Your next favorite ingredient might be sitting on a shelf in Mankato, Worthington, or Waite Park. Minnesota is full of small international markets that stock spices, halal meats, Vietnamese deli food, Eastern European smoked fish, and snacks you will not spot at a big chain store.
For food-focused day-trippers, these shops turn a regular grocery run into a mini trip around the globe. Some have hot deli counters, some sell rice by the giant sack, and some bake their own bread.
This list covers seven markets from Rochester to St. Paul, each with its own reason to make the trip. Bring a cooler, an open mind, and maybe a friend who loves to cook.
You may leave with a new go-to sauce, a bag of dried fruit, or lunch for the ride home.
1. International Spices & Grocery, Rochester, MN
Home cooks who go through cumin like table salt should know about this downtown Rochester shop. The spice selection is the main event, with a wide range of herbs and seasonings that make the usual supermarket rack look tiny.
The shelves lean South Asian, Middle Eastern, and East European. That mix means you can pick up ingredients for a curry, a Middle Eastern rice dish, and a few Eastern European treats in one stop.
Halal meat is another big draw, and the produce section holds its own too. I would save this one for the day you finally try that recipe calling for something you have never heard of.
The store sits at 125 E Center St and is open Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 8 PM, plus Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM. Free lot and street parking make it an easy quick visit.
Friday mornings tend to be the quietest time to browse.
2. International Grocery and Halal INC., Mankato, MN
Curious snackers, this is your playground. The Mankato market on North Riverfront Drive is the kind of place where you grab a basket and end up with three things you cannot pronounce yet.
The shelves carry retail halal items and specialty pantry staples, along with hard-to-find imports. Palestine Cola has been spotted in stock, which tells you the store goes beyond the basics.
It works well as a quick stop if you are already in town for errands or a stroll along the river area. Pick one unfamiliar drink and one new pantry item, and you have a fun taste test waiting at home.
Hours run Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 8 PM and Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM. The store is closed Sundays, so plan weekend visits for Saturday.
3. Viet-Tien International Market & Deli, Waite Park, MN
Lunch and grocery shopping in the same trip is a winning combo near St. Cloud. Viet-Tien pairs a well-stocked Asian market with a deli serving Vietnamese favorites like pho and egg rolls.
The deli is casual and fast, with dine-in and takeout options. Most meals land around $10 to $20 per person, and kids are welcome.
Once you are fed, the aisles deserve real time. The store is clean and packed with fresh refrigerated produce, imported sauces, noodles, and novel snacks and drinks.
The frozen section is a standout. Look for frozen shellfish, mussels, egg rolls, and dumplings, which make easy weeknight dinners later.
The owners have a reputation for being friendly and helpful if you need a pointer.
Find it at 311 3rd St NE, open every day from 9:30 AM to 8 PM. Weekday mornings are calm, while Friday and Saturday afternoons get busy.
Free parking is available.
4. Top Asian Food, Inc., Worthington, MN
Ever bought rice by the 50-pound sack? Shoppers at this Worthington market do, and that says a lot about the value here.
Head to the very back of the store for the deli. Sticky rice, egg rolls, and meat are sold there at good prices, and pho is on the menu too.
The rest of the shop covers the ingredients you need for Asian cooking at home, with a strong produce section and a wide variety of food. If you are road tripping through southwestern Minnesota, it is an easy place to pick up a ready-made meal.
Top Asian Food sits at 312 10th St and is open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM. Saturday afternoon is the busiest stretch, while weekdays stay fairly relaxed.
5. Paradise Market, Burnsville, MN
Salami fans and smoked fish lovers, Burnsville has your spot. Paradise Market focuses on Eastern European and Russian foods, and the deli case is the reason to come.
Expect a wide spread of salami, cheese, and smoked and salted fish. The store also cooks fresh Slavic and Eastern European prepared foods, so dinner can be handled before you leave the parking lot.
Beyond the deli, the shelves hold spices, boxed and canned goods, and plenty of pickled vegetables and fruits. It is a great stop for anyone missing the flavors of a family recipe or wanting to try them for the first time.
The market is at 1309 State Hwy 13. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 8 PM and Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Note that there is no public restroom, and weekday mornings are the quietest time to shop.
6. International Grocery & Halal Meat Market, Fridley, MN
Fresh baked bread is the item this family-owned Fridley shop tells shoppers to try first. That is a pretty confident sales pitch, and a good excuse to stop by.
The store sells halal meats and international groceries at reasonable prices. Shelves also carry a strong lineup of spices, high-quality frozen foods, and fresh produce.
Afghan dry fruits are a nice surprise here. They make an easy snack or a fun addition to a holiday spread.
The staff is friendly, and the shop even offers free Wi-Fi and a restroom. Long hours help too, since it is open every day from 9 AM to 9 PM at 6530 E River Rd. Tuesday mornings are the calmest.
7. Ha Tien Super Market, St Paul, MN
On the East Side of St. Paul, Ha Tien is the big-format option on this list. It is a full Asian supermarket with fresh produce, a bakery, and an extensive deli serving roast meats and banh mi.
A banh mi to go is a smart way to start a shopping trip. From there, browse a strong seafood selection, canned goods, noodles, and fresh fruits and vegetables from around Asia.
Practical details make it easy. The store is clean, wheelchair accessible, accepts several forms of payment, and has plenty of parking, including a free lot.
Ha Tien is at 1959 Suburban Ave, open Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 7 PM and Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM. Weekday mornings are quiet, while Saturdays fill up fast.
Whichever market you pick first, these seven shops prove Minnesota’s grocery scene stretches far beyond hotdish. Save this list for your next day trip.
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