Without a car, the DMV can feel like an ethnic grocery store desert. So, where are you supposed to go when you absolutely need that Pocky sugar rush or that 50 lb bag of sushi rice? Don’t panic, you’ve got options.
Hana Market (Adams Morgan)
It's still a mystery how they pack so much into such a small space at this Japanese corner store. You can get everything from Japanese snacks and ramen, to hard-to-find ingredients like kombu and bonito flakes. They also have fresh onigiri at 1:30 p.m. most weekdays!
Yekta Supermarket (Twinbrook)
Hop off the Red Line at Twinbrook and walk five minutes to this Middle Eastern supermarket that has a full selection of traditional snacks, breads, dairy, and groceries. Grab some Persian cookies on your way out.
European Delight (Twinbrook)
A block down from Yekta is this Eastern European store with everything from Romanian chocolates to Polish booze to black currant tea. The selection of sausages is astounding.
Rice Market (14th Street NW)
Underneath Rice restaurant is a small Asian grocer with all the basics including chili crisp, curry pastes, tea, and spices. They also serve pre-packaged hot meals to go.
Eastern Market where Paik Produce is located. (Kaela Cote-Stemmermann/City Cast DC)
Paik Produce (Eastern Market)
When you’re in a pinch, Paik Produce in Eastern Market comes through with hard-to-find Korean ingredients like house-made kimchi, seaweed salad, and pre-marinated beef bulgogi.
Guru Groceries and Chaat House (Bethesda)
A small Indian grocery that sells fresh samosas and chaat to go. They have a good selection of spices and lentils, as well as prepped meals.
Habesha Market Carry Out (Shaw)
This Ethiopian restaurant in Shaw also doubles as an Ethiopian grocery, stocking items like teff flour, pre-made injera, lentils, and traditional beer.
