Food brings us together, and is often the culmination of a busy day.
Whether you’re sitting down with your family, partner, or friends, a good meal allows us to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life. Our favourite foods can also connect us with some of our most important memories—just think about how evocative the aroma of a particular dish can be, conjuring up images of your home and places you've travelled.
Returning to your favourite meals can be a great way to combat mid-semester stress. Cooking can be a soothing break from studying, and a kitchen full of steaming pots and pans can make your house a little cozier when the rain is making you feel grey.
If you’re in the Vancouver area, we’ve compiled a list of some independent shops that carry food from all over the world. Take a study break, get some fresh air, and visit a shop that carries food you’re interested in—whether that’s staples from home or ingredients for a dish you’ve never tried before!
Afra on Main
Address: 3046 Main St
Hours: Mon to Sat: 10 am to 8 pm | Sun: 10 am to 7 pm
Go here for: Mediterannean and Middle Eastern eats. Try their fresh baked spinach pies, baklava, and falafel; pick up a variety of specialty spices; treat yourself to Persian sweets, and more!
Alenka Eastern European Foods
Address: 701 Kingsway
Hours: Mon to Sat: 11 am to 8 pm | Sun: 11 am to 7 pm
Go here for: Perogies, perogies, perogies! They also carry a wide variety of Eastern European staples like sauerkraut and spreads, baked goods, cheeses, and other specialties.
Kim’s Mart
Address: 519 E Broadway
Hours: Mon to Sun: 9 am to 9 pm
Go here for: Korean groceries like fresh produce and seafood, teas, spices, kimchi, fresh tofu, noodles, and a whole lot more!
Parthenon
Address: 3089 W Broadway
Hours: Mon to Sun: 10 am to 7 pm
Go here for: Greek and Mediterranean delicacies. Whether you’re looking for spanakopita, olives, feta cheese, pasta, or a delicious snack, you’ll find it here!
Persia Foods
Address and hours: Check their website for locations and hours
Go here for: Affordable groceries, fresh produce, and ingredients for your next Michelin-star worthy dish!
Sakuraya
Address: 523 E Broadway
Hours: Mon to Sun: 10 am to 8 pm
Go here for: Japanese grocery items like rice, ramen, seasoning, tea, curry, treats, and all the dried and frozen goods your heart desires.
Tama Supermarket
Address: 698 Kingsway
Hours: Mon to Sun: 10 am to 8 pm
Go here for: Filipino and Southeast Asian goods! Along with fresh produce, stock up on Filipino canned goods, snacks, and even beauty products!
We hope you’ll be able to find some delicious treats in the aisles of these great local shops!
