Asheville may seem isolated, burrowed as it is among the Blue Ridge Mountains. But its horizon is broad — aside from the diverse lineup of local businesses + restaurants, our array of international grocery markets will take your tastebuds on a world tour. So whether you’re looking to broaden your culinary horizons or searching for an ingredient that tastes like home, we’re here to help you map out a delicious meal.
Pro tip: If you’d rather leave the cooking to the experts, it isn’t hard to eat your way around the world in Asheville.
Asian
Radha Indian Grocers, 813 Patton Ave.
Find spices, ghee, and rice, as well as plenty of prepackaged curry, chutney, samosas, and other fun flavors to feast on.
Kim’s Asian Market, 5 Regent Park Blvd., #110
A go-to spot for fresh veggies, frozen buns, homemade kimchi, sushi rolls + other pantry items.
YZ Asian Market, 22 New Leicester Hwy.
There’s no lack of choice at this labyrinth of a marketplace, from pantry goods and fresh fish on ice to a live lobster + crab tank and a colossal frozen food section. Pro tip: Include a stop at Mizu in your errand itinerary — the delicious noodle shop is attached to the market.
Asiana Market, 1968 Hendersonville Rd.
This expansive spot just joined the local grocery scene back in January, boasting a hot bar, fresh produce and seafood, as well as a large assortment of international staples and snacks.
Latin American/Hispanic
Taqueria Muñoz, 1438 Patton Ave.
Come to try the tacos — stay to explore the attached tienda, which is brimming with fresh mangos, avocados, papayas + stacks of Latin American pantry goods and spices.
Tienda Los Nenes, 1341 Parkwood Rd., Ste. 110
This spot has it all: a butchery, a salsa bar, specialty spices, and gorgeous, towering shelves of freshly baked pastries. Plus, you’ll find a second location down in Hendersonville.
Tienda Hispania La Catrachita, 791 Haywood Rd.
The West Asheville convenience store stocks produce and pantry staples, as well as lots of snacks from Honduras, El Salvador, and other Hispanic countries.
Middle Eastern
Gypsy Queen Cuisine, 807 Patton Ave.
This Lebanese eatery and small grocer has scratchmade pastries, honeyed nuts, pomegranate molasses, Lebanese cheese, fresh pita + beyond.
European
European Market #10, 9 Brian Blvd., Arden
You’ll find cuisine from 25+ countries (including Armenia, Austria, Italy, Ukraine + Latvia), like homemade cabbage rolls, pierogies, bulochki, chebureki, and blintze.
Euromarket, 1341 Parkwood Rd.
Find cold cuts, European cheeses, specialty chocolate, teas, smoked fish, red + black caviar, international beers, and lots more on the shelves.
European Food Store, 1483 Patton Ave., Ste. B
This small but formidably stocked spot offers a pantry of freshly sliced cured meats, dumplings, pickles, and bread.
