Mouthwatering International Grocery in Columbus

Four Seas Asian Food Service

★★★★☆ 3.7 (12) • $

"I drive by this all the time and thought I had stopped in before, but nope. Small, but well-organized and packed with stuff. I needed some ramen and found plenty of varieties of that, and got some durian biscuits. Lots of snacks, noodles, dry goods in general. Live fish and produce in the back (not much of either.) Lots of cold and frozen items. A large area with kitchenware. Oils, cooking wine, etc. Some sauces. Plenty for most recipes. Service was friendly and prices were really good. I will definitely be back. It's handy when you're in this part of town."

Toro Meat Market

★★★★☆ 4.3 (4)

"Been to the Toro on 161, so had some idea what to expect here. Sad to see IGA go, but understand they were ready to retire. This is a nice replacement, with dry goods, produce, meat, etc. I got some snacks and drinks. Friendly staff. Soft opening currently, still getting organized. Food truck outside. Parking a little tight in front, and Parsons can get crazy so he careful."

CAM International Market

★★★★☆ 4.2 (43)

"I knew they had moved but don't get over this way often. Saw it, stopped in when I could. It's huge, and clean, and new. Smells nice, looks nice. Big selection in every area- produce, frozen food, refrigerated, dry goods, etc. There's a little cafe up front, with some prepared foods too, and a small seating area. Friendly service all around. Good prices. It's handy off the highway. Quick all around. Great selection. I'll keep it in mind; as much as I like the smaller markets this is useful and fun."

Saraga International Food

★★★☆☆ 3.1 (14)

"Finally made it here. Love the other location, and this is closer, by a bit, but not really on my way anywhere. Glad something is filling the old Kroger slot, and that there is a grocery store in the area.It's medium-sized, like the other one, and you could do all your shopping here. Lots of produce, meat, dry goods, bakery area, etc. And all the expected Asian and Mexican sundries. Well, most of them. I could not find horchata mix, or the soap flakes we use to make our own detergent- both surprises. But they have lots of other good stuff. Snacks, ramen, oddball ingredients, tons of interesting frozen items. Want squid? 3 cases in the frozen aisle, plus dried squid snacks. I saw two cases of sweet corn in the frozen area, and will be back for those heirloom varieties. Good service, decent prices, big selection. It will be a more frequent stop, I'm sure. Not nearly as busy as Kroger was, or even the other Saraga, so social distancing wasn't an issue. Looks like there are two restaurants in there, Mexican and Somali/Italian, but neither were open when I visited at 9am."

La Michoacan

★★★★☆ 4.1 (39) • $

"Wonderful Mexican market located in an assuming shopping strip at the corner of Bethel and Sawmill. As you enter, you won't miss the wide variety of colorful produce. Pretty much everything you need is available: herbs, peppers, chiles, cactus, etc. Continue down the aisles and you'll see an array of drinks and snacks imported from Mexican including what appears like every flavor of Jarritos you could've imagined, in addition to a huge selection of fruit juices. Toward the back there's many cuts of meat and varieties of tortilla + tostadas as well as a household favorite: chicharron pork skins. The refrigerator section carried a variety of goods, from fresh cheeses through tamale flour base. We didn't really explore the center aisles that much, but they appeared well stocked too. Definitely an excellent stop for all your Mexican grocery needs!"

Mediterranean Foods Imports

★★★★★ 4.9 (22) • $

"Mediterranean Food Imports has a pretty low-key presence, so much so that I tend to forget they're there even though I live a five-minute walk away. Like many ethnic groceries in this town, it's pretty bare-bones inside. Hey, Mediterranean Food Imports, the 1970s have called, and they would like their lousy fluorescent lighting back.That being said, the staff here have always been friendly and helpful. Which is a good thing, because things are not always obvious. There are tubs of store-made hummus, baba ghanoush, and seriously potent Turkish salad in one of the refrigerator cases in the back, although you'll need to know what you're looking for - they have neither a label, nor a price ($2.99 to $3.99, it turns out).For me, the real treasures are otherwise hard-to-find ingredients, if you're looking to cook Moroccan or Middle Eastern food: bottles of preserved lemons, Ras el Hanout (in the bulk spice section), a fair selection of olives. Plus the batches of frozen store-made fatayer, which are a pretty nice meal when you're too lazy to cook the ingredients you bought at Mediterranean Food Imports."

