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 and specialty 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 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 international aisle is substantial and Costco stocks numerous foods that are popular in Asian cooking.
Beyond these grocery stores you might 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
Annapoorna, Champaign: Local Indian grocery store. It offers fresh vegetables every Thursday. An extensive selection of spices, which it refers to as the heart of Indian cooking, and many ready-to-eat and frozen meals are among the highlights.
Bombay Market, Champaign: After moving from its former location on Bradley Ave. in 2024, Bombay Market has expanded in its new location at the corner of University Ave. and 2nd St. Here you can find everything needed for traditional Indian cooking: fresh produce, packaged masalas, Indian snacks and beverages, and frozen treats. It carries products that cater to the local African and Middle Eastern population as well. Be sure to check out the halal butcher counter as well as Mama’s Kitchen restaurant, offering Indian cuisine for lunch and dinner takeout.
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.
Fresh International Market, Champaign: It describes itself 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. Also on Facebook and Instagram.
Green Onion Asian Market, Champaign: This Korean grocery store has one of the area’s best selections of beans, among many other items. Every Wednesday is “Sweet Wednesday” and it carries 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. It also carries new Kimchi every Wednesday. It has a large selection of potstickers and dumplings in its freezer section and a good price on matcha green tea.
Strawberry Fields Natural Food Store, Urbana (exterior sign says World Harvest International & Gourmet Foods): The previous owner recently retired, but the new ownership has continued to operate the store. It stocks 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. Its cafe now carries Hunny Bunny Bakes — but make sure to follow along on social media because the treats go quickly when they arrive.
More Locally Owned Specialty Grocery Stores in Champaign-Urbana
How to classify local institutions such as Art Mart and Sun Singer, both located in Champaign? Are they restaurants? (Yes.) Specialty grocers? (Also yes.) Purveyors of wine? (Indeed yes.) And so much more — housewares, clothing, and even toys — that you simply need to explore what they offer for yourself.
Cheese and Crackers, Champaign: 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 its website or call (615) 615-8531.
Prairie Fruits Farm: Award-winning goat cheese. Orders placed online can be picked up at farmers markets. Find out details about market access, CSAs, wholesale opportunities, and on-farm events taking shape under new owners Jeffrey and Lauren Brokish.
The Newest Grocery Store in Champaign-Urbana
The long-awaited Korean grocery store chain H Mart (on N. Broadway in Urbana) celebrated its grand opening in January 2025. H Mart is best known for its vast selection of produce, seafood, meats, in addition to prepared foods, packaged goods and housewares — all with an Asian flavor and flair. The Urbana location includes its signature food court, featuring Jaws TPK, Korean street food; Paik’s Noodle, Korean-Chinese food; Cho Dang, Korean barbecue; and Paris Baguette, a popular bakery.