Great Ethnic Markets in and around Worcester

Wednesday, August 08, 2012

Sandy Meindersma, GoLocalWorcester Features Team

Worcester's international appeal is readily apparent when you consider the variety of ethnic markets in and around the city. Whether you're looking to do your own cooking, or take advantage of the takeout, here are some locally owned stores that can take your taste buds to a foreign land.

Mediterranean/Middle Eastern

Ed Hyder's Mediterranean Marketplace
408 Pleasant Street Worcester
508-755-0258

Since 1975, the Hyder family has been providing Worcesterites with an abundant selection of Mediterranean foods including 100 spices and herbs, dozens of cheeses, olives, oils, and vinegars, produce, dried fruit, marinated meats and kabobs and specialty wines.

In addition to offering great ingredients for to use at home, Hyder’s also offers soups, pasta salad and sandwiches for lunch as well as catering for groups.

Bahnan’s International Marketplace
344 Pleasant Street, Worcester
508-796-5365

“Come as a customer, leave as a friend” is the theme at this family owned Middle Eastern market, café and bakery. With food imported from Greece, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Bulgaria, Iran, Macedonia, Albania, Armenia, Turkey, there are hundreds of choices of spices, produce, Halal, fresh olives, cheeses to imported grains and delicacies, Bahnan's is the a great place in central Massachusetts to shop for the best and freshest middle eastern items. The bakery features fresh bread baked daily, meat pies, spinach pies, desserts and other sweets.

Indian

Desi Market
1000 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury
(508) 845-1578

In business since 2000, Sajid Abdul features mangoes from April to August every year, along with a host of other fresh fruits and vegetables. The market is known for its variety of Indian spices, juices, snacks and frozen foods and breads. Freshly prepared takeout options are available daily.

African

Danco
195 Pleasant Street, Worcester
508-791-8580

Danco is a visit to Africa without leaving Worcester, and foods are imported from all over the continent: West Africa, East Africa and North African specialties fill the aisles. Ketepa tea and supplies Royco meats, Atteke pasta and Palm products are among the offerings, along with specialty beer and wine. The store also offers some prepared foods including kenkey, African style breads and fried fish.

Peace African Market
1104 Main Street, Worcester
508-753-5950

A family owned business for 10 years, Peace African Market is part African market and part American convenience store. Owner/manager George Asiamah stocks the shelves with staples and delicacies from the African nations of Ghana, Liberia and Nigeria, and from time to time, Kenya. The store features fu-fu, a regular part of the Ghanian diet, as well as yams, hot and red peppers, sugar breads and canned palm butter. For his Nigerian customers, Asiamah stocks powdered yams and canned meats.

Asian

Ha-Tien Market
892 Main Street, Worcester
(508) 791-2220

Although Ha-Tien got its start as a Vietnamese market, it now features Asian food from Japan, Thailand, Malaysia and China, as well as Vietnam. Delicacies available at Ha-Tien include rainbutan, logan, lychees and a wide variety of tropical fruit. The store also features Vietnamese sandwiches for takeout and boba drinks.