People who don’t live here might not realize that an exciting food scene thrives in the Phoenix Metro area. Scottsdale is revered for there vegetarian and vegan options, and Gilbert shines as one of the original farm-to-table agrihoods in the state. Wherever you are in Phoenix, you’re probably close to a food truck with fantastic food.

However, cuisine connoisseurs who want to make their own meals will certainly want to put together an inspiring menu, and they may find themselves in need of an ingredient or two not readily available at a typical grocery chain. Thankfully, Phoenix is full of international specialty food stores boasting unique flavors and ingredients. Though they may be hidden gems or found off the beaten path, they are certainly worth a visit. Depending on the cuisine you’re looking for, you’ll want to look in these neighborhoods. 

Photo courtesy of Yasha from Russia

Russian - Paradise Valley Village

Phoenix New Times recently released essential Phoenix food and drink picks for 2018. Making the list for bringing a “slice of Russia” to the metro is Yasha from Russia in Paradise Valley Village. The store has been a staple for shoppers searching for Russian, Slavic, and Scandinavian products for years.

Here you'll find caviar, smoked fish, imported beer and wine, teas, meats, and cheeses. They also have a bakery case with options such as honey cakes, tiramisu, and smetannik (Russian cake with sour cream frosting). Regarded for their in-house baked breads, like their rye selection and pre-toasted buckwheat, this joint has been a favorite mom-and-pop shop for nearly two decades. 

Photo courtesy of Lee Lee’s Oriental Supermarket

East Asian - Tucson

Other locations: Chandler and Peoria

Offering an array of foods from over 30 countries and regions around the world including Asia, Africa, and South America, Lee Lee’s Oriental Supermarket also offers a rare selection of Caribbean and South American foods. It began 25 years ago when, after moving to Arizona, the owners would make trips to California to buy ingredients for the Asian community. It has since evolved into three of the largest ethnic grocery chains in the state. With locations in Tucson and Chandler, their Peoria restaurant features a Vietnamese restaurant near the entrance to the store.

The store has diverse beer picks, pickled items, hard-to-find spices, and live seafood from tanks toward the back of the store.

Photo courtesy of Baiz Marketplace

Middle Eastern - Central City

Central City is the location of Baiz Marketplace, a large Middle Eastern store complete with on-site halal butcher, bakery, and counter-serve dining area. Patrons can browse specialty produce, oils, spices, and fresh meats, as well as order ready-to-serve meals like whole roasted chicken, kabobs, beef and chicken shawarma, made-to-order pies, baklava, and naan and tannour bread.

You know the family-owned shop is a favorite with locals just by seeing the overfilling parking lot on any given day, so it’s best to hit up this specialty shop when they first open at 9:00 a.m. 

Photo courtesy of La Tolteca Mexican Market

Mexican - Downtown 

In the heart of Downtown, Mexican food staple La Tolteca Mexican Market is more restaurant than store. But while you’re waiting for your red chile chilaquiles or enchilada-style tamales, you can browse their meat and cheese selection, purchase freshly made tortillas, or peruse their produce, spices, and salsas.

In the mood for something sweet? You’ll want to head over to their bakery with traditional pastries, cookies, and breads.

Photo courtesy of Romanelli’s Italian Deli

Italian - North Mountain Village

In North Mountain Village you’ll find an authentic deli serving fresh pastas, subs, pizzas, and more. Romanelli’s Italian Deli is best known for their homemade Italian sausage, cannolis, breads, and Italian butter cookies. However, they also have a wide variety of imported Italian food products for purchase. Over 100 different kinds of dried pastas are enough to impress any foodie, while their selection of tomato products, oils and vinegar, spices, peppers, and grains, will have you browsing the aisles endlessly.

Open since 1975, this has become a beloved hub of quintessential Italian products for many suburbs in the area. 

Photo courtesy of Abbey Lee Farms

Seasonal Produce - Garfield

Partnering with local farms to provide the freshest seasonal produce, Aztec Specialty Produce is the neighborhood go-to shop for all your vegetable and fruit needs. Located just outside Garfield on East Madison Street, the shop, which opened in 1986, provides year-round selections like heirloom tomatoes from Abbey Lee Farms, organic milk from Danzeisen Dairy and lettuces from Taylor Farms.

But it’s their unusual season selection that keeps people coming back. They typically offer muskmelons and okra in the summer and rutabagas and winter squash, which you won’t be able to find in many other places.