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Summon a world of flavors with this magical list of the best international groceries in Ottawa

Are you craving the flavors of far-off lands but find yourself stuck in Ottawa? Don’t worry, I’m not creeping behind you while you hunt for exotic goodies in the city – though it might feel like it because I’ve been there myself! 

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of discovering new flavors or trying to pronounce words on the packaging without sounding like a kitchen witch casting a spell. 

They say the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach, so maybe it is a bit of culinary magic after all!

Consider this list is more than just a guide – it’s your grimoire, here to tell you all the ways to summon a world of flavors right here in Ottawa that will lead you to the best international groceries in town. 

1. Mergi Shop 

Website: https://axiastation.myshopify.com
Address: 382 Rideau St
Contact details: +1 613-366-6459
Operating hours:

  • Monday to Thursday, and Sunday – 12 PM to 9 PM 
  • Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 9:30 PM 

Mergi Shop is not just your average Asian grocery store; it’s a treasure trove of delights. 

Expect to be blinded by a wide array of their offerings ranging from snacks and drinks to frozen foods and fresh ingredients, along with makeup, skincare, and more – all with a focus on Korean products.

But wait, there’s more! They also feature a selection of Japanese products, including the legendary Heroine Make mascaras.

Whatever you’re in search of, chances are you’ll find it here, making Mergi Shop a definite must-visit.

2. Lim Bangkok Grocery 

Media credit: @ottawachinatown

Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XHFUWhYPdKHkASYs5
Address: 794 Somerset St W
Contact details: +1 613-594-4673
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 8 PM 

Located in the ever-so-bustling Chinatown, Lim Bangkok Grocery offers a diverse array of authentic Thai ingredients and products, perfect for cooking up your favorite Thai dishes at home.

In addition to Thai, they also have products from Southeast Asian neighbors like Vietnam and Indonesia, ensuring you’re presented with an eclectic array of choices, leaving you with no choice but to go back and enjoy more of their offerings. 

A lot of regulars like this spot because of the good prices, which offer excellent value for the quality of products available.

The location is noteworthy, so you won’t have a hard time accessing the store. 

3.  South Asian Supermarket 

Website: https://www.facebook.com/SouthAsianSupermarketCarling/
Address: 3059 Carling Ave
Contact details: +1 613-828-2221
Operating hours:

  • Monday to Thursday – 10:30 AM to 8 PM 
  • Friday and Saturday – 10 AM to 9 PM 
  • Sunday – 10 AM to 8 PM 

South Asian Supermarket is a bustling hub of diverse culinary treasures, catering to the vibrant flavors of the South Asian community.

You’ll be presented with a plethora of fresh produce, Indian spices, rice options, and everything you need to follow the recipe you saw on the internet – tried and tested!

This supermarket is your best bet for spices, offering a wide range of options that you might not find elsewhere, all conveniently stored in one place.

4. Shiraz Food Market 

Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vBqCqzarNrhixnQa7
Address: 725 Somerset St W
Contact details: +1 613-563-1207
Operating hours:

  • Monday to Saturday – 9:30 AM to 9 Pm
  • Sunday – 10 AM to 8:30 PM 

Shiraz Food Market is a unique city gem, offering delightful Persian spices, nuts, black teas, dry fruits, and everything you need to explore this mouth-watering world of Middle-Eastern cuisine. 

Aside from the diverse selections, those who’ve stumbled upon this spot have had nothing but praise for the staff, highlighting their friendliness and accommodation, despite the language barriers.

After visiting myself, I can see why a lot of people go back here again and again.

5. Stolichni Deli European Delicatessen

Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EGzsuK37fGeRZzXG6
Address: 2280 Carling Ave
Contact details:+1 613-828-4163
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM 

Stolichni Deli European Delicatessen is a must-visit especially if you’re on the hunt for some cheese. 

If you’re seeking to replicate the mesmerizing charcuterie board you saw on Pinterest, then this is one of the places to find what you’re looking for. 

Aside from that, you’ll also be able to spot various products from different European countries like Poland, Russia, Serbia, and many more, making it a unique destination for culinary explorers. 

Oh, and this is totally unrelated but I thought you should know that there’s a taco place called Que Pasa Tacos that recently opened just beside it. 

The quesabirria is phenomenal! Make sure to try it before people catch a whiff of it and start lining up!

6. Zakuska Market and Deli

Website: https://www.instagram.com/zakuskadeli
Address: 101 Schneider Rd Unit #3
Contact details: +1 613-668-7335
Operating hours:

  • Sunday and Monday – 10 AM to 2 PM
  • Tuesday to Thursday, and Saturday – 10 AM to 6 PM
  • Friday – 10 AM to 7 PM

Zakuska Market and Deli is a hidden gem, though highly rated by those who have discovered it. 

It offers an eclectic array of Eastern European delights that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to a wonderland filled with cold cuts, sausages, and even cakes.

But of course, they also have a range of ingredients for your own adventure in the kitchen, including spices, sauces, spreads, and many more.  

Before you leave, do yourself a favor and order one of their sandwiches. You can thank me later!

Trust me when I say it’s impossible to visit here and leave without trying anything. 

