In search of specialties you just can’t find at the bigger chain grocery stores? Whether you’re looking for freshly baked Ethiopian flatbread, East Asian snacks, or even the same teas you’d find in Azerbaijan, you’re in luck. Northern Virginia is packed with scores of exceptional international markets. The list below is filled with just a few of our favorites.
Russian Gourmet
Even if you aren’t a fan of Russian cold cuts like salo and head cheese, there’s much to love behind the counter here, like the Korean carrot salad, a Central Asian delicacy despite the name. Get it with some frozen pelmeni dumplings to take home, as well as Georgian sauces, fruity teas, and a fantastic variety of chocolates. Multiple area locations
Marhaba Market
The Build America Plaza strip mall on the eastern edge of Falls Church is a catalog of all things East African — from Ethiopian bakeries to a restaurant serving Somali spaghetti. Here, stock up on plastic tubs of berbere spice mix to make earthy stews at home, then buy bread to go with it. The tangy, spongy injera is shipped fresh from Ethiopia. 3819 S. George Mason Dr., Falls Church
Madina Market
Whether it’s pomegranate molasses and rosewater, a whole halal lamb for a party at home, or bread baked in the onsite tandoor, you’re likely to make shopping at this Middle Eastern market a delicious habit. Order from the takeout restaurant in the back so lunch is ready when you’re done picking up your staples. 376 Elden St., Herndon
99 Ranch Market
There are 65 locations in this chain of Asian superstores, but only one link is in Virginia. The bakery, Chinese-style deli filled with freshly roasted duck and pork, and locally owned food vendors (like dry-pot purveyor Lai Lai Malatang) are enough to draw lots of shoppers, but the massive selection of Asian fruits may be our favorite part. 10780 Fairfax Blvd., Fairfax
Great Wall Supermarket
The East Coast’s answer to 99 Ranch’s West Coast dominance, Great Wall has two locations in NoVA, making it the more convenient option for many shoppers. As at 99 Ranch, the fruits and vegetables are paramount to the stores’ appeal, but the meat and snacks here are great, too. Potato chip fans will be in their glory bringing home Lay’s in Chinese flavors like Numb & Spicy Hot Pot. 11264 James Swart Cir., Fairfax; 2982 Gallows Rd., Falls Church
Marufuji Japanese Market
Dedicated exclusively to food from Japan, this sleek destination starts with high-quality meats meant for yakiniku-style grilling, then moves effortlessly to an exceptional assortment of Harney & Sons teas perfect for pairing with one of the packaged poke bowls or freshly prepared curry dishes. Don’t forget to grab some sweet mochi on the way out. 8520 Leesburg Pike, Vienna
Patel Brothers
While our region is packed with fantastic, locally owned markets, this spot is a go-to for a bit of everything Indian. The Ashburn outpost of the Chicago-born chain dwarfs many of the mainstream supermarkets on this list. Spices are the best you’ll find anywhere, the freezer section goes on seemingly forever, and the prepared foods include a fun pani puri station. 43761 Parkhurst Plz., Ashburn
Baku Delicious
Taste Central Asia in the form of this Azerbaijani market. You’ll find eats from across the former Soviet Union as well as Turkey here, but most of what you take home will likely be sweets from pastry chef Gunel Mammadkhanova. The store’s website boasts 68 different savory and sweet dishes, so come hungry and finish with one of Mammadkhanova’s range of baklavas. 3900 Pickett Rd., Ste. C, Fairfax
German Gourmet
Since 1962, this shop has provided DMV fans of Central European eats with scores of sausages. Whether it’s Thueringers, Weisswursts, or Stuttgarters, there’s bound to be a link that floats your boat. But it’s not all meaty bits here. Most anything you miss from your trips to Oktoberfest is here in full effect. You’ll find beers and wines, as well as cheeses and sweets to finish the feast. 5838 Columbia Pike, Falls Church
Caffe Bottega Italiana
For high-end, regional Italian delicacies, look no further than this Leesburg market. In search of creamy robiola cheeses? This is your place! Squid ink pasta? Cured meats like speck from the Alto Adige region? They’re waiting here. And don’t forget to grab a panino, focaccia, or pinsa Romana on the way out, along with a cappuccino or espresso. 8 Fort Evans Rd. NE, Leesburg
Feature image of 99 Ranch Market by Rey Lopez
This story originally ran in our January issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
