Capital Region Ethnic Market Map
It's not a comprehensive list, but it will certainly help you spice up your food shopping. Compiled by Jessica Pasko.
Ali Baba's Indian Spices
10 Fuller Road Albany, NY 12205
As Sabrina found out when she visited in September 2009, Ali Baba carries a wide array of Indian and Pakistani spices, packaged goods, produce and more.
Try this
The spices. And the henna tattoos.
Asian Supermarket
1245 Central Avenue Albany, NY 12205
phone: (518) 438-8886
This relatively new spot has become a favorite of local food bloggers.
Try this
Albany Jane says the hot bar is "awesome." And R says the seasame balls are "wonderful."
Cardona's Market
340 Delaware Ave Albany, NY 12209
phone: (518) 434-4838
| website: http://www.cardonasmarket.com/
A neighborhood Italian specialty store with great prepared foods and a small grocery section.
Try this
I buy a fair amount of cheese here, but I'm also a total sucker for the olive selection.
DeFazio's
266 4th St Troy, NY 12180
phone: (518) 271-1111
| website: http://www.defaziospizza.com/
This Troy landmark is famous for its pizza, but they also have a small shop next door.
Try this:
You gotta try the fresh pasta and sauce.
Dnipro
1533 Central Ave Colonie, NY 12205
phone: (518) 218-9271
| website: http://eurodnipro.com/
Dnipro carries a wide array of Russian, Polish and Ukranian specialties, and has a full-service deli. In the summer of 2010, it moved to a new, bigger location in Colonie.
Try this
Get some of the bacon from the deli case, and don't skip over the pickled goods.
Frank and Giovanni's La Marqueta
80 Morton Ave Albany, NY 12202
phone: (518) 462-1405
A neighborhood bodega specializing in Latin-American and Caribbean goods, including fresh or dried chorizo, cotija cheese, packages of chicken feet and real Mexican crema, which puts our sour cream to shame. There's also a full produce selection.
Try this
The frozen plantains and yucca make great, simple side dishes.
India Bazaar
1321 Central Ave Albany, NY 12205
phone: (518) 459-3108
| website: http://www.indiabazaar.nv.switchboard.com/
Carries a wide array of Indian and Pakistani spices, packaged goods, produce and Bollywood movies.
Try this:
I typically go for the assortment of dried lentils, chickpea flour and the chutneys.
Nora's
143 Troy-Schenectady Road Watervliet, NY 12189
phone: (518) 274-9393
A little shop in a Watervliet strip mall featuring all sorts of Middle Eastern groceries and a variety of delicious homemade items (and catering).
Try this
I'm all about the grape leaves (Mirdreams reports the secret to the tanginess is pomegranate concentrate). Bring them to a party and I promise you'll impress.
Pellegrino Importing
1197 Central Ave Albany, NY 12205
phone: (518) 452-4472
A fun little shop and deli featuring Italian and Greek specialties.
Try this
The Greek stuffed peppers and tomatoes.
Ragonese Imports
409 New Scotland Ave Albany, NY 12208
phone: (518) 482-2358
| website: http://www.myspace.com/ragoneseimports
A cute little shop in the New Scotland Avenue neighborhood that specializes in Italian goods.
Try this
Go for the frozen tiramisu. Amy says it's great.
Rolf's Pork Store
70 Lexington Ave Albany, NY 12206
phone: (518) 463-0185
| website: http://www.rolfsporkstore.com/
Rolf's carries all the German-American products you need for your own Oktoberfest celebration, and then some.
Try this
Did someone say wurst? As in, liverwurst? Yeah, maybe it makes me a weirdo but I'm kinda hooked on the liverwurst here. With a slab of onion and some good mustard. Oh. My. God. Oh, and the sausage products are all mighty fine, too.
... said Anonymous about The Albany metro area is "brainy"