By Katrina Simyab | Photography by Hillary Schave
Many of us cherish fond memories of dishes that pay homage to our cultural and ancestral roots. When whipping up a favorite recipe, the area’s international markets are a place to find harder-to-find ingredients in our Midwestern locale — and provide a peek into the kitchens of many countries and cuisines.
MADISON AREA
ISTANBUL SUPERMARKET AND CAFE
Be sure to come hungry when visiting Istanbul Market. After browsing the aisles of Middle Eastern candy, frozen food, pantry items and spices, head to the counter at the back of the store to order from a tempting menu of
traditional Turkish dishes. While many regulars love the large selection of halal meals and meats, the steaming plates of kebab and rice are sure to please anyone. Or, pick up a traditional Turkish breakfast or a fresh, savory, Chibureki pastry, paired with a side of Turkish coffee. 745 S. Gammon Rd., madisonkebab.com
GLOBAL MARKET AND FOOD HALL
When looking for a meal to-go or everything needed to make a favorite feast at home, this market and food hall is the ultimate destination. With nine-plus restaurants and almost too many aisles of tasty goodness to count, this east side destination has become a must-stop for anyone looking to shop for a diverse selection of Asian ingredients. 2161 Zeier Rd., globalmarketfoodhall.com
ORIENTAL FOOD MART
Kimchi, noodles, and sauces — oh my! This small but robust Park Street location is a local favorite for Korean cuisine. It boasts everything from snacks to packaged pantry goods to frozen foods. The friendly owners and staff keep regular customers coming back for more. 1206 S. Park St.
J & P FRESH MARKET
This market offers Asian snacks, including chips, cookies, candy, pastries and more. They also have a small selec- tion of grocery items to make meals at home. For a larger food selection, visit their original store on Madison’s west side. 346 State St. and 6634 Watts Rd., jpfreshmarket.com
A-MART ASIAN GROCERY
While dry goods and packaged items are abundant at this Asian grocery store, it also has a nice selection of fresh produce, meats and rice. If you’re craving authentic flavors without a lot of effort, check out the store’s frozen foods for easy-to-make dumplings, potstickers and more. 680 S. Whitney Way, facebook.com/amartasiangrocery
LUNA’S GROCERIES
One of the only grocery stores in this area of town, Luna’s offers accessibility to a variety of foods. Lively conversation from a small, in-store, dine-in area mixes with the bustle of customers shopping for fruit and vegetables, traditional Hispanic treats and pantry staples. Take home handcrafted salsa, perfectly seasoned beef Cecina or fresh Longaniza pork sausage from their small deli counter. 2010 Red Arrow Trail, facebook.com/lunasgroceries
INDIA HOUSE
Indian cuisine lovers, rejoice! Featuring a large frozen and refrigerated section with ready-made meals and recipe ingredients, this west side staple has been serving the Madison community for years. Browse through rows of spices, dozens of rice varieties and sweet treats and snacks. Before leaving, pick up a packet of iconic Parle-G sweet biscuits — you’ll be back for more! 709 S. Gammon Rd.
HMONG LEGACY MARKET
Aisles of traditional Hmong and Asian grocery items are complemented by a popular hot bar and food counter at Hmong Legacy Market. Grab some steaming Pho, a banh mi sandwich or papaya salad and enjoy your meal at one the tables in the store. Many customers return just for the hot meat selection, with pork belly an overwhelming favorite. 2119 Fish Hatchery Rd., facebook.com/hmonglegacymarket
DON BETO GROCERIES
Every inch of this market showcases a variety of traditional Mexican offer- ings. Pick up fresh produce, packaged and dry goods. Peppered within the grocery items are Mexican crafts and artisan items, including hats, pottery, jewelry and candles. Be warned: the eye-catching candy section near the checkout counter is very tempting! 916 S. Whitney Way
SUBURBS
VIET HOA MARKET
The colorful aisles here are stocked with sauces, dry goods, meats, drinks and candies. This Pan-Asian market is also home to the well-reviewed restau- rant, Hot-n-Spicy. Locate this gem at the back of the store, and feast on a variety of delectable Southeast Asian dishes. 4602 Monona Dr., Madison
OM ASIAN MARKET AND LIQUOR STORE
Om Asian Market is a one-stop shop, carrying everything from hair-care products and colorful socks to instant noodles and packaged meats. Stop in to browse their liquor selection and stock up on the essentials to create a delicious Asian meal. 934 W. Main St., Sun Prairie
ABARROTES YUREMI
This small shop brings big flavors to Waunakee. It’s the perfect place to grab a quick snack, such as chips, cookies or a pastry. The shelves are also packed with a small selection of household staples and a healthy offering of Hispanic kitchen ingredients. 132 W. Main St., Waunakee
LA HISPANA GROCERY AND LA CONCHA BAKERY
These connected businesses have it all. La Hispana is a bustling store with a wide selection of traditional grocery items, large meat counter, a sizable array of baked goods and a small dining area for eating to-go meals. Browse here for tangy cheeses, fresh produce or a favorite beverage — then order a torta or taco to-go from the deli menu.
Next, browse the eye-catching trays of traditional breads and pastries or the beautiful cake display case at La Concha. Doesn’t every meal deserve some dessert? 3060 and 3054 Fish Hatchery Rd., Fitchburg
*Please note this is not a list of every international market in the city, and only represents a selection.
