Where to buy ethnic and international food in Porto

Porto is still not a very multicultural city, however, you can find food for all tastes. There’s no need to catch an airplane to buy that special ingredient that’s missing to complete an international or ethnic dinner. Here is a list of some of the best places to find, try, and buy ingredients from all over the world.

Don’t mistake Supermercado Chen for a Chinese thrift store. This small market is a sanctuary for all of those who are fascinated with unknown ingredients. Here, you can find Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese and Thai ingredients—at least. The shelves are stocked with 101 ingredients to make sushi (except fresh fish), collections of dried and preserved mushrooms, spices, algae, sauces, teas, Asian beer, sake, and even shark meatballs (?). The frozen products are inviting if you’re feeling lazy: just think about hot rolls, spring rolls, Chinese crepes, dumplings, sesame balls, and the likes. And who said pasta is Italian? You’ll change your mind after seeing the impressive range of Asian pasta. There is also a fridge reserved for fresh produce, such as vegetables, fresh noodles, and meat. The hardest thing is not buying the whole store.

Praça da Républica nº 103, Porto
Mon – Sat: 9:30-20h / Sun: Closed
+351 222 087 718

This small supermarket stocks up on several national specialties from the Balkanic and Baltic regions. If you want to capture the real essence of Eastern European cuisine, here you’ll find an endless range of seasonings, but also basic ingredients such as fresh and preserved vegetables, smoked meats, rice, buckwheat, and more. The offer in dried and smoked fish, such as mackerel, herring and anchovies, is worth alone a visit to the store. For those of you who love dairy, there are great options in kefir and fresh cheese at  affordable prices. The selection of snacks (let’s make a call out for sunflower seeds) either packaged or frozen is plentiful, as well as the range of cookies and sweets. Vodka is abundant, but there are many other drinks to try out, especially beer. And to side your beer, forget lupin (it’s a Portuguese thing) or peanuts, take some small salted fish or caviar flavored croutons.

Avenida dos Heróis e Mártires da Guerra da Angola nº49, Porto
Mon – Sun: 10-21h
+351 220 145 267

This butcher’s shop is located in downtown Porto and sells meat that respects the requisites of Halal. The Arab word Halal means “permissible”, and is a vital part of Muslim culture and religion. When concerning meat, it is essential that the animal’s throat is slit and the carcass is bled out completely. Here you will find chicken, turkey, lamb, and cow’s meat that is slaughtered according to this principle. You may also find a variety of typical products from the Middle East, such as dates, coffee, grains, sweets, and couscous.

Rua do Cativo nº76, Porto
Mon – Fri: 10:30-21h | Sat – Sun: Closed
+351 222 009 919

Have you been to India? If not, you’ll certainly feel closer. This establishment is run by Indian natives, who will advise you wisely about the best products and the right way to use them. The stock in teas and spices is like no other. You needn’t look any further if you want to find some elusive spices, such as caraway, fenugreek, Sichuan pepper, or curry leaves. The variety of curry mixes is indeed impressive, you’ll find over 10 varieties that comprise everything from Garam Masala curry to Madras curry. There is also a good selection of grains, such as basmati rice, chickpeas, and lentils. And let’s not forget about Indian snacks and naan bread. All of these products are also available for purchase online.

Rua de Miguel Bombarda nº321, Porto
Mon – Fri: 10-19h | Sat: 10-19:30h | Sun: Closed
+351 222 930 872
http://www.flordacafrao.com

Rua Dr Ricardo Jorge nº41, Porto
Mon – Sat: 9-20h | Sun: 9-19h

The very popular store Glood has conquered many clients in Lisbon, and opened its first store in Porto. When entering, you’re baffled by food from all over the world, but we wouldn’t be fair if we didn’t mention that American food is especially featured. Although American food is not exactly considered ethnic by most of us, here you can find several staple foods of the American culture, that in some way will make you smile due to their familiarity. Highlight goes to the beef jerky, maple syrup, dried fruits, peanut butter, and the Quakers oatmeal and granola bars. Don’t forget the classics: Dr. Pepper soda, Campbell’s tomato soup, macaroni and cheese, Heinz sauces, Hershey’s chocolate, and bucketloads of candy. Other than food, you can also buy plus sized detergents and products for your home. But there’s more! You can bring home the delights of Brasil, such as manioc and peanut candy, spices of central Asia and the Middle East, old staples of Brisith cuisine (even frozen steak and kidney pies), German fermented foods, imported beers, and much much more.

Rua de Oliveira Monteiro nº198, Porto
Mon – Sat: 10-20h | Holidays: 10-19h | Sun: Closed
+351 226 001 081
https://www.glood.pt