El Tulipan Grocery Store

★★★★★ 4.6 (7)

"Ok so let me first say, when I first moved to the Near East Side of Columbus as a "Native" of California, it was imperative that I find a Mercado Mexicano o Latine. Meaning, there were certain foods only a Mexican or Latine speciality mom and pop were going to carry that I NEEEEEEDED! El Tulipan is small as heck, but con mas fuerza. They come through solidly as an Ethnic/Speaciality grocery from the meat cuts, cheeses, fresh tortillas, and fresh made juices (if you know you know). The restaurant is authentic, affordable, memorable, reliable and most importantly delicious even via delivery! The cuts of meat make me so happy, and the portions are on point. If you love REAL tacos-- you need El Tulipan in your life. La verdad.They have a good amount of parking-- easiest to enter coming directly from Nelson versus turning in off Livingston (you might fly past it)."

Toro Meat Market

★★★★★ 5 (2)

"Stumbled on this, and I think it's pretty new. They're open, but a few of the display cases are empty, and they were getting some big deliveries. I've been to the other locations, this one is much smaller. Decent selection of dry goods, produce, drinks, snacks, and meats. Also a small restaurant, although I had just had Mexican the other day and I didn't see a menu.Wish I'd known it was here sooner. Will be back I'm sure."

Korean Market

★★★★★ 5 (3)

"A hidden gem just off of Bethel Road!I'm not sure how long they've been here, but my friend had never heard of them. We walked in and they had a good variety of teas, meats, and other ingredients to cook with!Some of the items are a little pricey in comparison to other Korean stores, my friend told me.Still, it's the closest one to me and I don't mind frequenting to buy tea here!"

Saraga International Marketplace

★★★★☆ 3.8 (11)

"I'm a big fan of the original Saraga on Morse Road because of their large selection of produce - there seems to always be something new to try when I stop in, so I'm fluffin elated for this third location ON THE EAST SIDE! I will say I feel this location doesn't have as big a selection in meat/seafood/poultry and dry foods ethnicity-wise as the main Saraga, but I'm hopeful this will change in due time. There are a few food stalls stationed around the perimeter inside - a bakery, bubble tea, Mexican, and Caribbean just to name a few. And, this Saraga has a very solid produce section to highlight! There's plenty of parking, since this space use to house a Kohl's, which means there's always going to be abundant parking wherever a Kohl's is concerned."

Dayou International Market

★★★★☆ 4.4 (7) • $$

"Very nice Asian, not really international, market. Open, bright, with a decent selection in general and a big selection of snacks, produce, frozen goods, meat and fish. I picked up some snacks, of all sorts. A little prepared food. Decent prices. Labels in English, helpful when some of the packaging isn't. Carts and bas-carts. Looks like they are adding more displays and items still. But plenty to make it worth a visit. I'll come back in a couple months and see how much more there is.Food court attached, with small, interesting authentic booths."

Halal Mediterranean Food Imports & Bakery #3

★★★★★ 4.9 (21)

"I've driven past this place many times but had never stopped in until I read that they make sandwiches in the back of the grocery. Apparently their falafel is amazing, and they have great reviews on Yelp.I went Saturday around lunchtime and ordered myself a falafel pita and a chicken schwarma for my husband. While waiting, I picked up some Barbari bread, olives, tomato, and mini cucumbers to create a Mediterranean breakfast at home. I also found a variety container of baklava, and some packaged strawberry croissants. The gentleman behind the counter asked before he added each topping to the pitas and I said yes to all - cucs, tomatoes, onions, and the white sauce. The staff were all very nice, and the pitas were amazing. This is definitely now on my radar; they are so convenient for me since they are so close to home.Update: The Barbari bread is amazing. I had read it gets crisp & golden in the oven. I sliced off an end and toasted it in the toaster oven. So good!"

Royals African International Food Market

★★★★★ 5 (1)

"This is a great store that has everything you need to make gourmet African Nigerian cuisine... plantains, maggi, goat meat, cows feet, catfish, pounded yam, parboiled rice, egusi, ghost peppers, and much much more... check it out... it's in the same plaza as Lewis Center Walmart... it's next to the Asian buffet... the sign says--Royals African Market..."

