Eric Swartz
Eating at international restaurants has always been an interest of
mine. Recently, though, I’ve been trying to cut back. Doing so hasn’t
stopped my craving for things like wonton soup, chorizo con huevos, or
shawarma, so I decided to check out some of the international markets
in Memphis.
Most grocery stores offer a wide variety of international
ingredients. But if you need to get special ingredients, you will
probably have to go to an international market.
As I set out on this adventure, I was surprised to find several
great markets throughout the city. These were my favorites:
Day 1
The Mediterranean International Market on Park was my
first stop. I anticipated being there for 15 minutes. An hour later, I
walked out with two bags of groceries and I could have bought five
more. I really wanted a jar of massive capers but settled for a box of
falafel mix, a tiny container of hummus, canned Moroccan sardines, and
baking dates.
Since it was hot outside, I grabbed a Malta India soda for the road.
It was carbonated and tasted like molasses, with a slight spicy
undertone that I couldn’t quite identify.
The Mediterranean International Market,
3561 Park
(320-5757)
Viet Hoa Food Market on North Cleveland was a familiar spot.
I go to the laundromat just down the street and usually stop at the
market on my way home. One thing I always buy is a basil-seed canned
drink. It’s thick and cold and has tapioca-like sprouted basil seeds. I
also bought some tofu, a coconut, limes, and sesame mochi candy.
Some items that I didn’t buy (but wanted to) included shrimp chips,
instant sizzling rice, and peeled corn that look like tiny teeth. The
market has a great produce selection that’s fresh and inexpensive.
Viet Hoa Food Market, 40 N. Cleveland (726-9388)
Day 2
At the Great China Market, on Summer Avenue, I was very
impressed by the extensive spice and herb section. Some of the most
intriguing offerings: dried lotus bulbs, aged citrus peel, and velvet
deer horn.
Perhaps the most useful items at the market are the cookbooks. They
have lots of pictures and recipes in English. I definitely want to go
back, buy a book or two, and shop for ingredients. I also want one of
the giant woks. They’re almost as big as a bathtub, which is probably
what I would have to use it for, considering my stove is tiny.
I ended up leaving with two types of iced coffee, a huge bunch of
fresh Chinese spinach, some ready-to-cook spring rolls, a package to
make a dessert of seabed coconut, some tamarind hot-chile candy
(amazing!), and a can of bird’s-nest drink. Despite the fact that
bird’s nest really is a bird’s nest, made from bird saliva, the drink
was quite good.
Great China Market, 5137 Summer (682-8220)
By the time I made it to India Imports on Trinity Road in
Cordova, it was after 5 p.m., and I was starving. The rich, thick
smells of curry and spices made my stomach start growling. I’ve always
heard that you should never grocery-shop hungry. I found out why after
I spent way too much buying a can of baby dark chickpeas, whole white
pepper, vegetable curry mix, and packages of pre-made aloo matar
(peas and potatoes) and surti undhiu (Indian beans, potatoes,
sweet potatoes, yam, eggplant, plantains, and spices).
Most of the products are prepared and packaged foods. India Imports
has a small produce section. The cashier was very helpful. He helped me
find a special rack for warming udad papad, a crunchy
tortilla-like bread.
India Imports, 7845 Trinity (756-0810)
Day 3
Before I even walked into Super Mercado El Rey II, I knew I
wanted some chorizo. The slightly spicy, rich Mexican sausage is
perfect for mixing with eggs and serving wrapped in a tortilla. The
meat counter at El Rey was immaculate. I ordered a pound of chorizo and
grabbed a juicy mango and some corn flour on my way out. The market
isn’t huge, but it has a good selection of ingredients and fresh
produce.
Super Mercado El Rey II, 3699 S. Hickory Hill
(797-8412)
Checking Out
The bad news is that I spent a lot of money on food. The good news
is that I’m going to be eating really well the next couple weeks. My
advice? Go shopping with specific recipes in mind. The options can be
overwhelming if you don’t have a clear plan. Don’t be afraid to ask
questions. Everyone I encountered was incredibly helpful and excited to
talk about food. And the ultimate words of advice? Don’t shop when you
are hungry.
Other markets to visit:
Asian Groceries, 5054 American Way (368-0068)
Bombay Bazaar, 4293 American Way (367-2585)
Saro International Food Market, 3816 S. Mendenhall
(565-9444)
Winchester Farmers Market, 6616 Winchester
(795-1525)
For some reason I always watch “food” movies when I am hungry enough to eat my empty cardboard popcorn container. 
The 
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