Best Ethnic Groceries

All,

I'm posting this in answer to a recent question Beth asked on where are the best ethnic groceries. I thought it deserved it's own thread.

Beth,

Yes, Beth , there are fresh tortillas in Louisville.
My favorite are from the Tortilla factory off New Lagrange Road. ( Far East End) They sell fresh corn torillas- still warm- for . 99 /lb! Located in a small strip mall, they are next to El Mariachi ( my fav tacqueria), and a large excellent Hispanic grocery with a full carniceria ( butchershop). The latter is my source for all things mexican; love their prices, some english-speaking employees, selection and their housemade fresh chorizo.

As previously mentioned, the ValuMarket in Iroquois Manor is an awsome location for ethnic groceries and produce.

Deb

[Robin Garr]

As posted on the other thread, here's a link to the most recent summary in HotBytes, which I last updated a little over a year ago:

http://www.louisvillehotbytes.com/think ... louisville

All,

I'm posting this in answer to a recent question Beth asked on where are the best ethnic groceries. I thought it deserved it's own thread.

Deb- Thanks so much!

This is really helpful. Figuring out where to find your favorite things in a new town is always part of the process of integrating to the new home. Everyone here has made it much easier!

Anyone is welcome to add their favorites too. Haven't read the grocery store thread. Looks like lots of folks had things to say about where they shop.

Beth,

I'm also a transplant ( a temporary move for 2 years turned into a choice to stay for 13...). so I totally get it. Any particular ethnic option you are looking for? The ValuMarkets, for example., are very targeted to their local ethnic population. The one by my house at Hurstbourne/Shelbyville carries totally diferent items than the Iroquois one or your MidCity Mall location....

Welcome to Louisville!
Deb

My favorite. Probably biggest Mexican grocery in town (that I know of). Great meat. They will grind fresh beef/pork or combination for burgers.

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As far as my favorite ethnic markets. I usually hit all of these at least once a month. I've noticed that most things including produce are usually a lot cheaper at ethnic markets than supermarkets. Don't be afraid to check these places out.

Patel Bros. on Hurstbourne for all things Indian and I buy a lot of produce here too as they turn it over quickly. Try to avoid it on Saturdays though. It seems the entire Indian community in Louisville shops on Saturday and they only have two checkout lines.

Viet Hoa on Preston Hwy. A former Winn Dixie that is well stocked for all things Chinese with a large selection of "fresh?" and frozen seafood of all types. They have everything from live frogs to blue crab and everything in between with good deals on shrimp. There is a big language barrier there so you will have to point and gesture a lot.

Vietnam Oriental Market on S. Third across from Iroquois Manor. They have cleaned this place up a lot in recent months and they have certain things that Viet Hoa doesn't carry like Pho noodles.

There is a Mexican market that recently opened on Taylorsville Rd. next to Bearno's in J-town (where we live) that I like A LOT! I think they get a kick out of me shopping there as I'm almost certain that I'm the only "gringo" that's ever set foot in the place. Plus, I get to practice my rudementary kitchen "Spanglish" when I'm at the well stocked, fresh looking and very CLEAN meat counter. They make their own chorizo and they have a nopal cactus relish that's like crack to me. On the weekends they make a big pot of barbicoa they sell by the pound and sometimes have fresh tamales too. And it's CHEAP! I don't think I've ever spent more than 20 bucks there and I always leave with three big bags of stuff.

Choi's is a great Asian market with a ok selection of Mexican items. Cheap produce and whole shrimp keep it in my rotation. They also have a snack bar in the back that puts out some fine Asian grub.


Choi's Asian Food
607 Lyndon Lane
(502) 426-4441

My sister really seems to enjoy the new Indian grocer called Aladdin Market. It went into the old Amazing grace market building on bardstown rd. I haven't been in there yet though.

I second Choi's- it isn't huge, but it's closer for me than the Preston stores and it's close to the places Deb mentioned. I must admit that I was amazed at the stock at the Iroquois ValuMart when I visited the other day (Thank you Deb!).

I like La Tropicana on Preston Highway. It's kind of a zoo in there but they have recently re-designed the Grocery and it's much nicer now. Al Watan on Klondike Lane is awesome for Middle East stuff and the fresh Pitas are incredible. For Asian I like the Oriental supermarket on Bishop's Lane or the one off Preston highway across from Koreana is also nice. For Vietnamese the Bihn Fuoc at Irquois Manor is always fun.

I like La Tropicana on Preston Highway. It's kind of a zoo in there but they have recently re-designed the Grocery and it's much nicer now. Al Watan on Klondike Lane is awesome for Middle East stuff and the fresh Pitas are incredible. For Asian I like the Oriental supermarket on Bishop's Lane or the one off Preston highway across from Koreana is also nice. For Vietnamese the Bihn Fuoc at Irquois Manor is always fun.

I'm thinking I'm going to need make a road trip back to Iroquois Manor ValuMarket, and this time combine it with a visit to Bihn Fuoc - I don't think I've been to a Vietnamese market before. ( I will however refrain from saying their name- could be interpretted as something dirty ).

Deb

I like La Tropicana on Preston Highway. It's kind of a zoo in there but they have recently re-designed the Grocery and it's much nicer now. Al Watan on Klondike Lane is awesome for Middle East stuff and the fresh Pitas are incredible. For Asian I like the Oriental supermarket on Bishop's Lane or the one off Preston highway across from Koreana is also nice. For Vietnamese the Bihn Fuoc at Irquois Manor is always fun.

I'm thinking I'm going to need make a road trip back to Iroquois Manor ValuMarket, and this time combine it with a visit to Bihn Fuoc - I don't think I've been to a Vietnamese market before. ( I will however refrain from saying their name- could be interpretted as something dirty ).

Deb

I'm ready for another run to VK. Let know.

There is a Mexican market that recently opened on Taylorsville Rd. next to Bearno's in J-town (where we live) that I like A LOT! I think they get a kick out of me shopping there as I'm almost certain that I'm the only "gringo" that's ever set foot in the place. Plus, I get to practice my rudementary kitchen "Spanglish" when I'm at the well stocked, fresh looking and very CLEAN meat counter. They make their own chorizo and they have a nopal cactus relish that's like crack to me. On the weekends they make a big pot of barbicoa they sell by the pound and sometimes have fresh tamales too. And it's CHEAP! I don't think I've ever spent more than 20 bucks there and I always leave with three big bags of stuff.

Thanks for pointing this place out! Went there today. They had barbicoa, carnitas, fresh chicharrón, and tamales. I picked up some beef and pork from the meat counter. Everything averaged about $5 per pound. They have some pre-seasoned meat selections as well. Of course, I had to pick up some Takis snacks - addictive. They also have my favorite grapefruit Juaritos in the 1.5 liter bottle. I'll definitely stop by there again.

Jaime O. mentioned it, but I thought I'd reiterate. Aladin market opened up on Bardstown road a couple of weeks ago, and I've noticed by your posting that you're in the highlands. I stopped in last weekend and checked it out - it's pretty good, and definitely more convenient than a drive outside of the Watterson. It's mostly a mixed bag of Middle Eastern and American goods. Not exactly cheap because of the real estate, but worth an occasional trip for me, no question.

My wife just brought a print copy of this home over the weekend, not sure where she got it, I'll ask her later:

http://internationalfoodguide.com/

Unfortunately, the website, published in blog format, was launched last July but has none of the info in the print version. But if you can get a copy, it has a good number of listings, arranged by ethnicity. I guess try the contact page on their site, or email:

internationalfoodguide@gmail.com