A Tour Of The World’s Most Famous Supermarkets And Luxury Food Halls

Harrods Food Halls, London, England

Harrods Food Halls is London’s go-to place for gourmet shopping. The ornate rooms and glass counters are filled with caviar, cheese, and pastries. It feels like a mix of old-world theater and a luxury supermarket, with white-gloved staff and counters designed for browsing at your own pace. You’ll spot silver-topped tea tins, chocolate pyramids, and handwritten labels that make each jar feel unique.

• Shopping here feels really special. You can wander from the seafood bar to the butcher, deli, and chocolate rooms, and maybe stop for oysters and champagne before picking out a hamper or gift box. The staff are happy to explain where the cheese comes from or suggest caviar pairings, making everything easy and enjoyable. Even takeaway pastries are carefully boxed and wrapped, just like at a luxury hotel.
• Harrods is known for its luxurious treats. You can find whole Alba white truffles that cost hundreds of pounds, and custom hampers packed with caviar, pâtés, rare teas, and champagne that can total thousands.
• Highlights include limited-edition chocolates, gold-dusted desserts, vintage wines, and rare honey that can cost up to £1,800.

Harrods Food Halls, Ground Floor, Harrods, 87–135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7XL, +44 20 7730 1234, customer.service@harrods.com, https://www.harrods.com/en-gb/c/departments/harrods-food-halls

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Fortnum & Mason, Piccadilly, London, England

Fortnum & Mason, established in 1707 on Piccadilly, has earned several royal warrants. The store keeps its classic charm with uniformed staff, polished wood counters, and shelves filled with eau-de-nil biscuit and tea tins that never go out of style. The atmosphere feels calm and orderly, as if every jar and tin was chosen for royalty before even reaching the shelves.

• Start your visit at the ground-floor tea and biscuit emporium, then wander into the claret and champagne cellars, and check out the glass cases filled with pâté en croûte, Scotch eggs, and pastries. Take the elevator to discover more, like a chocolate shop, a section for honey and preserves with single-estate jars, and an area for coffee and spices. The staff are enthusiastic about where everything comes from, and they are happy to explain blends or suggest a chutney to go with your cheese.
• Fortnum’s is famous for its hampers, which are like portable dreams packed in wicker baskets. They often include vintage champagne, Oscietra caviar, smoked salmon, terrines, condiments, and sometimes even silver-plated cutlery and china.
• Some of the best finds are the extravagant picnic hampers, which can cost several hundred pounds if you add extras. Everyday items like mustard, marmalade, and hot chocolate are also available, all sold at premium prices under the Fortnum’s brand.

Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, St. James's, London, W1A 1ER, +44 20 7734 8040, https://support.fortnumandmason.com/, https://www.fortnumandmason.com/

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Selfridges Foodhall, London, England

Selfridges Foodhall brings a stylish, modern touch to everyday treats in London, with its mirrored displays and clean signage. Inside, you’ll find patisserie counters, chocolate shops, specialty delis, and chef-run stalls. As you walk by perfect cakes, macarons, and cheese or charcuterie behind glass, you’ll hear the sound of glasses from nearby bars and restaurants. It’s easy for a quick snack to turn into a full tasting experience here.

• The food hall often has special collaborations, seasonal products, and pop-up stalls. Staff are ready to show you the newest chef partnership or introduce you to a small producer, so there’s always something new to try, from single-origin chocolate to small-batch condiments. Many people leave with a full spread of truffles, pastries, and organic wine.
• Selfridges Foodhall is known for its ever-changing chef collaborations, trendy products, and displays that make shopping feel like dining out.
• Some highlights include collectible collaboration chocolates, large bottles of natural wine, pet-nat options, custom cakes from guest pastry chefs, and popular items like pea-mint ketchup or cucumber-lemon pickles in stylish jars.

Selfridges Foodhall, 400 Oxford Street, London, W1A 1AB, +44 207 160 6222, customerservices@selfridges.com, https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/foodhall/

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Borough Market, London, England

Borough Market is London’s oldest food market, a lively place filled with cheese stalls, charcuterie, bakers, and fresh produce. The vaulted arches and cobbled paths create a dramatic setting, with blackboards showing daily specials and the air full of coffee, chorizo, and sourdough scents.

• Shopping here is social and interactive. Cheesemongers give tastings and share stories about their products, butchers offer rare-breed meats, and the produce is highlighted with heritage tomatoes and seasonal fruit. Set aside a morning, bring a tote bag, and follow the flow of shoppers.
• The market is famous for its lively mix of traditional British produce and artisan food makers, focusing on quality, seasonal ingredients, and buying directly from producers.
• Some highlights include British farmhouse cheeses like clothbound cheddar and sheep’s cheese, small-batch truffle honey, artisan sourdough, charcuterie, chutneys, and natural wine. For popular treats, try Bread Ahead’s crème brûlée doughnut or Turnips’ chocolate-dipped strawberries covered in warm Belgian chocolate.

Borough Market, 8 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1TL, +44 20 7407 1002, info@boroughmarket.org.uk, https://boroughmarket.org.uk/

Eataly, Torino, Italy

The original Eataly in Turin is a haven for lovers of pasta and wine, located in a former Vermouth factory that changed the idea of what a food hall can be. Inside, you’ll find fresh pasta counters, in-house mozzarella, salumi, cheese caves, and rows of wine, all mixed with cafés, trattorias, and standing bars. Even a quick stop to pick up dinner can turn into an afternoon, as locals and visitors sample everything from espresso to gelato.

