10 International Markets with World Flavors Right Here in Rhode Island

Bring global spices and delicacies home with these specialty grocers

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Spice up your home entertaining with imported oils and authentic kielbasa from international markets and emporiums boasting prepared foods, specialty pantry items, and hard-to-find brands. A culinary adventure taking you to regions all over the world is only as far away as these must-try grocers.

Bubbie’s Market + Deli

The first day Bubbie’s opened their doors on Hope Street, they sold out of bagels (and lox) within hours. Fast forward to one year later and they have become a local fave. Neighbors and out-of-towners alike enjoy shopping candies from Israel, pre-packaged foods, and a kosher deli menu of corned beef, pastrami, pickles, potato salad, and more. Providence

European Food Market 

This shop in Rolfe Square is all about Eastern European staples and delicacies. Grab everything from Russian dolls and collectables to cookies and jarred borscht. You can also shop frozen goods and locally cooked Polish, Ukrainian, and Bulgarian eats like burek (flaky pastry filled with meat). Friendly and helpful staff make exploring all the more fun. 102 Rolfe Square, Cranston 

Istanbul Gourmet Market

This family-owned micro-grocery on Mineral Springs Avenue stocks a variety of tempting Turkish teas, coffee, and spices, along with freshly made falafel and gyros, hummus, baba ganoush, and stuffed grape leaves from the kiosk area. Regulars also sing praises of their imported candies (Turkish delights, anyone?) and unexpected flavors of soda. North Providence

Leo’s Market + Restaurant

This no-frills Mexican kitchen-meets-grocery is where those in the City by the Sea go for authentic Latin food, along with a treasure trove of international goodies. In search of a nice bottle of Lizano, a sweet and spicy sauce popular in Costa Rica? How about a can or two of Tiky, a pineapple-flavored Guatemalan soda? Then it’s Leo’s for the win! Newport

Main Street Market, Inc. 

Open since 1987, Main Street is a one-stop shop for Cape Verdean (they pride themselves on stocking a variety of corn products popular there), West African, and Hispanic goods. Their inventory of prepackaged foods is also full of brands you probably won’t find anywhere else in Lil’ Rhody. Don’t leave without bringing home some pastelitos, a Cuban puff pastry with sweet or savory fillings. Pawtucket

Mi Rae Market 

This small market has been delighting shoppers for years with their vast assortment of Korean and Japanese products, especially those deemed hard to get. They stock everything you could ever want for at-home sushi making (including sushi rice, pickled ginger, and bottled sauces), not to mention frozen dumplings and meats, canned goods, veggies, coffee, soda, and snacks. 602 Reservoir Avenue, Cranston

Neapolis

Who says you can only go to Atwells Avenue to experience an authentic Italian market? Opened by the award-winning chef behind Pasquale’s Pizzeria, Neapolis has locals ecstatic over their homemade pasta, gelato, and tiramisu, as well as a selection of imported coffee, olives, and more. Shopping there is the closest you’ll get to being on holiday in Roma in South County. South Kingstown

Polonia Market

Folks travel from all over New England just to bring home a taste of Poland from this Pawtucket market. Whether you’re craving pierogies, kielbasa (yes, you can sample), or chocolates, Polonia is the place to find the best of the best. Complete the immersive experience by browsing imported sundries like greeting cards, magazines, and grooming products, too. 736 Broadway, Pawtucket

Sonia’s Near East Market + Deli 

A popular lunch spot, Cranstonians cite their falafel wraps, chicken gyros, and hummus as perennial faves. Their market area is equally terrific and has devoted fans flocking to their selection of Middle Eastern spices, nuts, dried fruit, canned goods, honey, baklava, and fresh Syrian bread made daily, plus plenty of vegan prepared dishes to choose from. Cranston

Yoleni’s

Can’t make the trip to Athens, Greece? No problem. Yoleni’s is a Greek haven on Westminster Street, functioning as both restaurant and marketplace inside the beautifully refurbished Tilden-Thurber building. Find a vast selection of olive oils, honey, nuts, chocolate, pasta, legumes, and herbs and spices, not to mention baked goods and pastries. Providence

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