The Tastiest International Grocery in San Jose

Ebiko

★★★★★ 4.7 (282) • $$

"I visited on a Tuesday afternoon around 1PM and found parking to be super difficult. Eventually found a meter spot after circling for 20 ish minutes. Funny enough, two cop cars were near, reporting a broken in car. I walked in and the place seemed neat and clean. It's a simple space, a openshelf refrigerator with sushi, a closed fridge with drink and a few shelves with Japanese snacks. There were about two other people purchasing food while I was there. The selection of sushi was limited and had mostly basics, tuna and salmon, one of them had a variety but was a bit more pricier. I grabbed:[Salmon avocado roll $8.50]3/5 The sushi roll was quite bland. Most of the time, you can taste the rice vinegar, this one tasted very plain. [Spicy salmon roll $8.95 I think]4/5This was a bit more flavorful since it was spicy salmonOverall, the price is great for sushi, but I found the rolls lacking in flavor. Which a simple roll should have some distinct flavors. After a dunk in soy sauce and Wasabi it was better. In addition, the cashier seemed displeased that I didn't tip more than 15%, when it's mostly self service. I grab my own food, put my own food in my own bag, and grab my own utensils and soy sauce. Not sure what I'm tipping for when it's a grab and go shop. Probably wouldn't come again, the parking was just too difficult. The sushi was sub par. Cute shop though!"

Fatima Bazaar

★★★★☆ 4.3 (184) • $

"got falafels and it was tasty but the staff at the butcher/hot food section were rude."

Apna Bazar

★★★☆☆ 3.2 (265)

"I am a regular here for the vegetarian Punjabi food over the weekends in their kitchen at the back ( not to forget their awesome chai that keeps me going with my shopping)- no fuss no muss and I am done with my meal plans in an easy way. Lunch plate today had Aloo Gobi and Malai Kofta ( with 3 Rotis, no rice, you can choose to take the rice) and Malai Methi Paneer and Aloo Gobi ( what can I say I love love Gobi or Cauliflower) - I also got 2 of the humongous Samosas ( $1.83/ each)Don't forget to say Hi to the awesome hostesses who are always serving you with a smile - I got a picture today ( she was a little shy :-) )"

Desi Bazar Desi Kitchen

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (115) • $$

"My first experience of getting a few dishes were amazing. It really reminded me of home food. The second time around I didn't get the same taste unfortunately. I am happy to try again because the first time was really too good for me to forget. It's a grocery store + food pick up place (I don't think there is sit down service here but I may be wrong). The service was not too long but not super fast either. The grocery store has different types of fish and I enjoyed taking some Hilsa home. The quality was great - they also scaled it for me which was amazing. The ambience is tight and a lot of things fit into a small place but it's manageable."

Arteaga's Food Center

★★★★☆ 3.5 (94) • $

"Just a 10 min. walk from my apartment. I came here on a whim and decided to make birria. I didn't know where anything was other than your basic produce and meat but I was new to their dried peppers. They have so many different kinds. What was nice is that I asked a few customers if they can help me search for some things and they pointed me to the right section. They do have personnel in front to ensure all customers have their mask on and keep a line outside if the store reach its capacity. Though we all hate this but no way around it unless we do this together."

Mama House Sandwiches & Deli

★★★★☆ 3.6 (74) • $

"I love the mom and pops storefront and as soon as you walk in -- you could feel a great sense of family and community. The nice ladies running the front of the house have a great sense of urgency and move the lines quickly and efficiently.We did some grocery shopping next door so stopped in for a sandwich and coffee as I was beginning to feel hungry. The menu boards feature a variety of Banh Mi and there are lots of party tray options available also (note taken for my next potluck invite!). Aromas from the freshly baked bread envelopes your senses as soon as you walk through the doors, and I'm here for it!Banh Mi was good. Looking forward to returning in the near future."

Baraka Halal Market

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (73) • $$

"I thought this was a new Middle Eastern grocery in town, but learned recently that this is apparently the new location of a store a little further down El Camino. No problem, as this is much more convenient for me.This is a fine store carrying a variety of products from many, but not all, countries in the Middle East. Unlike a lot of similar stores which are cramped and difficult to navigate, this is pretty airy and spacious. There's a great selection of spices and other necessary ingredients to put together a good Mediterranean meal. We haven't purchased anything from the meat counter, which is small by comparison to other similar stores. There is a small counter of baked items, such as pita and lavash and this really large bread the name of which I don't know.Prices are about the same as other places, but sometimes not well marked on the products so it's a bit of a lottery when you're at the checkout stand. The service has been mixed - there's one guy who also seems cheerful, but there's at least one who seems annoyed by your presence when you walk through the door."

Persian Kabobs

★★★★☆ 3.7 (32) • $$

"A great market and a sleeper with great Iranian cuisine to boot. Tried the chicken kabob and the koobideh with both the normal rice/tomato and zereksh polo. Proteins were moist and well seasoned. For well under $10 they were good deals for he quality. After you can scan the range of middle eastern products. They carry sangak from Yenagen bakery, various Sadaf pre packaged items and some bulk and produce as well. Owners are super nice to boot. 4.3 stars"

Lucky 7 Supermarket - Tully

★★☆☆☆ 2.3 (31) • $

"This grocery store have good deals. I feel a little awkward, because I'm Asian. The workers here are friendly and helpful.The one thing I go here with my wife some times is good deals they have here. Pros:BigCleanCons:Homeless in front asking for money."

Arteaga's Food Center

★★★☆☆ 2.8 (18) • $$

"Needed some drinks and veggies so stopped in at Arteaga's Food Center. This is the first time here and walking in the store it looked very nice and well stocked. The different areas looked clean and well maintained. Got what I needed and waited in line to be rung up. Employees were welcoming and helpful in pointing me to the items i needed. Will definitely return again if Im in the area."