Western Wake is a smorgasbord of international grocery options. Discover the rich tapestry of African and Caribbean culture right here in Wake Forest. We’re the first specialty store in town, founded by three passionate African entrepreneurs driven by a shared vision: to bring the vibrant essence of Africa to your doorstep. From tantalizing spices to unique textiles, exquisite jewelry, beauty essentials, and an array of authentic food items - we offer an immersive experience in African and Caribbean culture.
African and Caribbean Markets in Cary
Here’s a guide to African and Caribbean markets in and around Cary, offering a taste of home for many and an opportunity for culinary exploration for all:
Cary African and Caribbean Market
Address: 1435 SE Maynard Road, Cary
This small market is packed with ingredients specific to these regions, such as ugali flour, soursop and a variety of spices. The store has a fresh meat counter and small produce section, which carries ingredients like jute leaves, yucca and yams.
Casablanca Market & Fresh Halal Meats
Address: 1365 SE Maynard Road, Cary
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This shop bakes fresh Moroccan bread daily and offers other sweets and baked goods as well. In addition to a strong selection of Moroccan and Middle-Eastern staple products, it boasts a fresh halal meat counter as well. It also offers Moroccan kitchenware.
Exploring the Cary African Market on East Chatham Street
Cary has a large African population. The Cary African Market on East Chatham Street has been in town for almost six years now. One of the store’s employees, Hyacinthe, explained how African food is usually based around some kind of staple ingredient.
“My favorite is plantain fufu,” Hyacinthe said, describing how mashed plantains can be used to take the place of flour. “You just mix it in cold water and stir it boiling water for a while and it’s done. There are many ways fufu is made, from using maize and rice to even mixing in caramel- a Ghanaian style, according to Hyacinthe - but the most common fufu is made from cassava and yam. There is so much food in the market, some of it sneaks up on you. Hyacinthe opened up a large cooler to reveal a popular side dish in Côte D’Ivoire: acheke.
Hyacinthe said much African food is very similar, comparing Western and Eastern African food. But one key difference he mentioned was how it’s more common to use semolina as a flour in East African cooking. “I’ve never tried it,” he said. “I’m from Benin.
So if you want to explore an entire continent of new flavors, the Cary African Market is located at 748 E Chatham St.
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Other International Markets in Western Wake
While focusing on African and Caribbean markets, it's worth noting other international grocery options in Western Wake:
- East Asian: Grand Asia Market, H Mart, Today Asia Market, Toyo Shokuhin & Gifts
- South Asian: Al Kareem Grocery, Apna Bazar, Bharath Bazar, Bombay Central, Chapola Brothers Indian Groceries, Fresh Indian Market, Grand India Mart, Grocerind & Inis Kitchen, New Super Grocery, Patel Brothers, RTP Sabzi Mandi, Spices Hut, Suvidha Indo-Pak Grocery, Sangam Mart
- European: Capri Flavors, Golden Hex
- Latine and Hispanic: Fuquay Meat Market, La Bonita Tienda y Carniceria, La Esmeralda Tienda Latina, Las Carolinas Supermarket, Las Tres Fronteras Supermercado, Tienda el Cerrito, Tienda el Primo
- Middle Eastern: Turkuaz Market, Baghdad Bakery and Market, Harmony Mediterranean Market, Sassool, Olive Tree Market
Here is a list of some of the International food markets with locations and brief descriptions:
| Market Type | Market Name | Address | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| African/Caribbean | Cary African and Caribbean Market | 1435 SE Maynard Road, Cary | Small market with ingredients specific to these regions, such as ugali flour, soursop and a variety of spices. |
| African/Caribbean | Casablanca Market & Fresh Halal Meats | 1365 SE Maynard Road, Cary | Bakes fresh Moroccan bread daily and offers other sweets and baked goods as well. In addition to a strong selection of Moroccan and Middle-Eastern staple products, it boasts a fresh halal meat counter as well. |
| East Asian | Grand Asia Market | 1253 Buck Jones Road, Raleigh | This large, locally owned international Asian supermarket offers foods from China, Japan, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. |
| East Asian | H Mart | 1961 High House Road, Cary | This is the most popular Korean grocery store in the area and an Asian community hub. |
| South Asian | Bombay Central | 10966 Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville | Spacious, locally owned grocery with a wide variety of food options, an excellent produce section, and a halal meat counter. |
| Latine/Hispanic | La Bonita Tienda y Carniceria | 836 E Chatham Street, Cary | This grocery store includes staple items and a produce section that include hard-to-find foods like nopales (cacti) and savila (aloe vera). |
| Middle Eastern | Turkuaz Market | 203 N Harrison Avenue #110, Cary | This market offers a wide selection of Turkish staple products, snacks, drinks, meats and dairy products. |
Golden Hex carries nearly anything a prospective cook could need for preparing European dishes. The store’s large, bright space is clean and polished. The price tags include the flag and name of the country from which the item was imported, including countries such as Ukraine, Poland, Bulgaria, Belarus, Georgia, Armenia and Moldova. Those looking to cook can find a variety of ingredients-from caviar and canned and smoked fish to pickled vegetables, sauces, grains, baking ingredients and more. The store also has a small housewares selection, including pots and seeds.
For those new to particular types of European cuisine, Golden Hex offers many prepackaged meals. But consider visiting the fresh foods area, which includes a hot/cold bar that varies in its offerings. Nearby, you can get mini pancakes (sirniki) and dumplings (pelmeni) by the pound to take home and cook. The dessert counter includes several cakes available to order by the pound, with flavors such as plum and honey.
Whether you’re seeking specific ingredients or simply want to explore new culinary horizons, the international markets of Western Wake offer a rich and diverse shopping experience.
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