Get groceries and dinner in one stop at these 12 global markets

Nothing feels normal around Minnesota right now, including the weekly grocery run. With uncertainty coloring every aspect of daily life, many of us turn to the comforts of our kitchens.

Local immigrant-owned businesses are doing what they can to maintain staffing and hours while continuing to stock gorgeous tropical fruits, chile crisp for a fraction of the price, multitudes of ramen options, bright basbaas, cushy injera plus all the household staples.

There are an abundance of markets tucked in metro-area neighborhoods and strip malls; these are just a few of our favorites. Know that hours and menu availability can change quickly — social media often has the most up-to-date information — so plan ahead and shop with patience. And let us know your go-to places in the comments.

Eden Prairie’s collective of Asian businesses has something for everyone, including items you probably didn’t even know you needed. With restaurants serving mochi doughnuts, banh mi, sushi by the pound, Szechuan classics and an iconic Chinese bakery, it’s impossible to walk out of the building hungry. Central to it all is an abundantly stocked grocery store with frozen foods, fresh produce and tons of pantry staples.

12160 Technology Dr., Eden Prairie, asiamallmn.com

This comprehensive Korean grocery store has long been a destination for stocking up on kimchi, gochujang and more in small or bulk quantities. As much of a draw is the casual counter-service restaurant in the back of the store, serving generous portions of sizzling stews and bibimbap, along with bulgogi beef rice platters and japchae noodle dishes. There’s also kimbap, or Korean rice and seaweed rolls (think sushi-adjacent), filled with pickled vegetables, eggs and imitation crab prepackaged at the counter — a great alternative and light bite for those on the go.

735 45th Av. NE., Hilltop

Parksquare Shopping Center, 8020 Brooklyn Blvd., Brooklyn Park, dragonstarmarket.com

This market and restaurant have been must-stops in the neighborhood since the mid-1980s. Fresh herbs, fruit, meats and everything an abuela needs to make your favorite dishes are stocked in house. There’s an area of Mexican imports that include giftables and other fun items. Plus, the lively hot bar, bakery and full-service restaurant are loaded with goods to eat immediately. Many of the dishes are still made from the family’s recipes.

175 Cesar Chavez St., St. Paul, elburritomercado.com

The absolute best use of a former Byerlys in the metro area is this Asian grocery superstore. Not only is the ramen selection outstanding, the grocery aisles stock pantry staples from all over the globe with products from Ethiopia, India, Jamaica as well as China, Vietnam, Thailand and more. The deli is at the front of the store, which makes it hard to get to the groceries without at least one bite of soy sauce-soaked noodles, eggrolls stuffed with cabbage and meat or a mound of sticky rice. Think of it as a reward worth eating in the car before making the drive home to unload your haul.

1959 Suburban Av., St. Paul

1001 Johnson Pkwy., St. Paul, hmongvillage-mn.com

In addition to being an iconic restaurant, this northeast Minneapolis deli, bakery and butcher shop has been run by the same Ukrainian family for more than six decades. Stocked with all the wonderous ways pork sausage can be made, the deli has Polish, Ukrainian as well as Hmong and one variety studded with wild rice. That’s not all. There are freshly baked breads, bacon, horseradish, mustards, pierogis, cheesecakes, fruit-filled pastries and more. Don’t leave without a to-go container of the life-affirming borshch, a solid cold-weather cure for all ailments.

215 E. Hennepin Av., Mpls., kramarczuks.com

This relatively new market in Richfield is huge, gorgeous and appointed with an abundance of restaurant-worthy, ready-made foods and a whole seating area. Stock up on fresh and melty cheese, fresh-baked breads from the panaderia and meats from the expertly staffed butcher counter. End the errand with a plate of tacos or bowl of cozy pozole. There’s also an ice cream stand and agua frescas to bribe the kids to join the errand run.

140 W. 66th St., Richfield, instagram.com/lomabonitamarket

141 W. Lafayette Frontage Road, St. Paul, facebook.com/mostropicalwholesale

Attention to detail is paid here, from halal products to many traditional Middle Eastern, Asian and East African cuisines to a variety of locally sourced meats. Don’t miss the bakery with a wide selection from Jerusalem bagels to date breads, along with a sizable array of flatbreads from around the globe (including chapati and markook). The bakery also houses plenty of sweet treats — doughnuts, cookies and baklava among them. Fuel up before or after at the attached Mashawi Coal Fired Grill, featuring falafel, kebab and chicken melt sandwiches and shawarma plates.

8500 Springbrook Dr. NW., Coon Rapids, pangeamarket.com

The abundance of fresh herbs stocked at the front of the St. Paul store is always a welcome sight during the cold, gray Minnesota winter. In the back, the seafood tanks are filled with lively shellfish and the aisles are lined with pantry staples, including tons of options for soy sauce, chili crisp and ramen. The freezer section is also the ideal spot to load up on fresh Hmong sausage. Before leaving, grab one of the snacks from small, local businesses stocked up front, like the rainbow colored macarons, mochi doughnuts, Trung Nam banh mi or freshly made Thai tea from Basil Cafe.

654 University Av. W., St. Paul; 2712 Nicollet Av., Mpls.; shuanghur.com