• The experience is seamless and immersive. You move easily between shopping and dining, pausing for an espresso, tasting cheeses, or sitting down for a full meal as you browse the pasta, wine, and deli counters.
• Eataly is known for its outstanding Italian staples made right at the source, including fresh pasta, regional flours, estate olive oils, traditional balsamic, and carefully selected wines.
• Some highlights include tall stacks of specialty flours, like pizza-perfect 00 and heritage grains, olive oils ranging from €20 to over €40, and balsamic vinegar that goes from everyday IGP to ornate DOP bottles, with some costing three figures for just a drizzle. Discover jet-black cuttlefish ink tagliatelle, bright pink and multicolored novelty pasta for kids, and bold variations like garlic- or chili-infused farfalle and anchovy paste in paint-tube packaging.

Eataly, Via Ermanno Fenoglietti, Torino, Italy, +39 800 975 880, infotorino@eataly.it, https://www.eataly.net/eu_en/stores/turin-lingotto

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La Grande Épicerie de Paris, Paris, France

La Grande Épicerie de Paris, the famous food hall at Bon Marché, is a paradise for food lovers. It offers almost 30,000 gourmet products, all beautifully displayed. You can stroll through glass and wood aisles, admire pastries that look like jewels, and talk with staff who know all about the origins of each product.

• Shopping here is relaxed and refined. Start at the patisserie, where you’ll find glossy entremets, Saint-Honoré, and chef-made desserts, usually priced between €6 and €10. Then explore aisles filled with single-estate olive oils, rare salts, and jams that come with tasting notes. The store mixes French favorites with international specialties, including duck rillettes, terrines, Japanese condiments, Spanish conservas, and popular chocolate bars.
• La Grande Épicerie is world-known for its elegant, museum-style displays of gourmet food. The focus is on quality, where each product’s origin is highlighted, and the selection includes carefully chosen items from around the globe.
• Discover single-estate olive oils priced between €20 and €40, citrus-flavored oils, luxury vinegars, and special pastries shaped like the store itself. You’ll also find unique nuts and chocolate treats.

La Grande Épicerie de Paris,38, rue de Sèvres Paris, +33 1 44 39 81 00, relationsclientelegep@la-grande-epicerie.fr, https://www.lagrandeepicerie.com/en

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Galeries Lafayette Gourmet, Paris, France

Galeries Lafayette Gourmet sits next to the world of fashion, much like its cousin La Grande Épicerie. This modern food hall features glass, marble, and perfectly arranged displays. The counters are simple and focused: one for pastries and cheese, another for global street food. Each area is carefully designed, reflecting the style that made the department store so well known. The atmosphere is chic but relaxed, with locals stopping by for lunch alongside visitors who love good food.

• Start your visit with coffee and a pastry at one of the cafés inside. Then, take your time looking at displays of éclairs, tarts, and cakes from top pastry chefs, as well as colorful salads, rotisserie meats, and ready-to-eat dishes. The charcuterie and cheese counters offer choices like saucisson, jambon de Bayonne, aged Comté, and chèvre. For something different, try the global stands serving ramen, poké, dim sum, and Lebanese mezze.
• This food hall is known for its stylish design and mix of French classics with international dishes. It’s a great spot for a quick lunch or to pick up a carefully chosen takeaway meal.
• Highlights include Pierre Hermé macarons (about €20 to €30 per box), collectible tins of top-quality sardines and preserves, excellent cheeses and Champagne, and fancy pastries like L'Éclair de Génie in flavors such as mango-passionfruit or yuzu-coconut. Be sure to try Angelina’s famous hot chocolate, Chocolat chaud à l'Africaine, made with cocoa from Niger, Ghana, and the Ivory Coast.

Galeries Lafayette Gourmet, 35 boulevard Haussmann, Paris, France, +33 1 42 82 34 56, https://haussmann.galerieslafayette.com/en/category/universes/gourmet-en/

KaDeWe Food Hall, Berlin, Germany

KaDeWe’s sixth-floor food hall has been Berlin’s go-to spot for upscale food since 1907. Here, open kitchens, deli counters, and specialty stands form a circle under warm lights and polished wood. Shoppers wander past glass cases filled with cakes and chocolates, rows of cheese and charcuterie, and sparkling seafood displays, all with a view of the city skyline through the windows. The gourmet floor offers about 30,000 to 35,000 food products and thousands of wines and spirits, so you’re sure to find something to take home.

• The atmosphere is classic European department-store luxury. You might begin at a seafood bar for oysters and prawns, then try schnitzel or roast pork with sauerkraut, and finish with torte and coffee, all on the same floor. Champagne and wine bars are spread throughout, so it’s easy to turn a short stop into a leisurely tasting. The service is quick and friendly, and regulars often return to their favorite counters.
• KaDeWe is famous for its huge selection of gourmet foods and its dine-as-you-shop experience, blending German favorites with international luxury treats.
• Highlights include champagne and oysters by the glass, German sausages and cured meats perfect for taking home, jars of premium mustard, beautiful cakes and chocolates, and impressive seafood displays.

KaDeWe Food Hall, Kaufhaus des Westens, Tauentzienstraße 21-24, Berlin, Germany, +49 30 21210, kundenservice@kadewe.de, https://www.kadewe.de/en/your-visit/

Jumbo Foodmarkt, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Jumbo Foodmarkt is the Netherlands’ extra-large take on the gourmet supermarket. Its main stores in Veghel and Utrecht are set in spacious, warehouse-style buildings with wide aisles, open kitchens, and places to eat inside. You can easily move from picking up fresh produce or baked goods to enjoying a cooked-to-order meal, all under one roof. The focus is on fresh food, with pizza ovens, wok stations, salad bars, and patisserie counters next to regular supermarket shelves.

