Specialty stores bring international food products to Stanislaus. Here are 20
In Stanislaus County, there is no shortage of grocery shopping options. While many people opt for a larger chain simply out of convenience, our area is rich with cultural markets and stores that offer more than just traditional foods. Given our diverse cultural landscape, there is a market for almost every culture or ethnicity. In some cases, you may even find cheaper options than those offered by the big stores.
East and Southeast Asian Markets
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Asian demographic makes up about 8% of the population of Stanislaus County. In the past few years, a number of markets offering East and southeast Asian goods and foods have popped up to serve the growing population.
Just last year, Bay Area retailer SF Supermarket opened in the former Save Mart space on Oakdale next to Naraghi Lake. The store is large and offers an impressive seafood counter with tanks full of fish not usually found in our region.
A few years before that, locally owned Asian Market opened on McHenry Road after a fire destroyed its former, much smaller, location on Carver Road. Asian Market is a go-to for unique snacks and ingredients and offers a seafood counter with seasonal crabs that sell out within hours.
For those who prefer a less daunting shopping experience, Hong Heng Market on Paradise Road has gotten rave reviews on Yelp. One reviewer on Yelp said, “First time visiting this market and I will be coming back. Everything was reasonably priced. The employees were very helpful and even carried my groceries to my car!” Shoppers report a friendly and helpful staff and a great source for Cambodian, Thai, Laotian, and Vietnamese offerings.
One of the first Asian markets in the area, Modesto Oriental Market on Prescott and Briggsmore offers core Asian goods and ingredients in a smaller space. “This market has quickly become a go-to place for me to pick up all my Asian needs and wants. There’s a ton of stuff in a very small space. Whatever you’re looking for, it’s most likely here,” said one review on Yelp. Shoppers report reasonable prices and great snack options.
Middle Eastern and Indian
Shoppers may notice a solid amount of Middle Eastern and Indian grocers in the area that specialize in hard-to-find goods and products.
In Modesto, shoppers report Babylon Market as a favorite for Assyrian products and a great selection of cheeses, olives and meat from their deli.
In Turlock, Ishtar Mediterranean Market and Grill on West Monte Vista Avenue has Middle Eastern products and a grill with kebabs, and other regional fare. On Yelp, one reviewer said, “Authentic Assyrian cuisine. Handmade dolma wrapped fresh. Made to order kabab plates as well. Wonderful service as well.”
Neesan Market located on Geer Road is smaller but offers similar products and unique ingredients.
On Coffee Road, shoppers can find one of Modesto’s Afghan markets. Sultan Darbar Afghan Cuisine and Market serves up kababs, gyros and other regional dishes in a well-stocked grocery store that sells many halal items. Yelpers describe the store and restaurant as a “hidden gem.”
On the other side of town, on Tully Road, Kabul Market offers many of the same items in addition to a full-service restaurant. One Yelp reviewer said, “You have to visit this hidden gem! They have exotic spices, halal meats, bulk nuts and dried fruits, and beautiful dishes from the middle east available.”
Indian ingredients can be hard to find but stores like Guru Indian Grocery on Oakdale Road, Indian Bazaar on Briggsmore, and Bombay Bazaar on Coffee supply goods and some produce from India.
Mexican Markets
Given that over half of the population in Stanislaus County identifies as Hispanic or Latino, it is no surprise that there are dozens of Mexican grocery stores in the area.
Regional chain grocery store, La Perla Tapatia, can be found throughout the region with locations in Modesto, Riverbank, Hughson, Ceres, and Turlock. They offer common Latino foods and ingredients and also feature a prepared food counter.
Earlier this year, Modesto’s largest Mexican grocery store Vallarta Supermarket opened on Pelendale Avenue, with plans for another location on Orangeburg Avenue later this year. Apart from the regular well-stocked aisles found in a typical grocery store, Vallarta has a pan dulce bakery, a tortilleria, a ceviche counter, a juice bar and prepared food to grab and go.
In Empire, Garcia’s Market has a good selection of products, meats, produce and a takeaway counter.
La Reyna Meat Market on Standiford has fresh cuts of proteins and products with a taqueria next door.
For the highest concentration of Mexican grocery stores and markets, take a drive out to Crows Landing, where you will find Cardena’s Markets, Mi Tierra Supermarket, Guadalajara Market and La Plazita Michoacan, among several other shops.
Where and why do you shop at your local grocery store? Is it the closest one? Do they offer the best prices? Do they feature unique or specialized items? Do you have a favorite cultural grocery store we may have missed? Let me know at mfigueroa@modbee.com
