Find the Best Cultural Foods at Vancouver’s International Grocery Stores

You’ve got a hankering for creamy hummus with pita, or xiao long bao (soup dumplings) you can steam and feast on back at your home base in Vancouver. But where can you find your favourite cultural delicacies?

Vancouver encompasses diverse communities, whose members operate stores that proudly sell their cultural foods to both those familiar with them, as well as those interested in experiencing them.

Below is a tour of the many international shops around town:

Where Can You Buy Caribbean and African Food Products?

Expect a welcoming vibe at the stores that focus on African gourmet goods. Africana General Market on Kingsway sells pan-African products, including spices and seasonings, canned seafood, baked goods and plantain flour.

African Breese runs two locations (one in Kitsilano, the other in North Vancouver) where you can shop for South African products like locally made biltong (jerky), rooibos tea, as well as cookies, snacks and candy. Staff are always happy to help.

Strathcona’s Rise Up Marketplace is more than just a convenience store: it’s a community-space and advocate for local food vendors. In addition to their own Jamaican patties and sandwiches (e.g., jerk chicken), they sell an international selection of goods, including Kula’s BBQ sauces, johnny cakes and Food on the Table’s Ghanaian-inspired peanut veggie stew.

Which Stores Carry Asian Food Specialties?

Vancouver’s vibrant Asian populations mean that the city has an abundance of Asian grocery stores. You’ll be amazed at the selection at large chains like T&T Supermarket and Sungiven Foods where you can find basically any Asian food item you’re craving. Just browsing the condiment aisle can boggle the mind.

Other grocery stores specialize in particular Asian cuisines. Chinatown, the historical and cultural heart of the city’s Chinese Canadian community, remains the destination for grocers, herbalists, butchers, and bakeries. Many of these establishments, such as Dollar Meat Store for items like lap cheong (sausage) and Kam Wai Dim Sum (e.g., fresh/frozen har gow), have been running for decades.

Vancouver’s Japanese Canadian community also has a long history in the city. Vancouverites have an enduring love for Fujiya, which has been around for roughly 50 years and now has three locations. In addition to Japanese food products, like pickled radish miso and karaage seasoning, customers adore their prepared foods. Drop by for their ebi gyoza and salmon avocado maki.

Other Japanese gourmet and convenience stores have popped up in the last few years. ABURI Market stocks premium goods, like A5 Iwate wagyu, while stores like Konbiniya carry snacks like Calbee shrimp chips.

H-Mart, which began in New York, has become synonymous with Korean shopping. The chain has locations across Metro Vancouver, where foods/ingredients like kimchi and gochujang (red chili paste) are plentiful. Hannam Supermarket, which launched in 1998, has six stores, including one on Robson and one in Yaletown. A favourite is Kim’s Mart in Mount Pleasant, which packs a plethora of Korean goods in a tiny neighbourhood store.

The southern end of Fraser Street (roughly East 41st Avenue onwards) is a hub for Filipino restaurants. As you’re strolling along the area, visit Proud Pinoy Grocery Store, full of condiments, canned items, snacks and baked goods like silvanas (cookies) and pandesal (bread rolls).

Which Stores Carry Latin American Ingredients and Food?

Latin America’s proximity to Canada translates to high quality, fresh ingredients and products.

For example, Don Chendo has three locations (South Granville, North Vancouver and Burnaby) where you’ll find a wide range of authentic Mexican goods. These include spices and dry chili peppers, drinks like Jarritos sodas, cans of refried beans, tortillas and candies (e.g., Skwinkles). Their fridge and freezer sections contain items like tamales, churros and chorizo sausage.

Other popular Latin American stores include La San Juanita Latin Products in Fairview, and Mi Tierra Latina Grocery (on Davie Street, Robson Street and Commercial Drive).

Which Shops Specialize in Middle Eastern Food?

Persia Foods, many locations strong, lives up to its name by stocking Persian goods as well as fresh produce. You’ll find feta cheese, dried dates, halva shekari (a sesame paste treat) and crackers.

Meanwhile, Afra on Main in Mount Pleasant is a long-established shop full of Mediterrean and Middle Eastern goods. When you enter, breathe in the fragrant spices. Browse the aisles for items like dried dates, flatbreads and pickled lemons. Olives, salads and pastries can be found in the deli section.

Where Can You Shop for European Gourmet Goods?

Broadway, west of Macdonald has historically been Vancouver’s Greek neighbourhood. Today, there are numerous Greek businesses, including Parthenon Market, which has been operating since 1967. Since then, they’ve relocated across from their original location and opened a modern, expansive shop. Their deli section features an impressive selection of Greek specialities, like olives, hummus, spanakopita and feta. You’ll also find a range of dry and canned goods, meats, baked items and snacks.

European Deli and Piast Bakery and Deli specialize in European food products. These small shops sell cheeses and cured meats/sausages, baked items, in addition to canned, bottled, and dry goods. Piast sells some of the best pierogies in town in a variety of flavours.

Overall, you can find a world of food stores right here in Vancouver!