• You can go from the supermarket aisles straight to in-store restaurants and food-to-go counters with sushi, pizza, grilled meats, and Asian dishes. The idea is to make your evening simple: eat first, then pick up the ingredients you need to make the same meal at home.
• Jumbo Foodmarkt is known for its big, interactive food market that brings together fresh cooking stations, food from around the world, and regular grocery shopping all in one place.
• Some highlights include making your own Italian night with wood-fired pizza, fresh pasta, and deli antipasti. There are also ready-to-eat options like stir-fries, salads, roast meats, and pastries. You can mix and match craft beer packs and choose from a tempting range of cheeses, breads, and desserts.

Jumbo Foodmarkt, Gedempt Hamerkanaal, Amsterdam, Netherlands, +31 800 022 01 61, https://www.jumbo.com/

Manteigaria Silva, Lisbon, Portugal

Manteigaria Silva is a classic Lisbon grocery and charcuterie shop with over 125 years of history. Many people call it a gem of traditional commerce in the Baixa. The narrow shop has two sides: one is a bacalhoaria focused on salted cod, and the other is a fine grocery filled with wines, hams, sausages, cheeses, and dried fruits. Food writers and tour guides often recommend it as a must-visit for anyone interested in Portuguese products.

• As you walk through, you pass hanging presuntos, strings of chouriço and paios, and stacks of cod in different cuts, all prepared to order. The cheese counter stands out, offering a long list of regional specialties made in-house, like Serra da Estrela, Nisa, Serpa, Castelo Branco, São Jorge from the Azores, Odemira goat’s cheese, and more, with many available at different ages and maturities. The shelves and coolers are stocked with tinned fish from over 20 Portuguese producers, including tuna ventresca, sardines, mackerel, octopus, and cockles, along with jams, preserves, and olive oils from small traditional suppliers.
• Start with an armful of Begin by picking up some tinned fish, colorful boxes of sardines, tuna fillets, mackerel, and octopus. Choose a few aged cheeses, like an extra-gooey Serra da Estrela, a nutty São Jorge, or a well-aged cheese from Nisa or Serpa, all wrapped for travel. If you want to go all out, try a whole leg of presunto from Alentejo or Trás-os-Montes, sliced thin for tasting in the shop and available to buy whole or in large pieces to take home.

Manteigaria Silva, Lisbon, Portugal, Rua Dom Antão de Almada 1 C/D, Lisbon, Portugal, +351 213 424 905, geral@manteigariasilva.pt, https://manteigariasilva.pt/

El Corte Inglés Gourmet Experience, Madrid, Spain

El Corte Inglés Gourmet Experience in Madrid is perfect for anyone who loves tapas. Here, you’ll find Iberian specialties, chef-led food stalls, and great city views all in one spot. Each counter focuses on something different, like jamón and embutidos, cheeses, pastries, wines, or international snacks. It’s easy to sample a bit of everything and leave with a carefully chosen selection of treats.

• The experience combines the fun of bar-hopping with the charm of boutique shopping. Start at the jamón counter for hand-cut slices, then visit the seafood bar for conservas and a glass of albariño. Finish with dessert or coffee, all without leaving! You can also pick up gourmet products from the shelves to enjoy at home.
• Expect top-quality Iberian foods, carefully chosen tapas, and a great selection of Spanish wines, oils, and other treats, all in a stylish and compact space.
• Highlights include plates of jamón ibérico de bellota with sherry, top-quality Galician seafood conservas like cockles and razor clams in stylish tins, boutique Spanish olive oils, and small-batch Rioja and albariño wines, including some rare bottles for collectors.

El Corte Inglés Gourmet Experience, Club del Gourmet, El Corte Inglés Castellana, 1st Floor, Paseo de la Castellana, Madrid, Spain, +34 914 188 800, clientes@elcorteingles.es, https://www.elcorteingles.com/luxe/gourmet

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Queviures Múrria, Barcelona, Spain

Queviures Múrria, also called Colmado Múrria, is a Modernista gem in Barcelona’s Eixample. This grocery, open since 1898, still has stained-glass ads for Anís del Mono and Codorníu in the style of Ramon Casas. Inside, you’ll find original mahogany and pine shelves, a classic counter, and every space filled with Catalan and international gourmet foods. It’s officially recognized as one of the city’s most historic and unique shops, and it often appears in food and Modernisme guides.

• Visiting is like stepping back in time, with a lively mix of deli and wine bar. You can browse shelves filled with conservas and olive oils, then enjoy charcuterie, cheese platters, or a glass of vermut at the counter. The shop now combines retail, tasting, and cultural heritage all in one place.
• The shop is famous for Iberico ham, sausages, anchovies, Catalan cheeses, and a great selection of wines and vermouth. You’ll also find beautifully packaged Spanish pantry staples.
• You’ll find bottles of Catalan vermouth, tins of sardines, clams, and mussels, jars of boquerones and olives, single-estate Spanish olive oils, and generous cuts or even whole legs of jamón. It’s easy to put together a full gourmet spread here!

Queviures Múrria, Carrer de Roger de Llúria, 85, Eixample, Barcelona, Spain, +34 932 15 57 89, reserva@murria.cat, https://www.murria.cat/en/

Citysuper, Hong Kong

CitySuper in Hong Kong is like stepping into a Japanese-inspired gourmet market right in the heart of the city’s busiest malls. The aisles are small but thoughtfully stocked, offering Japanese groceries, European treats, and US imports next to fresh displays of sashimi-grade seafood, wagyu, produce, and an impressive wine and sake selection. It’s the place locals go when ParknShop just isn’t enough!