El Girasol Mexican Grocery y Taqueria

★★★★☆ 4.3 (3)

"I was hesitant to stop in because the store front looked a little ragged, it's in a under developed part of town, but I'm glad I stopped. The store is clean and well organized inside, they have a butcher section and a fresh produce area. They sell canned and dry goods, and a pastry section. The other half of the store is a restaurant but it's take out only. The food is delicious and above average, it comes well presented. They include cucumbers and radish to cool the tongue after a bite of hot salsa. I had a steak taco and appreciated that the steak was moist and not dried out like at other places. I highly recommend this place"

Las Palomas Grocery Store

★★★★☆ 4 (2)

"Drive by this occasionally, and had some time to stop today. They have their own food truck out front too, which smelled tempting, but I had just eaten lunch. Inside, it's a pretty standard Mexican market. Medium sized, clean, bright. Lots of produce. Lots of meat. Tons of drinks. Snacks, dry goods, and more. I found a couple of things I wanted. Service was friendly. Prices are low. It's a bit out of my way most days, but I'll keep it in mind."

Tensuke Market

★★★★★ 4.6 (278) • $$

"Its easy to make your own sushi when you have this great market as a resource. All that tho might need is inside these walls...--- and heck if you don't want to make it you can take advantage of their wonderful pre-made sushi or go next door and have something specially made. They are always helpful here. Great service."

Asia Market - International Foods

★★★★☆ 4 (1) • $$

"Asia Market? International Grocery? The name depends on which side you are standing on, because the signs say different things. But it's a good, small Asian market. Most of the stuff is Vietnamese, and the super friendly owners seem to be, so if that is what you are looking for you are in luck. I didn't know what a lot of the stuff was, but found a few things I knew and a few things I wanted to try. Owner was very helpful, and easy to talk to about many topics (we had a long chat about the current situation.) Lots of dry goods, a big frozen section, fish, meat, some produce. A few household things. The most scotch bonnet peppers I've ever seen in one place.Prices are reasonable. Store is clean and organized. Handy location. I had been nearby before but never stopped, and I will be back now that I have seen it up close."

Annapurna International Market

★★★★☆ 4 (3)

"Apparently Annapurna (Indian/Nepali market) has been here for four years, and I was just told about it from a friend who works with a large population of Nepali students, so I was glad to stop by and take a peek. First off, Annapurna's product selection is pretty dang stocked compared to other small independently owned south Asian markets I've visited in Columbus. Many veggies both green and root varieties) and fruits. I versed myself on the "tree tomato" fruit via Google, as there were several in the back cooler. I stopped in to see if they carried a certain coconut Candy I've recently been introduced to, but they didn't have the exact brand I was looking for. I did buy a sack of the candy made from a different company, and it's not quite as good as Chun Guang's Coconut Milk candies - these suckers are what I like to call KRYP. TO. NITE. Watching your sugar in-take? Please do NOT read this review!"

Trinethra Super Market

★★★☆☆ 2.7 (12)

"A solid Indian market, with a nice little restaurant attached. Dry goods like rice of course, seasoning mixes, snacks. Lots of fresh produce, a good amount of frozen items. Nice smells. Clean and well organized."

Lotte Oriental Foods & Gifts

★★★★★ 4.7 (67) • $

"My favorite Korean grocery store in Columbus! The store is very clean and organized. They have a variety of authentic Korean snacks, food, and drinks. They also offer fresh side dishes and sliced meat."

La Plaza Tapatia

★★★★☆ 4.3 (15)

