From dim sum to moin moin (bean cakes), eat your way around the world with us in Durham Region’s downtowns.
Durham Region is a delicious place to live. With more than 1,300 farms and 13 farmers’ markets, there’s an abundance of fresh local food being grown right here in the region.
Across the region, you can find everything from haggis to halal options. It truly does seem that a new small grocer is opening up every week, which means there’s more variety of imported, specialty and international foods to discover.
In this post, we’ll explore international food options found specifically in Durham Region’s downtown areas, but be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the latest openings in your neighbourhood. From dim sum to moin moin (bean cakes), eat your way around the world with us in Durham Region’s downtowns.
Downtown Brooklin
Takoyaki, a Japanese baked octopus ball dish, Mi’Korner
Source: Mi’Korner
Mi’Korner
93 Winchester Road East, Whitby
For Asian street food, snacks and baked items, check out Mi’Korner in Brooklin. With heat-at-home food options like dim sum, Korean sweet pancakes and dumplings, and an extensive takeout menu of bakery items and Hong Kong, Japanese and Korean street foods, there are so many new things to try and old favourites to find.
Downtown Oshawa
JD Best Afro-Caribbean Variety Market
136 Simcoe Street South, Oshawa
JD Best Afro-Caribbean Variety Market is a Nigerian family-run grocery store that sells various foods imported from Africa—from ready-to-go meals like meat pies and moin-moin to popular must-have grocery items including goat meat and spices. In addition to selling groceries and goods, they also have catering available.
Downtown Port Perry
Port Cheese Co., Port Perry
The Port Cheese Co.
203 Queen Street, Port Perry
If you’re looking for international cheeses, visit quaint downtown Port Perry where you’ll find The Port Cheese Co. A destination for quality cheese and related products, they curate a wide selection of cheeses to suit any palette. With more than 100 cheese selections—local and from around the world—there’s always something new to try.
Eduardo’s Fine Foods
268 Queen Street, Unit 2, Port Perry
To compliment your meal, visit Eduardo’s Fine Foods in Port Perry to pick up gourmet ingredients and imported kitchen staples. From extra virgin olive oils from Italy and Spain to puy lentils from France and specialty pickled items like olives and beans, there are many new things to discover to spice up your next dinner party.
Downtown Uxbridge
The Meat Merchant
3 Brock Street West, Uxbridge
The Meat Merchant is a family-owned butcher shop that offers top quality meats, cheese and specialty grocery items. The Meat Merchant features a variety of options, from unique cuts of meat to seasonal specials like Scottish Haggis and imported oils.
Downtown Whitby
Antonio’s Italian Deli and Groceries, Whitby
Source: Antonio’s Italian Deli and Groceries
Antonio’s Italian Deli & Groceries
105 Byron Street South, Whitby
Antonio’s Italian Deli & Groceries has been a downtown Whitby staple for more than 20 years. With prepared foods like pastries, sandwiches and lasagna, to Italian grocery staples like imported pastas, oils and sauces, a trip to Antonio’s is just like a visit to Italy.
Exotic Knacks
103 Mary Street West, Whitby
For a new taste adventure, stop by Exotic Knacks in Whitby! With an impressive array of imported chips like Mexican Taco Doritos or Japanese Steak Flavour Cheetos, to imported candy, chocolate and spreads from China, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Poland, Portugal and the United Kingdom, you can go around the world in one snacking stop.
Downtown Bowmanville
The Little West Indies Food Market, Bowmanville
Source: Historic Downtown Bowmanville
Little West Indies
37 King Street East, Bowmanville
The Little West Indies Food Market in downtown Bowmanville features a large selection of grocery items—from spices and imported speciality produce to dinner-ready options like frozen meats or their delicious jerk chicken and roti takeout.
Pickering Village
Hannah’s Homemade Pastries and Snackette
603 Kingston Road West, Ajax
For fresh Guyanese and West Indian baked goods, visit Hannah’s Homemade Pastries and Snackette in Pickering Village. Featuring specialties like pine tarts, tennis rolls, Chinese cake and cassava pone, it’s a great opportunity to get your favourites or try something new.
Downtown Ajax
DAM Food Caribbean Market
71 Station Street, Ajax
DAM Foods Caribbean Market features imported fresh produce, fruits, fish and meats. On offer are Caribbean pantry items, speciality meats and a range of homemade foods from their kitchen like pork stew and roasted breadfruit.
Madina Supermarket and Halal Meat
72 Harwood Avenue South, Ajax
Visit Madina Supermarket and Halal Meat for a wide variety of halal meat options as well as other imported grocery items like rice, spices and oils.