7. Continental Delicatessen

Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4p4KpDudugE4SW876
Address: 57 York St
Contact details: +1 613-241-7025
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM 

Situated in the ByWard neighborhood, Continental Delicatessen is a beloved local haunt renowned for its delectable selection of European meats, cheeses, and gourmet pantry essentials.

With an unassuming facade, it’s easy to miss this place even though you pass by York Street every day. However, the day you discover it is the day you’ll be treated to a world of culinary delights. 

I nearly got dizzy by the variety of sausages here when I was just trying to see which one to try first! Lo and behold, I went home with a paper bag full of Continental Delicatessen products, enough to film a haul on Tiktok. 

8. Arya Food Market

Media credit: @thewastepolice

Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/cNa6hM126vguawRZ7
Address: 508 Gladstone Ave
Contact details: +1 613-594-3636
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 7 PM 

Arya Food Market is another Persian/Iranian grocery store worth looking into, especially if you want to explore a wide range of authentic ingredients and specialties from the region.

You can expect to find products including nuts, spices, dried fruits, and herbs, ensuring that you have what you need to be able to experiment in your own kitchen. 

And if you want something ready to eat, they also sell fresh pastries that your taste buds will thank you for!

9. Adonis 

Website: https://www.groupeadonis.ca/
Address: 1055 St. Laurent Blvd
Contact details: +1 613-778-8883
Operating hours:

  • Monday to Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday – 8 AM to 8 PM
  • Thursday and Friday – 8 AM to 9 PM 

Adonis is a popular grocery store, focusing on making Middle Eastern products accessible to Ottawans. 

Part of its charm is its huge location, along with a wide collection of products to choose from. More often than not, you’ll find great discounts during your visit. 

From seafood must-haves to addicting snacks, they have everything you need to create a culinary feast at home.

They also have a bakery corner worth exploring, which sells an assortment of halal finds. 

10. African World Market

Website: https://africaworldmarket.ca
Address: 1392 Cyrville Rd
Contact details: +1 613-244-0325
Operating hours:

  • Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 8 PM 
  • Saturday – 9 AM to 9 PM 
  • Sunday – 11 AM to 7 PM 

African World Market is quite a well-known shopping destination in Ottawa for those seeking authentic African ingredients, spices, and specialty products. 

It caters to those who grew up with authentic African flavors, as well as those who are just beginning to explore its rich culinary heritage. 

The plethora of items you can discover certainly makes one’s gastronomic journey much easier! After all, they have it all – cooking oil, frozen foods, snacks, sauces, pastes, tea, canned goods, and many more. 

It’s also well-loved by local shoppers for its organized selections, making shopping a breeze. 

11. Seoul Mart 

Media credit: @intheglebe

Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FNSfe9McubuEw5g17
Address: 22 Pretoria Ave
Contact details: +1 613-567-9988
Operating hours:

  • Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 7 PM
  • Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM 

Seoul Mart is one of the top Korean stores in Ottawa for its extensive selections of authentic Korean ingredients that cater to the local Korean community and enthusiasts alike.

Taking a deep dive into all about this beloved Korean grocery, I discovered that a lot of people love its Korean fried chicken and kimchi. 

After trying it myself, I can say that the hype is well-deserved – the flavors are truly exceptional!

It reminded me of the one I tried during my recent visit to Seoul. Needless to say, make sure to add Seoul Mart to your list if you’re looking to transport yourself to the vibrant streets of South Korea’s capital. 

13. Fiesta Manila Bakery and Filipino Store

Media credit: @eatthistownottawa

Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nkMhnDiWwJQve2FD9
Address: 1800 Bank St.
Contact details: +1 613-260-7171
Operating hours:

  • Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 8 PM 
  • Saturday and Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM 

Fiesta Manila Bakery and Filipino Store is one of the best places in Ottawa that you can go to for authentic Filipino treats and groceries.

It’s quite popular among the local Filipino community, most especially for the halo-halo, which is a tasty shaved ice dessert with a delightful mix of ingredients. 

Foodies who consider themselves adventurous should definitely try the balut, a unique delicacy consisting of a fertilized duck egg with a partially developed embryo inside.

They also have an array of snacks, frozen goods, canned goods, and even cakes from a famous Filipino bakeshop called Goldilocks, enough to make a Filipino fresh from the Philippines already miss home. 

And as if the offering’s not Filipino enough, you can even buy your very own karaoke machine here. Which other grocery stores can you get yourself one? There’s not a lot of them, I’m sure! 

14. Skela Foods

Website: https://www.skelafoods.com
Address: 1884 Merivale Rd Unit 15, Nepean,
Contact details: +1 613-726-1011
Operating hours:

  • Monday – closed
  • Tuesday to Friday – 10 AM to 7 PM 
  • Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM 

Last but definitely not the least, Skela Foods – a surprisingly stylish and homey grocery store with a wide assortment of European delights. 

Among the delicious array of selections, you can find sausages, grains, desserts, drinks, and more. 

And if you’re not up to crafting your own dish in the kitchen, you can also explore their homemade treats. Make sure to try the cevapi, a popular Balkan dish of grilled minced meat sausages served with fresh bread.