There is never a shortage of places to go shopping in New Jersey, and the odds are good that you have a massive grocery store right around your corner. But where do you go when you need to get fresh kielbasa? What about mooncakes, or challah? And does your local market have great shawarma or ramen? For these culinary adventures, it's worth seeking out the best international markets in New Jersey - and these five unique grocery stores will take you on a global culinary tour without ever leaving the Garden State. From a sprawling Kosher mega-mart to a humble Russian grocery, you haven't truly gone food shopping in New Jersey until you've shopped at these five supermarkets.
1. Mitsuwa (Edgewater)
The largest Japanese market on the East Coast, Mitsuwa is a massive outpost of Tokyo on the NJ waterfront.
In addition to a massive selection of Japanese snacks, produce, and prepared foods, you'll find a food court filled with authentic Japanese casual dining to tempt your taste buds.
2. Kolos International Food Market (Lakewood)
Located in a humble strip mall, Kolos is a popular spot for European immigrants to find specialties that are hard to find outside of the community - including the tiny dumplings known as pelmeni.
Once you've explored the frozen case, the cookie selection, and the produce, make sure to drop by the deli for the huge selection of classic European-style sausages.
3. Aisle One (Passaic)
Aisle One is the biggest Kosher supermarket in New Jersey, and this glitzy complex is also home to several restaurants.
You'll find everything from old-world caraway crackers to a modern sushi counter, but don't miss the bakery section - featuring some of the best dairy-free pastries in the entire state.
4. Fattal's (Paterson)
Paterson is a hub of Arab-American culture, and this grocery and bakery is one of the best places to get the culture's delicious treats.
You'll want to come hungry, because Fattal's is also home to a shawarma stand - and the spicy, flavorful meat is a must-try in a traditional pita.
5. Hung Vuong Food Market (Cherry Hill)
One of the largest Asian markets in New Jersey, Hung Vuong features specialties from China and Vietnam along with a massive fresh fish counter.
Around major holidays, you'll find a huge selection of mooncakes - a delicious treat with a variety of fillings that's hard to find outside specialty markets.
Have you visited any of these international markets in New Jersey? Tell us all about your culinary crawl and what you picked up in the comments section. You can find more about Aisle One, Mitsuwa, Hung Vuong Food Market, and Fattal's on the official websites. For another epic supermarket a little closer to home, don't miss this Amish market with a delicious bakery.
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