Welcome to your go-to guide for shopping African groceries across the Denver metro area. An African grocery isn’t just a “spice shop.” It’s a complete pantry and produce experience representing West, East, Central, and Southern African cuisines.
For many, these markets are more than just places to buy food; they are a connection to home. Kusi Appiah, who runs the Kantamanto African Market in Aurora, explains that his customers often say, "Now, we have Ghana in America now," because the market evokes a sense of being back in Africa.
A bustling market scene in Ghana, similar to the vibrant atmosphere found in Denver's African markets. Image source: Wikimedia Commons.
Community Support and Access to Healthy Foods
The Colorado Department of Agriculture is supporting these vital community resources through initiatives like the Community Food Access Tax Credit. This program, passed in the 2023 legislative session, aims to increase access to healthy groceries and lower costs for sellers. With up to $10 million available every year until 2030, the tax credit is available to small food retailers, farm-direct operations, and small family farms serving low-income, low-access communities.
This new tax credit program is an extension of the Community Food Access Grant program that's been available since 2023. Kusi Appiah got a new cooler and a new freezer with his grant money. "It meant a lot. It meant savings, already we're saving money," he told CBS News Colorado. It was a capital investment that he wouldn't have been able to afford on his own, but saves him money on his energy bill every month. Now he's got plans to replace more of his coolers to create more storage space and save more on his energy bill.
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The Community Food Access Program is funded in part by State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds.
Navigating the African Market
Here are some tips for navigating an African grocery store:
- Swallows: Look for smooth, dough-like sides eaten with soups and stews.
- Plantain: For frying (dodo), choose yellow with black freckles. For stews/porridge, choose green to yellow-green.
- Okra: Keep dry; moisture speeds spoilage.
- Peppers: Refrigerate in a breathable bag.
Cooking Tips
- Boiling points are lower at elevation. Cover and cook on low until tender (15-20 min; add a few minutes at altitude).
- Toss thin-sliced beef or mushrooms with suya spice + oil + salt. Thread, then grill or broil 2-3 minutes per side.
- Simmer 1 cup dried hibiscus with 6 cups water, ginger slices, and a cinnamon stick (optional) for 8-10 minutes. Strain, sweeten to taste, chill.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Special orders & catering bundles: Planning a party, wedding, or holiday? New to an ingredient? Do you carry halal meats? Availability varies by week.
- Palm oil vs. groundnut oil: Use palm oil for classic red stews and banga-style dishes; it adds aroma and color.
- Milo and Ovaltine: Both are cocoa-malt drinks. Milo tends to be more malty; Ovaltine is lighter.
- Storing plantain: Ripen on the counter. Refrigerate after ripening to slow darkening.
- Return policy: Non-perishable items may be eligible for exchange if sealed with receipt within a reasonable window.
Spotlight on Lagos International Market
Lagos International Market was founded over 23 years ago by Adeboye and Seyi Ibrahim when they first came to America. As new immigrants, they experienced firsthand the struggle of finding authentic, local ingredients from home. Today, Lagos International Market specializes in authentic African groceries while also carrying an extensive selection of international products from the Middle East, Caribbean, Europe, and Asia.
Other International Markets in Denver
Denver's diverse community is reflected in its wide array of international markets. Here are a few examples:
- Valente’s Deli Bakery & Italian Market: A 71-year-old institution offering house-made Italian sausage, prosciutto, and other Italian delicacies.
- Bosnian Grocer: A 20-year-old market with Bosnian relishes, meats, desserts, and treats from across Europe.
- India’s Harvest: Offers a wide range of Indian ingredients and a Chaat Corner with delicious street foods.
A Taste of Asia in Denver
Asian markets in Denver provide a wide array of ingredients and flavors from across the continent.
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- MMart Korean Market: Colorado’s only independent Korean market, offering staples like seaweed, kimchi, and gochugaru.
- Far East Center: Established in 1986 by the Luong family, this shopping plaza is a haven for those seeking Asian goods.
- Little Saigon Supermarket: One of the first grocery stores in Denver to stock food products from Asia like Sriracha.
- Great Wall Supermarket: A New York City-born grocery chain with a location off South Federal Boulevard.
- Pacific Mercantile Company: Sells a lot of authentic Asian food and drink items, but if Japanese is what you crave, you’ll find the most variety here.
- Viet Hoa Supermarket: This Vietnamese-owned market also stocks a large selection of Filipino, Indonesian, and other Southeast Asian products.
South Federal Boulevard in Westwood is a hub for Vietnamese culture and cuisine, designated as the Little Saigon Business District.
Restaurants to try:
- Pho Duy
- Pho 95
- Vinh Xuong Bakery
- New Saigon Bakery & Deli
Other Notable Markets
- Jasmine Market: Offers Middle Eastern ingredients like pomegranate molasses and labneh.
- Thai Market: Stocks many Thai ingredients that are tough to find at other area Asian grocers.
- Cují Foods: Offers goods from South American countries like Venezuela, Peru, and Argentina.
- Tom’s Seafood & Gourmet Market: Features a rotating daily selection of sustainably sourced, fresh-caught seafood.
- Nude Foods: Sells meticulously sourced products in reusable, sustainable glass packaging.
- Heinie’s Market: One of the Front Range’s best shops for fruits and vegetables sourced directly from Centennial State farmers.
Food Halls: A Culinary Adventure
Denver's food halls offer a diverse range of cuisines under one roof.
- Union Station: Offers everything from chocolate-laced espresso martinis to gourmet pastrami sandwiches.
- The Source: Contains restaurants like Safta, serving Israeli cuisine, and Reunion Bread, offering fresh-baked pastries.
- Junction Food & Drink: Features options like black-garlic-oil tonkotsu ramen and pepper-spiced chicken empanadas.
- Stanley Marketplace: Voted best food hall in the Denver-metro area, offering a wide range of delicious options.
- Mango House: A food court, grocery market, and health-service center established by immigrants and refugees,Mango House - a food court, grocery market and health-service center all in one - was established by immigrants and refugees to rejoice in the flavors of Asian, African and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Other food halls to explore:
- CoArk Collective Food Hall
- Ivywild School
- CO.A.T.I.
- Fuel & Iron Food Hall
- 11th Street Station
- The Bluebird Market Hall
- Warehouse Food Hall
- The Exchange
- Avanti Food & Beverage
- Rosetta Hall
- Golden Mill
A bustling food hall in Denver, offering a variety of cuisines and dining experiences. Image source: Uncover Colorado.
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More International Markets to Explore
- East Side Kosher Deli: Offers kosher cuisine, including house-cured deli meats and baked goods.
- Middle East Market: Features a selection of hookah, Moroccan mint tea, and Middle Eastern delicacies.
- East Europe Market: Offers a variety of meats, cheeses, and Eastern European snacks.
- Arash International Market: Offers authentic Persian food.
- M & I International Market: Offers a wide range of Russian and European foods.
- Panaderia La Guatemalteca: Offers fresh-baked Guatemalan bread and wafer cookies.
- Carniceria La Mexicana: A butcher shop with a colorful display of meats and produce.
- Azteca Ranch Market: Offers a diverse display of tropical fruits and vegetables and a casual restaurant.
- Spinelli’s Market: An authentic Italian market with a deli and butcher.
- Megenagna Ethiopian Grocery: Offers meat, spices, and bread products from Ethiopia.
