Who says you have to travel far to discover the flavours of the world? In Groningen, you simply cycle from France to Suriname and from Poland to Turkey. Ten shops, ten countries and everywhere the smell of unique cuisines and faraway markets. On a trip around the world with your shopping bag.
Bonne Saucisse | France
Folkingestraat 61 - At Bonne Saucisse it feels like walking into a small French village. The old French doors give the shop a nostalgic feel and inside you see a cupboard full of pâtés, sausages and delicacies that make your mouth water. Here you won't find standard sausages, but special flavours such as walnut, allspice or even wild boar. A place where the burgundian lifestyle comes alive.
Discover
Ariola | Italy
Folkingestraat 54 - For Italian passion and hospitality, Ariola is the place to be. Even at the entrance, the scents of pesto, tapenade and freshly baked spinach tarts draw you in. The kitchen works all day long, so everything is fresh and homemade. The showcases are full of stuffed vegetables, antipasti and other delicacies perfect for drinks. Chances are you'll come home with more than you intended.
Discover
Basarz | Southern Europe
Vismarkt 34 - This shop once brought its first olives to Groningen. Since then, the premises on the Vismarkt have been a regular stop for anyone in the mood for sunshine on their plate. The shop is full of wines, cold cuts, cheeses and other nibbles. At lunchtime, you can go there for freshly made sandwiches richly filled with their own products. If you don't feel like cooking, stop by for a home-made dinner that you just have to heat up at home.
Discover
Le Souk | North Africa
Folkingestraat 21 - Stap inside Le Souk and imagine yourself at an Arab market for a moment. The air is filled with the scent of spices, nuts and fresh bread. On the shelves you will find mezze, tapenades, homemade spreads, sweets and all sorts of vegetables. At the very back are bowls full of different types of olives that make choosing almost impossible. Want a taste in advance? Head one door down to El Maida for dishes using products from the shop.
Discover
Toko Melati | Asia
Gedempte Zuiderdiep 126 - A small but versatile toko full of Asian products. You can go there for spices, sauces and exotic ingredients, as well as fresh snacks. A lemper or pasty is wrapped hot for you here. The pride of Toko Melati is its home-made sambals. These are tangy, spicy and full of flavour, as they should be. No wonder customers come back especially for them.
Discover
Nazar | Turkey
Boterdiep 49 - At Nazar you will find a colourful Turkish supermarket and butcher's shop in one. Think fresh Turkish bread, bulgur, peppers, olives, cheeses and sweets like Turkish fruit. Next to the supermarket is sandwich shop Saray, where you can get delicious sandwiches topped with Nazar's own ingredients. Come for a quick lunch, fresh herbs when cooking or a piece of meat from the butcher to prepare yourself.
Discover
Pantopolion | Greece
Nieuwe Ebbingestraat 20 - Pantopolion is a family-run business that brings the rich flavours of Greece to Groningen. Everything here is about quality, sustainability and tradition. Think velvety olive oil from the family orchard, sheep's milk feta and classics like stuffed vine leaves or tzatziki. Family Kotsiris knows the products like the back of their hand, so be sure to ask about the stories behind the products, as they are at least as good as the taste.
Discover
Polski Smak | Poland
Nieuwe Ebbingestraat 84 - Since 2012, Polski Smak has been the address for Polish delicacies in Groningen. The shop is full of typical Polish products such as pierogi, meat pies, stews and hearty spiced meats. Sweet treats, Polish coffee and special baking supplies are also plentiful. If you like bread, be sure to try the fresh Polish bread delivered weekly.
Discover
Toko Hendrik | Suriname
Korreweg 26 - For decades, Toko Hendrik on Korreweg has been a fixture for anyone wanting to discover Surinamese and South American cuisine. The shop is small, but filled to the brim with colourful products. Piles of exotic spices, hot sauces, Surinamese snacks and special sweets. You can also get Surinamese sandwiches and takeaway. Perhaps it will be your first pom or bakkeljauw.
Discover
Vjatka | Russia
Nieuweweg 19 - The shelves are filled with pelmeni in all kinds of varieties. A kind of Russian ravioli with meat, cottage cheese, spinach or even cherries. You'll also find dried fish, pickled vegetables, sunflower seeds and sweet Russian pepper biscuits. The freezer is full of berries and fruit. Those who are curious should definitely try the birch juice. Besides food, they also sell gadgets like colourful scarves, crockery and matryoshka dolls.
Discover
