Hey Chattanooga. ๐ Have you ever seen a recipe online that you really wanted to try, but the list of ingredients was so new + overwhelming that you just thought, โLetโs leave this to the professionals,โ and ordered takeout instead?
There are so many incredible local restaurants that serve international foods, but thereโs something special about putting a home-cooked meal on the table for family + friends. ๐ฝ
So today, weโre inspiring you + your menu with a list of everywhere we like to go for international ingredients in town.
And donโt worry โ cooking with international ingredients doesnโt have to be hard, and it can often inspire you to think outside of the box. Bonus: You can often find inexpensive staples (like tortillas, spices, fruits + vegetables) at these markets, so they can complement your regular grocery haul. ๐ฅฌ
Asian Cuisine
Make traditional favorites like Mapo Tofu and dumplings, and pick up a few veggies + fruits, like Chinese chives, Asian eggplant + lychees, while youโre at it.
๐ฅ Asian Food & Gifts of Chattanooga |๐3639 Hixson Pike | ๐ Mon., Wed., Fri., Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 12-5 p.m., closed Tues. | โ๏ธ (423) 870-1067 | โญ๏ธ โThis is the only place in Chattanooga that I have been able to find Asian Pears for Bulgogi. They get a new shipment of produce/meat every Thursday.โ โ Ryan via Google Reviews
๐ฅ Asian Market |๐6933 Lee Hwy #500 | ๐ Mon., Thurs., Fri., Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m-7 p.m., closed Tues + Wed. | โ๏ธ (423) 710-1465 | โญ๏ธ โVery good selection of Asian food and the people there are super friendly. I got some delicious spicy kimchi, among other things.โ โ Marion via Google Reviews
๐ฅ Asian Market |๐3920 Ringgold Rd. | ๐ Daily 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | โ๏ธ (423) 624-1809 | โญ๏ธ โThe owner is always nice and always tells me what she just got in!โ โ Amanda via Google Reviews
Indian Cuisine
(Above photo: Desi Brothers | @sewjunco)
Try your hand at homemade curry, or take home a few pre-made spice blends.
๐ฅ Taj International Foods and Spices |๐7334 Lee Hwy | ๐ Fri. - Wed. 12:30-8 p.m., closed Thurs. | โ๏ธ (319) 354-1901 | โญ๏ธ โLots of spices and hard to find goods. Great selection and friendly owners.โ โ Candace via Google Reviews
๐ฅ Indian Grocery Kitchen Spices |๐East Brainerd Rd., 7601 Stratman Cir. | ๐ Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 1-9:15 p.m. | โ๏ธ (423) 551-4999 | โญ๏ธ โThey have fresh fruit and vegetables and they offer fish on certain days. plenty of spices, and not overly expensive.โ โ Angie via Google Reviews
๐ฅ Desi Brothers |๐6500 Lee Hwy | ๐ Daily 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. | โ๏ธ (423) 551-8285 | โญ๏ธ โThis is my go-to place for paneer, naan and Indian mixes. Always check out the selection of freshly made foods at the checkout!โ โ Tracy via Google Reviews
๐ฅ India Bazar |๐6940 Lee Hwy # 106 | ๐ Daily 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | โ๏ธ (423) 855-5995 | โญ๏ธ โVery friendly and helpful. Great produce price. Always get my red lentils here for soup and they have mangos by the case as well as bulk rice and spices.โ โ Rashelle via Google Reviews
Latinx/Hispanic Cuisine
Pick up some masa to make handmade tortillas, grab queso fresco, and try Mexican soda flavors, like tamarind. Donโt forget fresh (+ dried) peppers for salsa.
๐ฅ Super Carniceria Loa #11 |๐4816 Hixson Pike | ๐ Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sat. 6 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 6 a.m.-8 p.m. | โ๏ธ (423) 870-7100 | โญ๏ธ โLots of fresh produce, meat market offers choice cuts hard to find and perfect for Hispanic dishes. All the herbs and spices needed to recreate dishes to taste like home.โ โ Krysta via Google Reviews
๐ฅ Tortilleria La Reyna 2 |๐3520 Brainerd Rd. | ๐ Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Thurs. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun.9 a.m.-6 p.m. | โ๏ธ (423) 486-1633 | โญ๏ธ โBy far the best tortillas in town! Very authentic taste! Also very fresh which I personally enjoy!โ โ Itzel via Google Reviews
๐ฅ Tienda y Carnicerรญa โSontayโ |๐5312 Ringgold Rd. | ๐ Sun.-Wed.. 8 a.m.-9 p.m., Thurs.-Sat. 8 a.m.-10 p.m. | โ๏ธ (423) 805-4477 | โญ๏ธ โThey treat you very kindly offering their products at a good price. โ Bonifacio via Google Reviews
๐ฅ Carniceria La Bendiciรณn |๐2109 E Main St. | ๐ Daily 7 a.m.-10 p.m. | โ๏ธ (423) 867-9798 | โญ๏ธ โPrices and selection are great.โ โ Barry via Google Reviews
European Cuisine
German pretzels, Polish sausages, teas + more from across the pond.
๐ฅ European Market #1 |๐4921 Ooltewah Ringgold Rd. | ๐ Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. 12:30-3 p.m. | โ๏ธ (423) 899-3099 | โญ๏ธ โSuper friendly service and awesome selection of international treats and foods.โ โ Jeff via Google Reviews
๐ฅ Aldi |๐5706 Lee Hwy / 2020 Gunbarrel Rd., Ste 154 / 637 Mundy St. | ๐ Daily 9 a.m.-8 p.m. | โ๏ธ (855) 955-2534 | โญ๏ธ โI stocked up on their German brand (Deutsche Kรผche) of bratwurst and I chose some of their crazy-good specialty cheeses to have on hand.โ โ Deede via Google Reviews