• What’s it like? CitySuper is a sleek, upscale supermarket where a quick visit can easily turn into a longer browse. The deli counters and hot food stations offer bento sets, salads, Japanese curries, and pastas, while the bakery and dessert sections are stocked with cakes and Japanese-style breads. Seasonal promotions, especially Japan-themed fairs, keep things exciting and new.
• CitySuper is famous for its top-quality Japanese produce and imports, ready-to-eat meals with beautiful packaging, and a great selection of wine and sake, all in a stylish, compact space.
• Some highlights include the famous Japanese Kotoka strawberry, sold individually for HK$168 (about US$21.60), luxury fruit in padded gift boxes, and carefully packed bentos and onigiri. These are perfect with a chilled highball or a small bottle of sake.

CitySuper, various stores throughout Hong Kong, https://online.citysuper.com.hk/blogs/happenings/store-locator, https://online.citysuper.com.hk/

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Isetan Shinjuku Depachika, Tokyo, Japan

Isetan Shinjuku’s Depachika is the ultimate showcase of Tokyo’s basement food culture, with spotless aisles filled with bento, sweets, deli counters, and regional omiyage, all arranged with impressive care. Bright lights highlight every display, from polished bento sets to neat rows of pastel wagashi, creating a collection that appeals to anyone who appreciates seasonality, presentation, and flavor.

• The experience is like wandering into a well-organized, lively food hall where office workers and shoppers line up for spotless bentos packed with rice, grilled fish, pickles, and seasonal vegetables. Dessert counters attract people with French-style entremets, character cakes, and traditional sweets, while the shelves are full of beautifully wrapped regional specialties perfect for gifts.
• What sets it apart is the outstanding presentation, attention to the seasons, and a strong culture of gift-giving. Everyday meals and luxury treats alike are made special through their quality and design.
• Look out for ultra-premium fruit like muskmelons, flawless strawberries, and shiny grapes, which are sold one by one or in gift boxes that can be quite expensive. You’ll also find limited-edition wagashi, festival-themed cakes, and beautifully packaged bento boxes. One treat to remember is the seasonal dried-persimmon mille-feuille with butter, which goes perfectly with sparkling wine.

Isetan Shinjuku Depachika, 3 Chome-14-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo, Japan, +81 3 3352 1111, https://cp.mistore.jp/global/en/shinjuku.html

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Mitsukoshi Ginza Food Hall, Tokyo, Japan

Visiting Mitsukoshi Ginza’s food hall feels like entering a museum dedicated to Japanese flavors, especially wagashi and tea. The basement level is known for its careful service, often mentioned among Tokyo’s top depachika. The counters are low, the lighting gentle, and every sweet, rice cracker, and tea canister is arranged with such care that simply browsing feels peaceful. Even small purchases are wrapped in layers of paper and ribbon, so you leave with parcels that are akin to presents, even if you bought them for yourself!

• The atmosphere is calm and almost ceremonial. Glass cases show off seasonal wagashi shaped like flowers, leaves, and tiny landscapes. At the tea counters, you can taste sencha, gyokuro, and matcha, with staff ready to help you choose and prepare your tea. Gift boxes are carefully put together, often themed for the season or a special event.
• Mitsukoshi Ginza is famous for its beautiful wagashi, high-quality Japanese teas, and a gifting culture where how something looks matters just as much as how it tastes.
• Some highlights include hand-made wagashi that look like edible art, matcha sets with a chawan bowl and bamboo whisk, special Ginza teas you can only find here, and layered boxes of rice crackers and sweets in lacquer-style packaging.

Mitsukoshi Ginza Food Hall,4 Chome-6-16 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo, Japan, +81 3 3562 1111, https://cp.mistore.jp/global/en/ginza.html

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Takashimaya Food Hall, Osaka and Tokyo, Japan

Takashimaya’s food halls in Tokyo and Osaka show just how Japan brings everyday luxury to life with classic depachika style. You’ll find a fantastic mix of Japanese favorites and European-style pastries that food lovers rave about. The counters are bright and organized, with bentos, tempura, grilled fish, salads, and wagashi on one side, and glossy fruit tarts, éclairs, and cream-filled cakes on the other.

• The experience is a smooth mix of precision and variety. Bentos come in tidy compartments with rice, grilled fish or karaage, pickles, and vegetables. The pastry counters display flawless French-inspired desserts. Each purchase is boxed with care, using tissue and ice packs, which adds to the feeling of everyday luxury.
• Takashimaya is known for blending traditional Japanese food culture with refined European pastries, and for its beautifully packaged omiyage gifts.
• Some highlights include large fruit tarts topped with neatly arranged strawberries, kiwis, or muscat grapes. You’ll also find multi-tiered omiyage boxes filled with cakes, castella, baumkuchen, and rice crackers, as well as seasonal bentos and limited-edition sweets made for holidays or special collaborations.

Takashimaya Food Hall, Osaka, Tokyo, and various other stores around Japan and the world, https://www.takashimaya.co.jp/store/special/stores/en/

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Dean & DeLuca, Japan And Thailand

Dean & DeLuca in Japan and Thailand brings the original New York gourmet grocer vibe to Asia, turning it into a stylish café-market for people who care about design and food. In Japan, stores like the big Fukuoka location mix shelves of international ingredients, wine, and kitchenware with a central Market Table restaurant. In Thailand, the stores focus more on a café-restaurant feel, serving crafted coffee, Western-style comfort food, and a carefully chosen range of imported products. The atmosphere is modern and clean, with marble counters, tidy displays of branded jars and tins, and the familiar logo on tote bags and coffee cups.

