonshire cream. You’ll also find pantry gems like chutneys, condiments, rich teas, and even blood sausage for the more adventurous.
British cuisine is often understated but deeply comforting, and discovering these stores has helped me relive flavors I fell in love with abroad. If you’ve never been to the UK, visiting a British grocer is a delicious way to get a taste of what it’s all about. You might just find a new favorite snack—or a craving for your next trip across the pond.
- Stong’s Market ( north van)
- Steveston’s Best of British Food & Gifts ( Richmond)
- The British Butcher Shop ( North Vancouver)
What to cook: sausages, eggs and blood sausage, jam and scones, braised beef or yorkshire pudding.
While there are certainly many more hidden gems out there waiting to be discovered, these are just a few of my favorites so far—and I’ll be sure to keep you posted as I come across more. I always recommend taking a stroll through a new neighborhood, coffee in hand, and simply exploring. That’s how I’ve found most of these spots—by walking, wandering, and letting curiosity lead the way.
These stores might not always be front and center on the main streets, but they’re often cherished by local communities and full of incredible finds. I hope you enjoy visiting them as much as I have.
If you do stop by, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share what you picked up, what you cooked, and how it turned out. Heavenly Table is all about sharing discoveries, telling stories, and bringing people together through food.
