International grocery stores every foodie should visit
Learn about other cultures through their food.
Updated on 11 May 2022
Written by Phoebe Tully
Photography: Morgan Smith
Everyone benefits from T0oowoomba being a thriving and inclusive multicultural city. As much as we’re a city of born and breds, we’re also a city of travellers and visitors who decided never to leave. The annual Toowoomba Languages & Cultures Festival is always a melting pot of people who want to celebrate this diversity – and, of course, one of the absolutely highlights is always the food.
We can all do more to understand those who come from backgrounds different to our own, and these international food stores are all owned by incredible people who have travelled very far to make Toowoomba their own! We’re proud to call them local businesses for local people. So whether you’re looking for ingredients to remind you of home or reminiscing about overseas adventures, it’s time to explore some new food aisles! If you’re unsure what to do with something, or how to recreate a favourite dish, don’t be afraid to ask! You never know what you’ll learn. As they say, there’s far more that unites us than divides us. Happy cooking!
Jasmine Asian Food
Where: 139 Herries Street (corner of Annand Street)
This large food mart sells ingredients traditional to Filipino, Japanese and Singaporean cuisines. The selection is comprehensive, with plenty of dried and frozen options if you’re not making kaldereta (a Filipino beef stew) regularly. There is easy parking out the front as well as along Annand Street.
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The Jerky & Coffee Hut
Where: 100 Hill Street (near Glennie School)
Continuing the success of its Ipswich store, The Jerky & Coffee Hut opened their South African grocery store in Toowoomba a few years ago. The store has since become famous for its biltong, a tender jerky-style snack that any South African would vehemently argue is nothing like jerky. The store holds over 24 varieties – they are not messing around! There’s plenty of other boutique foodie items too, including cheesy garlic snails…
True to the other part of its name, The Jerky and Coffee Hut serves delicious Ethiopian brews. Have a chat with owner Ronel who’ll recommend delicious, authentic products for any taste palette.
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Hanaro Mart Asian Grocery Store
Where: Grand Central Shopping Centre (Level 1, near Woolworths)
Hanaro Mart is the state’s largest Asian-Korean supermarket chain. With a focus on Korean ingredients, you can expect more brands of kimchi than you can shake a stick at! There are often free tastings out the front, which is the perfect way to try something new.
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The Chilli Spice
Where: 837 Ruthven Street, Kearneys Spring
This grocery store celebrates Indian flavours but also stocks a range of products imported from places such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and South America. There’s plenty of fresh produce and herbs in store, as well as exclusive powders and spices to elevate your cooking. What’s more, The Chilli Spice regularly give free fruits and vegetables to local students, as well as prepares fresh, hot food to take away, such as flavourful samosas.
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Mhofu African Shop
Where: 3/12 Russell Street (near Toowoomba Sports Club)
Owners Shephard and Constance Mutizigwa have been in Australia for over seven years, and say they understand what it’s like to long for a touch of home. From this came Mhofu - a city-central store where the couple share many African staples such as tripe and fish, as well as a wide range of grains and spices that are not usually readily available in Australia. Here, Toowoomba families can connect with their roots, and other cultures can gain an appreciation for the traditional flavours that Shephard and Constance celebrate. They also stock beauty and hair products and traditional women’s clothing.
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Ruj Shop
Where: 3/188 Margaret Street (near Tatts)
This Middle Eastern grocer, nestled in the bustling CBD, specialises in Turkish and Iraqi treats, and even sells fresh naan bread straight from the oven in-store. Their shelves are also lined with pantry staples such as imported rice, canned vegetables, and sauces. Why not ask the staff for an authentic recipe and have a crack making a new dish?
Did we miss your favourite? Please let us know!