"I think this must have moved, because my GPS took me to a mall around the corner, then to a gravel pile at a construction site, from which I was able to see the store.And it's not just a store. We actually came for the restaurant, which isn't much of a much, essentially the deli counter at the store. But oh, the treasures you'll find. They have a very basic menu- burritos, tortas, etc.- but arrayed in the cases are tons of premade bulk items. You can fill up a container with meats, rice, beans, whatever. Too much to choose from. Drinks were pretty much horchata or hibiscus, but of course you can grab a bottle from nearby coolers, and there is an actual bar right there too. We dined in, essentially felt like a food court. And had some of the best Mexican food in town. Beef in several sauces, ribs done 5 ways, a couple kinds of rice and beans, and much more. I was stuffed. Baby K got a cheese quesadilla and said it was the best she ever had, for what that's worth (it looked really good.) The horchata was very good. My friend had a torta plus some ribs and beef, and loved all of it.Then we went to the market, and it was a blast too. Got some baked goods, candy, drinks, etc. Plenty of dry goods, produce, meats, and much more. Friendly helpful staff, though a definite language barrier so be patient and remember your high school Spanish.We'll definitely be back. Lots of good food to try, and new ingredients to explore. Plus their macaroni salad looked amazing."

Sunrise International Market

★★★★☆ 3.7 (20)

"This international grocery store popped up on the west side many months ago, and us locals were waiting not-so-patiently for the day it would finally open. That day has arrived! They are still in the process of getting everything set up, but will hopefully have a few carry-out food vendors in the front (they have several open stalls right now). They have a great variety of packaged food products from China, Japan, Korea, Indonesia,Mexico, and South America - LOTS of stuff that I've never heard of and am interested to try. For those who are newbies to international food products (like myself), they also have a deli in the back with Boar's Head meats and cheeses! The produce has a nice mix of the known and the exotic, and you can get some great prices on bulk sprouts and herbs. A whole aisle of various noodles, and another row of every possible sauce on the planet. There is a ton of random frozen fish and other frozen treats like dumplings, steam buns, and potstickers. Check out the few rows of kitchen items and bowls in the back. There were a lot of cute ramen and soup bowls, as well as pretty ceramic tea kettles and sushi plates. This place has a weird smell when you walk in - but I have learned that this is the smell of an international market... do not be alarmed, and you'll adjust as you navigate the aisles. The staff are very welcoming and seem excited to be open. Come check this place out and pick up a new food item to try!"

Sangam Grocery & Houseware

★★★★★ 5 (1)

"If you don't visit international markets of different types in Columbus, you are doing yourself a serious disservice. It's the cheapest and most accessible way to expose yourself to the culture of another country, and it can open your eyes to so many new types of lifestyles and cuisines.Sangam is an amazing place to start your exploration.They have an extensive selection of unique produce, home goods, beauty products, and more. I bought cashew juice, bitter melon, an amazing blanket, rose water, rose petal spread, fresh tamarind (very fresh), and multiple types of Achar.They have some beautiful and affordable area rugs that I can't stop thinking about, and I can't wait to go pick one up. They also have cases of toasted coconut water, which is better than ice cream if you ask me.Plan an hour to browse and expect to pick up half of your grocery needs and then some.** Edit: By the time of posting, I went back and bought the rug. Also some toasted coconut water, cabbage, and cauliflower. Yay!"

Dorceline African Market & International Foods

★★★★☆ 4 (1)

"Stopped in to check out this spot just because it looked interesting.They had frozen coolers with all kinds of fish, a drink cooler with some yummy refreshing juice options, and a few shelves of other unique items.We ended up with some fresh plantains, plantain chips, some Caribbean seasoning, and a few drinks. The store is pretty small, but they probably have a lot of regulars who go in for specific things.My reason for the 4 star rating is because, even though they were nice, the employee at the store didn't know what a lot of things were. I would have loved to have learned a little more about certain things. The fresh plantains were my favorite thing purchased. They fried up perfectly over the next couple of days!"

La Michoacana Market

★★★★☆ 3.6 (13)

"Love this place Best meat counter in the city The restaurant is a great place to eat as well. Their produce is always fresh and perfect"

Bakaro International Market

★★★★☆ 4 (1)

"Been watching them work on this space for awhile, noticed today that it's open. Smaller inside than it looks from the outside (another business occupies the other end of this fairly big building along 161.) But plenty of products, and open space to add more stuff. Cold cases around the edges with frozen foods on the left, dairy and cold beverages and meat on the right, and meat counter in the back. Loads of dry goods: pasta, rice, spices, snacks, etc. Produce near dairy; not as much as I expected. Seems to carry mainly African and Middle Eastern goods. We picked up a few things. Reasonably priced. Great service. Handy and interesting, so we'll be back."