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International Markets in Austin

by
May 1st, 2024

Fitting international travel into daily life isn’t always feasible, so if you can’t catch the next flight across the world, you can still explore other cultures and cuisines through the diverse food offerings right here in Austin! 

Austin is bursting with a variety of international markets where you can find fun new snacks and create entire meals to discover new flavors and international delights.

Here are a few of our favorites in addition to our list of Mediterranean markets and restaurants!

7 great global food stores in Austin, TX

Africarib Market

825 E. Rundberg Lane, # A-1

Specialties: African and Caribbean 

This one stop shop offers many traditional African favorites and Caribbean foods. In addition to the cuisine favorites, you can also find African cosmetic products and a wide variety of beverages. You will find everything you need to try your hand at making traditional dishes such as egusi, a West African seafood stew. Take the time to browse the spices, sauces, breads and more to find that one special ingredient to enhance your next dish.  

Afghan Halal Market Austin

9200 N. Lamar Blvd., #106

Specialties: Halal meats, Afghan & Turkish carpets and prayer rugs

Alongside the expansive options of pantry staples, you will find Austin’s best selection of Halal meats, spices, fresh produce and international specialties. The onsite bakery offers fresh Afghan Tandoori Naan for in-store purchasing or you can place an order in advance. You can also find traditional housewares such as tea sets, utensils, pots and pans. Afghan Halal Market Austin takes great pride in their community and can’t wait to share their culture with you!

International Foods

11331 N. Lamar Blvd.

Specialties: Indian, Mediterranean, Pakistani

Stop by International Foods and explore their expansive spice selection. They carry a wide variety of pantry staples, produce, specialty ingredients and snacks from around the world. The bakery offers Arabic and Turkish treats as well as a large selection of prepared Middle Eastern dishes. Traditional and basic kitchenware is available for purchase so you can have everything you need to make a new favorite dish. If you’re looking for a simple dish to make, try this Pakistani chicken keema dish!

Los Vaqueros Supermercado 

6800 Berkman Drive, #1221 and 8752 Research Blvd.

Specialties: Mexican, Hispanic 

At this supermarket you will find everything you need to prepare your favorite Hispanic dishes. From produce to pantry staples to meats, Los Vaqueros Supermercado has all the right ingredients to make authentic tamales, enchiladas and more. In addition to creating tasty main dishes, you will also find a wide selection of flowers, toys and lifestyle products. Don’t forget to check out their selection of snacks and authentic candies!

Al Zaytoon Market

616 FM 685, Suite A104, Pflugerville, TX

Specialties: Mediterranean, Halal meat

Entering the Al Zaytoon Market is like being transported to a market with the aromas of spices, breads and meat cooking on the grill. Al Zaytoon has prepared breads and meats ready to go for purchase in store or ordering ahead. You can shop the aisles looking for pantry staples and unique spices to compliment any dish. Some spices, like whole cardamom, can be hard to find in a typical American grocery store but are made easy to find here at Al Zaytoon. You’ll find unique sauces and syrups such as tahini with carob molasses… yum!

While you’re there, give their wild oregano pie or cheese pie a try!

Desi Brothers

3421 W. William Cannon Drive, # 133 (South Austin), 2506 W. Parmer Lane, #170 (North Austin)

Specialties: Indian and Middle Eastern

With two locations in Austin, shopping at this for your Indian pantry staples couldn’t be any easier. 

Desi Brothers is a full grocery store with a focus on flavors and foods found in the Middle East and Indian sub-continent. Familiar brands such as Nirav, Amul and many others can be found on the shelves throughout the store. In addition to pantry staples and produce, you will find a wide variety of spices, snacks, sweets, drinks and seasonal products. The freezer section offers premade entrees and familiar favorites. Desi Brothers also carries a selection of cosmetics, herbals and pooja. Be sure to check out their bakery from fresh baked goods!

H Mart

11301 Lakeline Blvd. & 2nd location coming soon!

Specialties: Asian, Korean

Boasting as the largest Asian supermarket chain in America, H Mart is your premiere destination for Asian cuisine, groceries and everyday needs. H Mart is a full grocery store with familiar Asian products, new treats and snacks to be discovered and a broad range of Western groceries to make this a one stop shopping experience. Their dry goods aisles have extensive options of imported packaged products plus ready-to-serve meals found throughout the store. A visit to H Mart is an experience in and of itself that is sure to impress and beg you to return again and again.

H Mart | 한아름 on Instagram: "One of the most popular Japanese street snacks around, takoyaki, or grilled octopus balls, is a must-try! 🇯🇵🐙 Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, this recipe makes for a flavor-packed, super savory comfort food. 😋⁠ ⁠ Ingredients ⬇️⁠ 6 oz Cooked Octopus⁠ 8 oz Takoyaki Flour⁠ 12 fl oz Water⁠ 2 Eggs⁠ 2 tbsp Kizami Shoga (Pickled Ginger), chopped⁠ 2 Scallions, chopped⁠ 2 tbsp Tenkasu⁠ 1 tbsp Aonori Flakes⁠ Katsuobushi⁠ Kewpie Mayonnaise⁠ Takoyaki Sauce⁠ Cooking Oil⁠ ⁠ Directions ⬇️⁠ 1. Thoroughly mix takoyaki flour, eggs, and water.⁠ ⁠ 2. Boil and slice octopus into small pieces. You can also find pre-cooked octopus at H Mart and heat them up!⁠ ⁠ 3. Coat the takoyaki pan with cooking oil. Fill each hole with the batter from step 1. Add a piece of octopus to each hole and sprinkle chopped scallions, kizami shoga, and tenkasu over the takoyaki batter. Use two skewers to rotate the batter while it cooks over low heat.⁠ ⁠ 4. Once the takoyaki is thoroughly cooked inside, drizzle with takoyaki sauce and sprinkle with katsuobushi. Then, top with a drizzle of kewpie mayo and a sprinkle of aonori flakes.⁠"

400 likes, 4 comments - hmartofficial on April 26, 2024: "One of the most popular Japanese street snacks around, takoyaki, or grilled octopus balls, is a must-try! 🇯🇵🐙 Crispy on the outs...".

Whether you are looking to find familiar products or try something new, the international markets around our Austin apartments are sure to have what you’re looking for. A visit to any of these stores can bring you back to familiar places of home or prompt feelings of excitement and intrigue as you discover new favorite foods.

Enjoy!

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Featured photo by Sonder Quest on Unsplash

Author of Article

Amy has lived most of her life in Washington state and enjoys baking and adventuring with her dog, Ki. Her favorite thing about the Pacific Northwest is the four seasons and the access to mountains and other outdoor activities.

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