Think Outside The Big Box: Specialty Food Stores in SWLA

by Kerri Cooke

Large stores are renowned for their extensive selection of different goods. However, if you are looking for an ingredient or food that is slightly different from what most customers buy, you’re probably not going to find it at Walmart or Kroger, especially when it comes to specialty or international foods.
Instead, check out these small businesses in SWLA. There’s one for every palette.

Crave Gourmet
Looking for gifts for a loved one, or perhaps yourself? Crave Gourmet sells gift baskets, perfect for Valentine’s Day, with all sorts of unique items for a foodie. Crave is currently stocking Gambino’s King Cake Rum Cream for a Mardi Gras pick-me-up. Discover uniquely flavored olive oils and balsamics, such as Expresso Balsamic. Other offerings include jams and jellies, sauces, cheeses, teas, and lots of sweet treats and snacks for every holiday and occasion.

Edible Arrangements
Chocolate dipped fruit platters, fruit arrangements, cookies, mini cheesecakes and brownies, and non-alcoholic wine are all options Edible Arrangements can put together for your next party or holiday. You can walk in for some yummy treats or have something catered for Galentine’s Day.

Pasta Lab
In the market for freshly made pasta? Pasta lab offers a fine selection in the Italian style. Fettuccine and tagliatelle are sold in plain or infused form with an option for alternative flour. Penne, radiator, fusilli, and campanelle are available plain, flavored or with an alternative flour. Stuffed ravioli is another option. Pasta Lab also sells specially sourced cheeses such as Parmigiano-Reggiano, Asiago, and Pecorino Romano and a wide range of oils and vinegars. Choose from Italian, Greek or Spanish olive oil, select an infused version or browse the extensive selection of balsamic vinegars.

Sabor Latino Supermarket
‘Sabor’ means flavor in Spanish, and this grocery store sells delectable Latin American pastries (panes dulces) and sweets. Sabor Latino Supermarket also offers all the ingredients needed to make a Latin American dish. From many different cuts of meat to produce such as cactus, chiles, and plantains, you’re sure to find high quality foodstuffs. Sandwiches de Miga, popular in Argentina, are prepped and ready for consumption. Even sea urchin has a space in the store. Other Latin markets in the area include La Azteca Latin Grocery, Latin Grocery Store, and Allende’s Latin Grocery’s.

Wing Tai Oriental Grocery
Wing Tai has been in business for years and provides many foods and spices necessary for Asian dishes. Napa cabbage for kimchi making, gai lan broccoli for a healthy side dish, lemongrass for Thai food, papaya for Vietnamese cuisine, Kabocha squash for Japanese dishes, and mung bean sprouts for Taiwanese food are available on site. Aside from produce, Wing Tai sells ramen, rice, a variety of sauces and seasonings, ingredients for sushi and pho, and traditional candy like red bean mochi.

Pinoy Asian Market
Another Asian market, the ‘Pinoy’ in Pinoy Asian Market refers to people of Filipino descent, and this small store is dedicated to groceries needed in such dishes. Customers say they find Filipino products here that they have a hard time finding anywhere else. Fresh taro, shitake mushrooms and bok choy are all for sale. The market is notable for a friendly owner and great prices.

International Market
Stop by International Market for a selection of items for Indian, Pakistani and Middle Eastern cuisine. Halal meat, an extensive tea selection, rice, spices, and specialty tobacco line store shelves. Located next to Royal Tandoor, you can feast on curry and naan at the restaurant before walking over to International Market to get ingredients for a home meal.