• What you get is a mix of café, restaurant, and gourmet store. In Japan, it acts as a carefully chosen food shop with global ingredients and deli items. In Thailand, places like MahaNakhon Cube go even further, offering a full food hall with dining, wine bars, and shopping all in one place.
• Dean & DeLuca is known for its stylish branding, pantry items from around the world, and a shopping experience that mixes food, design, and café culture.
• Some highlights include premium pantry staples like truffle salt and oil, artisanal jams, honey, nut butters, single-estate olive oils, and beautifully packaged chocolates and biscuits. With branded tote bags, specialty coffee, and imported wines, your shopping trip can easily turn into a high-end grocery haul.

Dean & DeLuca, Japan & Thailand, various locations in Bangkok, https://www.deandeluca.co.th/, various stores in Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka, https://www.deandeluca.co.jp/shop/

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Culina At COMO Dempsey, Singapore

Like a European gourmet hall brought to the tropics, Culina at COMO Dempsey offers pale wood, glass, and well-lit counters set in a leafy old barracks. The space combines a stylish bistro and wine bar with a top-notch grocery, so you can check out cuts of meat, cheeses, and seafood in the chiller, then have them cooked to order just minutes later. Many people consider it one of Singapore’s top spots for home cooks.

• The experience is unhurried and personal. Butchers help you choose cuts, explain marbling and where the meat comes from, and you can have your selections cooked on-site for an extra charge. The setting mixes relaxed dining with upscale grocery shopping in a calm, stylish space.
• Culina is known for its premium meats, especially Australian wagyu and grass-fed beef. It also offers a wide range of European cheeses and a carefully chosen wine list, from everyday bottles to top Burgundy and Bordeaux.
• Highlights include wagyu steaks that can cost quite a bit, whole wheels or large wedges of imported cheese, wines chosen by a sommelier, and gourmet extras like specialty condiments, butter, and fresh sourdough. These extras can quickly add up to a higher bill.

Culina at COMO Dempsey, Singapore, Block 15 Dempsey Road, Singapore, +65 6474 7338, reservations@culina.com.sg, https://www.comodempsey.sg/restaurant/culina-bistro-2

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Meidi Ya Supermarket, Singapore

Meidi-Ya in Singapore is a small Japanese-style food hall. Its aisles are bright and tidy, and the atmosphere is calm and efficient, just like you’d expect from a Japanese store. Quality is the main priority here. You’ll find shelves stocked with Japanese pantry staples, a well-organized chilled section, and a wide selection of ready-to-eat meals. It’s easy to spend an hour wandering the store and leave with your arms full of unique soy sauce and rice brands.

• Shopping here is relaxed and well-organized. You can look through pantry items, then check out freshly made bento boxes, sushi sets, and sashimi platters. Seasonal fairs often bring in regional Japanese specialties, so there’s always something new to discover each time you visit.
• Meidi-Ya is known for its high-quality Japanese groceries, ready-to-eat meals that taste like they came from a restaurant, and a wide variety of authentic pantry staples and snacks.
• You’ll find party-size sashimi platters loaded with premium cuts like otoro, salmon, scallops, and roe; shelves of limited-edition KitKats and novelty sweets in flavors like matcha and hojicha; plus premium sake, Hokkaido ice cream, and carefully selected rice and soy sauce varieties.

Meidi‑Ya Supermarket, 9 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore, +65 6339 1111 and 1 Kim Seng Rd, Singapore, +65 6771 1111, https://www.meidi-ya.com.sg/en/

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Erewhon Market, Los Angeles, USA

Erewhon Market stands out with its light-wood shelves, plenty of plants, and neatly arranged fridges. The tonic bar is always busy, filled with people in athleisure ordering drinks made with sea moss, collagen, and mushroom powders. It’s become a true celebrity hotspot and is often called one of the most expensive supermarkets in the country. Even simple items like sourdough and milk can cost about US$12 and US$15.

• Shopping here feels carefully planned and focused on wellness. The shelves are stocked with organic, non-GMO, and biodynamic products, and it’s a place where new health trends often appear first. The main draw is the tonic and smoothie bar, which attracts people looking for beauty blends, adaptogen lattes, and superfood drinks.
• The store is well known for luxury wellness culture, celebrity collaborations, and ultra-premium pricing on everyday groceries and niche health products.
• Some of the most talked-about items include the Strawberry Glaze Skin Smoothie, which costs about US$21 or US$150 for the at-home kit. There are also tonics with adaptogens like reishi and shilajit, US$50 granola, sea moss gel, frozen camel milk, and upgraded basics like oat-milk lattes and specialty pantry goods.

Erewhon Market, Various locations across Los Angeles, https://erewhon.com/browse/all

Whole Foods Market, Austin And NYC, USA

The Whole Foods Market flagship in downtown Austin covers 80,000 square feet and is also the company’s headquarters. It features restaurants, bars, coffee counters, and wide aisles filled with natural and organic products. In Manhattan, stores like Manhattan West follow a similar approach, offering fresh food, specialty sections, and grab-and-go areas for busy office workers and health-conscious city residents.

• Whole Foods offers a large, all-in-one food destination. Prepared-food stations, salad bars, and grab-and-go counters are set up next to regular grocery aisles. The store is built for quick meals and full shopping trips, with lots of choices for eating in or taking food to go.
• Whole Foods is known for its natural and organic products, a wide range of prepared foods, and interactive features such as bulk bins and stations where you can grind your own nut butter.
• Some highlights include build-your-own hot bar meals, which can cost over US$20, fresh-ground peanut or almond butter, and almond-milk machines that sell bottles for about US$3.99 in some stores. There is also a wide selection of alternative milks, such as oat, hazelnut, macadamia, and pea, usually priced between US$3.99 and over US$6 per carton.

