International food markets add spice to your grocery chores

by | Nov 9, 2022 | Blog, Denver Shops & Restaurants | 0 comments

Let’s face it, another trip to the grocery store is rarely at the top of our dream to-do list. Same old product choice, new day.

But suppose, on your next trip to the grocery, you could find lobster-stuffed frozen ravioli, Hungarian Chio potato chips, Vanilla Mousse Korean Oreos or pomegranate molasses?

Now that’s another story.

These are all items stocked at Denver-metro area international groceries—specialty markets that can infuse excitement into your food-buying chores, not to mention your dinner menu.

5 international markets in Denver recommended by 5280:

Valente’s Deli Bakery & Italian Market, Westminster: This store has been offering Italian taste treats for 69 years. “Must-buys,” notes 5280, “include the house-made Italian sausage, month-aged prosciutto di parma, smoky scamorza affumicate cheese, Pastene brand dried mafaldine pasta, and lobster-stuffed frozen ravioli.”

European Gusto Market & Café, Virginia Village: A Bosnian grocer in the heart of Virginia Village? It’s true – and has been for nearly 20 years. Here, you’ll find “lokum (butter tea cookies), roasted and pickled heirloom shipka peppers, and fresh-baked burek (flaky spiral pies stuffed with feta or beef).” And if you’re not in the mood for Bosnian fare, check out the Hungarian, Croatian and Polish items for a change of pace.

India’s Harvest, Aurora: If you like making Indian items from scratch, you’ll find all that you need here, including golden ghee, amchoor powder, and aromatic basmati rice. But if you’d rather let someone else do the work, choose from the grocer’s ready-made curry sauces, chutneys and more. Either way, says 5280, “the friendly cashiers at this Aurora market will help you find what you need.”

MMart Korean Market, Aurora: “This family-owned shop on Havana Street is considerably smaller than nearby H-Mart, but owner Augustine Lee’s curated shelves offer many items not seen at the chain,” notes 5280. Here, you’ll find the expected—seaweed, kimchi, tofu and so on—as well as the unexpected, like Vanilla Mousse Korean Oreos and “cheesy” O!Tube chips.

Padoca Gourmet, Mayfair: A touch of Brazil in the Mile High City, Padoca offers pastries made from scratch and other food, plus a “small retail selection” that sells pao de queijo (tapioca cheese bread), coxinha (fried chicken croquettes), brigadeiros (chocolate treats), Braziilan coffee, farofa (toasted cassava) flour, Guarna soda and more.

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