Eat Around the World Without Leaving Houston, TX: Gabrielle’s Favorite International Grocery Stores
Houston, TX isn’t just one of the most diverse cities in the U.S.—it’s a global tasting menu you can explore without ever stepping foot on a plane. I’m Gabrielle: a real estate pro, food lover, and shameless snack hoarder. And today, I’m sharing five international grocery stores in Houston, TX that I swear by when I’m craving flavors from around the world.
If you’re new to town, house hunting, or just bored of your usual grocery run—this list will spice things up. Literally.
🌶️ 1. H Mart – Korean & Asian Essentials
📍Multiple Locations Across Houston, TX
H Mart is my not-so-secret addiction. It’s the go-to Korean/Asian grocery store packed with live seafood, an endless snack aisle, K-beauty masks, and a kimchi fridge that will make your eyes water (in a good way).
Tip: The food court in the back? Unreal. Try the spicy tofu soup or any sizzling stone b
owl situation.
🥙 2. Phoenicia Specialty Foods – Mediterranean Magic
📍Downtown Houston & West Houston, TX
Phoenicia is like walking into a Middle Eastern bazaar with the polish of Whole Foods. You’ll find Persian saffron, Armenian cheeses, Turkish delights, and the best pita you’ll ever taste—made on a conveyor belt right in the store.
Tip: It’s my go-to for mezze platters that scream “I tried,” even when I didn’t make a single thing from scratch.
🥟 3. 99 Ranch Market – Chinese/Taiwanese Favorites
📍Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX
99 Ranch delivers fresh seafood, BBQ pork, and frozen dumplings so good you’ll pretend they’re homemade. From soy sauces to noodle stacks and a cozy in-store bakery with pineapple buns and egg tarts—it’s a flavor explosion.
Warning: Go full or don’t go at all. You will overspend, and you won’t regret it.
🧂 4. Penzeys Spices – A Spice Nerd’s Dream
📍Heights Area, Houston, TX
This charming spice boutique isn’t your average store—it’s a global flavor lab. Moroccan blends, Indian masalas, Cajun rubs, and even salt-free options for clean cooking. Plus, they let you sniff everything. Yes, everything.
Favorites: Vietnamese Cinnamon, Smoked Paprika, and the Greek Seasoning that makes salads taste fancy.
🥑 5. Houston Farmers Market – Latin American Produce Galore
📍Airline Drive, Houston, TX
Looking for nopales, dried chiles, tomatillos, or mangos the size of your head? This iconic open-air farmers market in Houston is where locals stock up on fresh, authentic Latin American ingredients. The prices are unbeatable, and the vibe is pure Houston.
Bonus: Haggling is welcome, and the fresh herbs smell like heaven.
🌍 Why This Matters (Especially If You’re Moving to Houston, TX)
As a Houston-based real estate agent, I always tell clients: it’s not just about the square footage—it’s about lifestyle. And in Houston, TX, food is lifestyle.
Living near these amazing international grocery stores means easy access to global ingredients, vibrant cultural hubs, and a deeper connection to the city’s incredible diversity. Whether you’re shopping for your next house or just trying to upgrade your next dinner party—location matters.