Whole Foods Market, various stores in Austin and New York, https://www.wholefoodsmarket.co.uk/

Family-Friendly Guide To New York City With Kids https://www.littlestepsasia.com/travel/usa/guide-to-new-york-city/

Molinari Delicatessen, San Francisco, USA

On San Francisco’s North Beach, Molinari Delicatessen has been serving customers since 1896. It’s one of the oldest Italian-American delis in the country. Inside, you’ll find hanging salami, shelves filled with olive oil and pasta, and glass cases packed with cured meats and cheeses. There’s almost always a line of locals, tourists, and construction workers waiting for a sandwich.

• The experience is classic and straightforward. You wait in line for big, generously filled sandwiches and can watch the staff slice meats as you order. The shop is always busy and feels authentic, with shelves full of Italian pantry staples and, of course, the main draw, the sandwich counter!
• Molinari is famous for its hearty, overstuffed Italian sandwiches and house-made dry-cured salami. It also offers a great selection of traditional Italian ingredients.
• Anticipate towering sandwiches like the Molinari Special or custom creations on Dutch crunch or focaccia, usually priced around $19 to $20. The house salami costs about $18 to $19 per pound. You’ll also find cheeses, olives, and Italian wines, so you can put together a full deli-style meal.

Molinari Delicatessen, 373 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, USA, +1 415 421 2337, https://www.themolinarideli.com/

Trader Joe’s, USA

Trader Joe’s stores across the USA are smaller, with hand-drawn signs and staff in Hawaiian shirts, but they have a cult following that matches more upscale chains. All the products are private label, so the brand can offer unique frozen meals, global flavors, and creative snacks without competing with big FMCG brands. Shoppers enjoy the treasure hunt(!), as new products show up quietly, vanish quickly, and get discussed on TikTok, Reddit, and fan blogs focused on finding the latest items.

• Shopping at Trader Joe’s feels fast-paced! Customers check end caps and seasonal displays for new or limited-time items that might be gone in a few weeks. The store has a relaxed, fun vibe, and the low prices make it easy to pick up something on impulse.
• Expect creative private-label products, viral snack trends, and seasonal releases that build a loyal, almost cult-like following.
• You’ll find Everything But the Bagel seasoning and its spin-offs, ube-themed items that often sell out, and the yearly pumpkin-spice collection. This seasonal lineup can include more than 20 items at once, from cereals and coffee to sauces and vinegar.

Trader Joe’s, well over 40 stores across the country, https://www.traderjoes.com/home

Zabar’s, New York City, USA

Zabar’s, located at 80th and Broadway on the Upper West Side, has been a neighborhood favorite for more than 90 years. Downstairs, you’ll find a lively mix of smoked fish, cheese, bakery treats, and prepared foods. Upstairs, there’s a large kitchenware shop that surprises many first-time visitors.

• Visiting Zabar’s is like stepping into a classic New York deli. Staff slice smoked fish by hand while customers move through crowded counters and shelves. The combination of food and kitchenware makes exploring both floors feel like an adventure.
• Zabar’s is famous for its smoked fish, especially nova and belly lox. It’s also known for classic Jewish deli favorites like bagels, babka, rugelach, and its own house-roasted coffee.
• Some highlights include hand-sliced nova salmon for about US$32 per pound, 22-ounce loaves of chocolate or cinnamon babka for around US$16.98, and house coffee blends at about US$16 per pound. For a real treat, you can take home a kilo of lox, bags of pastries, and jars of pickles, all packed up for your trip.

Zabar’s, 2245 Broadway, New York, USA, +1 212 787 2000, info@zabars.com, https://www.zabars.com/

Russ & Daughters, New York, USA

Russ & Daughters on the Lower East Side has been a local landmark for over a hundred years. This narrow shop, with its neon sign, is a must-visit for food lovers, right up there with Katz’s and Di Fara. Since 1914, the family has specialized in smoked fish, caviar, herring, bagels, and Jewish baked goods. Everything is displayed in bright cases, and the line moves slowly because everyone takes their time choosing. The shop feels old-world and unmistakably New York, with no seating and no frills, just great food.

• When you visit, you’ll find a classic counter where people line up for hand-sliced smoked fish and made-to-order bagels. The atmosphere is relaxed, with staff helping you choose and regulars taking their time to get their favorite combinations just right.
• Russ & Daughters is famous for its top-quality smoked fish, caviar, and classic Jewish deli foods. Everything is made with years of experience and a deep respect for tradition.
• Some highlights include Gaspe Nova, Scottish, and Norwegian smoked salmon (about US$29–US$30 for a half-pound), sturgeon for around US$37 per half-pound, and signature bagel creations like the Daughters’ Delight and Super Heebster (US$19–US$22). You’ll also find caviar flights, babka, rugelach, and a wide selection of tins, pickles, and preserves.

Russ & Daughters, various locations around New York, original shop, 179 East Houston Street, Lower East Side, New York, +1 212 475 4880, https://www.russanddaughters.com/

Pike Place Market, Seattle, USA

Pike Place Market feels like a city within a city, drawing food lovers who arrive hungry and ready to explore. Its covered streets and arcades are packed with everything from classic fishmongers and artisan cheesemakers to bakeries, chocolate shops, spice stalls, and hot sauce stands. Many are small, family-run businesses that have been here for generations. The market is lively with flying fish, street performers, and bustling crowds, but beneath the excitement, it remains an essential pantry for people who live in Seattle.

