Seeking Refuge at the Table
For most of us, the closest we will ever get to traveling Asia is enjoying a great meal at a restaurant here in NE Florida—digging into pad thai or nam sod, with its garnish of a bright carrot crane o...
International Market Guide
Northeast Florida is home to dozens of food markets and neighborhood convenience stores serving the international communities in our area, along with neophyte nibblers and foodies focused on interesting ingredients. The following is a small (but select) sampling of regional shops where culinary adventures await.
ASIAN
HUNG THINH SUPERMARKET
5801 Normandy Blvd. Jacksonville. 904-783-2218
Favorite Finds: Red Boat 40º N and 9999 fish sauces, Noh brand Korean Kim Chee Mix (for mixing up batches of homemade kim chee), pecks of pickled chilies, Bun Tuoi “Bamboo Tree” fresh rice vermicelli noodles, Filipino-created Suka Pinakurat spiced coconut vinegar (possibly the best fish marinade ever – great for grilling, and PLEASE, add it to any seafood-based soups, especially oyster stew), fresh tripe, congealed blood and chicken feet from the butchery, crispy roast pork or duck for takeout from the deli/BBQ (ask for extra skin, the best part). And, you have to check out the large selection of traditionalpalm leaf “Hue” hats, ideal for fishing, gardening or simply making a First Coast fashion statement.
CIRCLE JAPAN GROCERY & CAFE
12192 Beach Blvd., Suite 1 Jacksonville 904-642-7799; Sake manager: 904-710-5193
Favorite Finds: Circle Japan’s o’sake-ya (sake store) stocks an outstanding selection of premi- um sakes. An even larger selec- tion is available for sale online. In-store sake tastings every Fri- day from 5 to 8pm. The store can also arrange staff for home parties to provide information about sake and Japanese cul- ture. Also, fresh-baked Japanese breads and Ginga Kogen beer, an excellent unfiltered Bavarian-style wheat beer brewed in the mountain village of Sauwachi, located in an area of heavy snowfall that is the source of the area’s famous water used in brewing. Look for the beautiful blue bottle with snow-capped peaks and reindeer on the label.
LA SALSA MARKET
11757 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville 904-379-8930
Favorite finds: With a name like “La Salsa” one might be surprised to learn this is an Asian market. Their claim to fame? A stunning array of exotic produce and fresh seafood.
MIKE CELL ORIENTAL GROCERY
10730 Atlantic Blvd Jacksonville 904-997-1345
JAX ORIENTAL MARKET
10584 Old St. Augustine Rd Jacksonville 904-288-8288
PJ’S ASIA ONE MARKET
425 State Rd 207 St. Augustine 904-429-7587
CAMBODIAN ORIENTAL STORE
1104 Edgewood Ave S. Jacksonville 904-388-1524
MIDDLE EASTERN
KOUROSH MARKET
9551 Baymeadows Rd Jacksonville 904-636-5957
Favorite Finds: The stuffed eggplant in oil, carrot preserves, bergamont jam and a whole host of flavored waters (dill weed, fenugreek, chicory, pussywillow and peppermint)
NOURA CAFE AND IMPORTED FOODS
1533 University Blvd West Jacksonville 904-739-0033
EASTERN EUROPEAN
AMAR EUROPEAN GROCERY
5664 Santa Monica Blvd S. Jacksonville 904-739-9447 and 5250 Baymeadows Rd. Jacksonville 904-739-9447
Favorite Finds: Bende brand Hungarian Hot Mixed Salad (great side dish and alternative to sauerkraut; excellent with grilled seafood), marinated mushrooms (nine varieties), Arikon Classic Russian Fish Seasoning, Cockta soda (I’m not typically a soda drinker, but Cockta rocks; think vanilla cola . . . Sorry, Atlanta), salmon caviar.
SERPOL OF FLORIDA
2 B Market Place Palm Coast 904-597-7544
Favorite Finds: Fresh frozen pierogis (more than a dozen varieties), pickled vegetables and smoked sausages
INDO/PAK
RAJA INDIAN SPICES
5111 Baymeadows Rd Jacksonville 904-448-8006
Favorite Finds: Vegetable pastry puffs (on weekends), traditional Indian sweets such as Rasmalai and Ladoo (both flavored with cardamom) and Kaju Barfi (cashew rolls).
PATEL BROTHERS GROCERY
9551 Baymeadows Rd Jacksonville 904-800-2235
Favorite Finds: Jabsons Hing Jeera spicy peanuts, bitter gourd chips, bulk spices, frozen samosas (flaky pastries typically filled with spicy potatoes and peas), Swad brand Bhel Puri and Pan Puri kits, ghee (clarified butter).
JAY PATEL'S INDIAN GROCERY AND PRODUCE
9802 Baymeadows Rd Jacksonville 904-807-9802
HOUSE OF SPICES
9978-4 Old St. Augustine Rd Jacksonville 904-646-4427
KALYAAN MARKET
9365 Philips Hwy, Ste 102 Jacksonville 904-363-8233
APNA BAZAR
10769 Beach Blvd Jacksonville 904-996-8780
LATINO/HISPANIC
PEPE'S HACIENCA
3615 Dupont Ave, Ste 900 Jacksonville 904-636-8131
Favorite Finds: El Yucateco brand chile habanero hot sauce (“You Get More Habanero”), Gembos Spicy Plantain Chips with Chile, Lime and Salt (move over kettle chips), Fly Emirates sponsored soccer jersey (just because it looks cool).
MI PUEBLO TAQUERIA, TIENDA & MEAT MARKET
11969 Beach Blvd Jacksonville 904-645-6969
STORIES YOU MIGHT LIKE
Seeking Refuge at the Table
For most of us, the closest we will ever get to traveling Asia is enjoying a great meal at a restaurant here in NE...
Hing Jeera Peanuts, Bourbon Biscuits and Snakehead Fish
International grocery stores showcase culinary curiosities and provide a window to the world for those seeking...
Communities Near You
Related Stories & Recipes
Hing Jeera Peanuts, Bourbon Biscuits and Snakehead Fish
International grocery stores showcase culinary curiosities and provide a window to the world for those seeking sustenance beyond everyday “American” fare.