The diversity of the Champaign-Urbana community is reflected in many ways, including the specialty grocery stores you can find throughout the area
We are fortunate to have a number of international grocers in Champaign and Urbana, including Indian, Mexican, Korean and others, and you might be delighted by some of the finds you can scoop up at these locally owned specialty grocery stores
With the rich ethnic diversity in Champaign-Urbana, we are fortunate that our chain grocery stores are typically well stocked with international foods. Meijer’s aisle is substantial and Costco stocks a number of foods that are popular in Asian cooking. But beyond these grocery stores you may frequent on a regular basis, we have many ethnic and specialty grocery stores that are crafted to serve particular segments within our community. And, of course, anyone and everyone can shop these locally owned stores, enriching your shopping experience and expanding the foods you bring into your home.
This list will introduce you to Champaign-Urbana’s international grocery stores and we will do our best to keep it up-to-date. If you have a store that you think should be added to the list (or know of one that has closed), please let us know.
Ethnic Grocery Stores in Champaign-Urbana
AMKO Oriental Foods and Gifts, Champaign: Large Asian grocery store, also offering delivery. They take special orders and place a high value on whole, nutritious foods; their produce section reflects this value. Many specialty bakery items were noted on their shelves, including pita bread and traditional Lebanese pita from Sanabel Bakery in Chicago and an assortment of Mediterranean desserts from Nazareth Sweets and assorted sweets from Dokil Bakery, both in Chicago.
Annapoorna, Champaign: Local Indian grocery store. You can email your order for curbside pick-up, if you would prefer to shop curbside. They offer fresh vegetables every Thursday. An extensive selection of spices (which they refer to as the heart of Indian cooking) and many ready-to-eat and frozen meals are among the highlights.
El Progreso Tienda y Carniceria, Urbana: Mexican food store with fresh meats, cheeses, beans, chiles and more. Has been posting video updates on Facebook with its product availability in both Spanish and English.
Far East on Fifth Street, Champaign: An Asian grocery store with plenty of fresh produce. Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Indonesian foods and more. Limited to 10 shoppers at a time in the store.
Fresh International Market, Champaign: They describe themselves as follows: “from live seafood and fresh produce to Taiwanese bakery, Cantonese Deli, and more, we offer a wide range of grocery selection to all our customers.” A number of good finds here. They carry Red Bicycle Ice Cream, including vegan gelato. Also on Facebook and Instagram.
Green Onion Asian Market, Champaign: This Korean grocery store has one of the area’s best selection of beans, among many other items. Every Wednesday is “Sweet Wednesday” and they carry fresh Korean bread from New York Bakery in Chicago, fresh baked Japanese bread from Kaori’s Oven (a local baker) and traditional Korean Rice Cake from 80 Million Foods. They also carry new Kimchi every Wednesday. They have a large selection of potstickers and dumplings in their freezer section and a good price on matcha green tea.
Strawberry Fields Natural Food Store, Urbana (exterior sign says World Harvest International & Gourmet Foods): They stock natural and organic groceries, frozen and refrigerated; fresh baked bread and pastries; made-fresh-daily salads and sandwiches; gourmet coffee and teas; local and organic produce; vitamins and supplements, and products for home and body. You’ll find a wide selection of bulk olive oil (get your bottle right there if you don’t have your own), among many other international foods. Their cafe now carries Hunny Bunny Bakes — but make sure to follow along on social media because the treats go quickly when they arrive.
More Specialty Grocery Stores in Champaign-Urbana
- Cheese and Crackers, Champaign (Old Farm Shops): Deli sandwiches for take-out, cheese, salami and other meats, fresh fish delivered three times a week (email fish@crackerscheese.com for information), craft sodas, wine, and dry goods. Visit their website or call (615) 615-8531.
- Prairie Fruits Farm: Get goat cheese, crackers and more.