• Visiting the market is a lively, hands-on experience. You can wander between stalls, watch fishmongers in action, and taste samples along the way. Even with the crowds, it is a favorite spot for tourists and a real food hub for locals.
• The market is famous for its ultra-fresh seafood, especially Dungeness crab and wild salmon. You’ll also find smoked fish, artisan products, and specialty vendors who have been here for years.
• Some of the best finds include whole Dungeness crab and crab meat (about US$49.99 to US$79.99 per pound), alderwood-smoked salmon and salmon candy, Italian pantry staples from DeLaurenti, and small-batch hot sauces and pepper jellies from local makers like Mick’s Peppourri.

Pike Place Market, 85 Pike Street, Seattle,+1 206 682 7453, https://www.pikeplacemarket.org/

Casa Santa Luzia, São Paulo, Brasil

Casa Santa Luzia in São Paulo is a gourmet supermarket that has been around for nearly a century. Locals often call it the city’s Whole Foods on steroids. This two-level store in Jardins covers about 2,200 square meters, and almost every aisle offers something unexpected. Since opening in 1926, it has become known for its artisanal cheeses, premium meats, imported goods, Brazilian specialties, and a large wine cellar, all sold at prices that reflect their quality. Food writers often name it as one of Brazil’s top gourmet markets.

• It’s like exploring a huge supermarket full of surprises! You can browse bakery counters, check out prepared foods with more than 250 ready-made dishes, and walk through aisles filled with imported luxury items and top Brazilian products.
• The store is famous for its high-quality mix of gourmet foods from around the world and premium Brazilian specialties. You’ll find everything from cheeses and meats to sweets, coffee, and wine.
• Enjoy bulk Brazilian nuts like castanha-do-pará and cashews, a wide selection of specialty coffees from single-origin to micro-lot beans, shelves filled with every kind of doce de leite, bean-to-bar Brazilian chocolates, and carefully chosen wines that make shopping here feel like a treat.

Casa Santa Luzia, Alameda Lorena, 1471 Jardim Paulista, São Paulo, Brasil, +55 11 3897 5000, sac@santaluzia.com.br, https://www.santaluzia.com.br/

El Palacio de Hierro, Mexico City, Mexico

At El Palacio de Hierro’s gourmet floor in Mexico City, you’ll find Mexican favorites alongside European treats such as Spanish cheese, Italian pasta, French chocolates, and an impressive wine and spirits selection featuring Rioja, Champagne, and mezcal.

• The space is slick and easy to get around, letting you browse deli counters, pastry stands, and gourmet aisles. You can grab a quick bite or shop for top-quality ingredients to upgrade your everyday meals.
• This spot is known for its mix of premium Mexican products and European imports, especially its great selection of cheeses, wines, spirits, and pantry staples.
• Some highlights include artisanal moles in black, red, and green from small producers, decorative bottles of mezcal, a wide range of chili sauces from chipotle to habanero, as well as tequilas and Spanish conservas to complete your gourmet shopping.

El Palacio de Hierro, Avenida Molière 222. Col. Polanco II Secci. 11540 Ciudad de México, CDMX, México, https://www.instagram.com/elpalaciodehierro/

David Jones Food Hall, Sydney, Australia

David Jones’ Food Hall in Sydney brings an upscale grocery experience to the city, with a basement emporium in the CBD and a large 2,500-square-meter flagship at Bondi Junction. You’ll find fresh produce, a butcher, seafood, deli, patisserie, and chocolates, plus several cafés, an oyster and wine bar, a sushi bar, and grill stations. It’s easy to turn a quick visit into a full lunch here.

• The food hall is clean and well-organized, making it easy to shop and dine in one place. There are lots of ready-to-eat choices as well as high-quality ingredients. It’s great for a quick meal or a thoughtful grocery trip, and it’s a favorite among city workers and locals.
• People come here for top-quality Australian produce, excellent prepared foods, and desserts and pantry items that look as good as they taste, and equally perfect for gifts.
• Highlights include pavlova and desserts with full-size cakes and mini versions. You’ll also find custom gourmet hampers filled with macadamias, chocolates, and coffee, small-batch Australian gin from brands like Four Pillars, and chocolate-dipped strawberries made with Callebaut chocolate.

David Jones Food Hall, 86/108 Castlereagh Street, Sydney NSW, Australia, +61 2 9266 5544, https://www.davidjones.com/blog/food/instore-restaurants-cafes-bars/

Family Friendly Guide To Sydney, Australia https://www.littlestepsasia.com/travel/australia/sydney/guide-to-sydney-australia/

Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne, Australia

The Dairy Produce Hall at Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne is a heritage-listed, art deco space filled with family-run stalls specializing in cheese, cured meats, antipasto, and small goods. This deli area is a favorite among food lovers and is often recommended in local guides for its top-notch cheese and charcuterie. Whether you are shopping for your fridge or putting together a quick picnic, you’ll find a lively but welcoming atmosphere, with tastings, loyal regulars, and vendors who know their customers by name.

• Visiting the market is a lively, community-focused experience. You can wander between specialist stalls, sample cheeses, meats, and antipasto, and chat with friendly, knowledgeable vendors. It’s a great place to snack, learn, and put together a picnic as you explore.
• The market is known for its wide selection of local and imported cheeses, premium charcuterie, and artisan deli products. Stalls like Bill’s Farm, Queen Vic Deli, and Ripe Cheese stand out for their high-quality, often small-batch items.
• Some highlights include large wedges or whole wheels of artisanal cheese, like the Australian varieties at Ripe Cheese, slices of jamón serrano and Italian salami, marinated olives, antipasto, house-made dips, and fresh bread. You’ll find everything you need for an instant picnic or a pop-up wine bar.

Queen Victoria Market, corner ofElizabeth Street and Victoria Street, Melbourne, Australia, +61 3 9320 5822, info@qvm.com.au, https://qvm.com.au/

Melbourne With Kids: The Ultimate Family Travel Guide  https://www.littlestepsasia.com/travel/australia/melbourne/guide-melbourne-with-kids/

Spinneys, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Spinneys in Dubai is the go-to upmarket supermarket for expats. The stores are bright and tidy, with produce that always looks fresh and shelves full of imported goods. With over 60 branches across the UAE, Spinneys has built a reputation for offering quality fruit and vegetables, reliable meat and seafood counters, and a wide range of European and UK brands. This makes it a favorite for British and European shoppers. Stores often host tastings of new or popular brands. While it is not usually the cheapest place to shop, Spinneys is regularly rated as one of Dubai’s best for quality and convenience.

• Shopping at Spinneys means walking into a clean, well-organized supermarket with top-quality fresh sections, in-store bakeries, and a great selection of ready meals. The regular tastings and familiar imported brands are especially attractive to expats.
• Spinneys is known for its high-quality produce, dependable meat and seafood counters, and a large variety of European and UK imports. It also offers its own Spinneysfood product line.
• Indulge in European cheeses such as Brie, Comté, Cheddar, and Roquefort, UK biscuits and chocolates, and premium Australian and New Zealand lamb, usually priced between AED 77 and 99 per kilo. You’ll also find British pantry staples, cereals, tea, and Spinneysfood ice cream. The in-house Nourish by Spinneys magazine brings a lifestyle touch with recipes and food ideas.

Spinneys, Branches throughout Dubai and the rest of the Emirates, +971 600 57 57 56, support@spinneys.com, https://www.spinneys.com/en-ae/

Ultimate Family-Friendly Guide To Dubai With Kids https://www.littlestepsasia.com/travel/middle-east/dubai/dubai-with-kids/

Carrefour Hypermarket, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Carrefour’s hypermarkets in Dubai’s major malls, such as Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Mall, have bright, open spaces where groceries are sold next to electronics, clothing, and homeware, all in one place. The food area includes plenty of fresh produce, a butcher, fish counters, bakeries, and coolers filled with imported brands from Europe and the Middle East.

• Shopping in the huge Carrefour store means you can buy groceries and other goods in one trip. The place is lively and well-lit, set up for buying in bulk and offering lots of choices.
• Carrefour is known for its wide range of international products, especially Middle Eastern sweets and French-style bakery items and cheeses. These choices reflect both local tastes and the store’s French background.
• Some highlights include a wide variety of dates, from loose Medjools to boxed and stuffed options, as well as Arabic sweets like baklava, basbousa, and mamoul (usually AED 60–130 per box). You’ll also find French cheeses, croissants, and pastries from Carrefour’s own brands. It’s simple to fill a cart with local treats or European favorites, all in one place.

Carrefour Hypermarket, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, +971 44 094 753, https://www.malloftheemirates.com/en/find-a-store/carrefour or https://www.carrefouruae.com/

Grandiose Supermarket, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Grandiose Supermarket is Dubai’s premium, health-focused alternative to the larger hypermarkets. The stores are smaller and thoughtfully designed, featuring tidy produce displays, eye-catching signs, and dedicated areas for organic, gourmet, and diet-specific products. It appeals to shoppers who value quality and product origins as much as price.

• Shopping here is calm and curated, with a focus on wellness and quality. There are clear sections for organic produce, specialty diets, and gourmet items. Some stores also offer chef demonstrations and wellness events, which help create a sense of community.
• Grandiose is known for its organic and health-focused products, such as gluten-free, keto, vegan, and other 'free-from' options, as well as premium international groceries.
• Build-your-own organic brunch spreads with eggs, berries, avocado, smoked salmon, sourdough, and cold-pressed juices. There is also a wide range of healthy snacks like granola, protein bars, and keto treats, along with small-batch nut butters, plant-based milks, and wellness products from around the world.

Grandiose Supermarket, various locations across Dubai, support@grandiose.ae, https://www.grandiose.ae/

Manuel Market, Riyadh And Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Manuel Market, which opened in 1929 in Riyadh and Jeddah, is a Gulf-style gourmet supermarket known for its patisserie, dates, and imported European groceries. The store has separate areas for fresh produce, meat, bakery items, and sweets. Long aisles of international brands attract expats and local food lovers. You can grab your daily essentials and, just a few steps away, find something that could be straight from a Paris shop.

• When you visit, you’ll find a modern supermarket with clearly marked sections. You can browse everything from classic Middle Eastern sweets to top-quality imported products, all displayed in an attractive and varied way.
• Manuel Market is famous for mixing local favorites like dates, baklava, and kunafa with luxury imports such as European dairy products and premium meats.
• Try deliciously syrupy kunafa and Arabic sweets, stacks of dates, French butter and cream, Japanese or Australian wagyu, single-origin chocolates, premium olive oils, and unique regional items like camel milk and meat.

Manuel Market, Qurtubah, Riyadh, and various stores in Jeddah, +966 12 658 1555, https://www.manuelsfoodmarket.com/

Discover The Top 32 New Hotel & Resort Openings In Saudi Arabia https://www.littlestepsasia.com/travel/middle-east/saudi-arabia/top-hotel-resort-openings/