Oriental Food & Gifts

This market is not too big, not too little, but just right. The items here reflect the owners’ Korean heritage, with a sprinkling of Japanese ingredients and treasures from the rest of Asia, as well. Be sure to grab a huge container of kimchi, made on-site and better than any other grocery store’s. 2212 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota, (941) 924-8066

Phuoc Loc Tho

This north Sarasota store is loaded with options from around east and southeast Asia. A lengthy aisle of prepackaged noodles will send your head swirling as you struggle to choose which flavors to take home. Load up on frozen dumplings and fresh meat and seafood—the selections are vast and the prices are oh-so-good. 1944 12th St., Sarasota, (941) 365-0520

Super Bravo

With an extensive selection of Mexican and other international offerings, this North Beneva store is chockablock with groceries. We can’t come here without loading a Styrofoam container full of hot food from the buffet, where you’ll find rice, stewed meat and even whole fried fish. 953 N. Beneva Road, Sarasota (941) 362-3596, bravosupermarkets.com

India Bazaar

India Bazaar is a great place to stock up on aromatics for cooking, as well as quality frozen goods for simple weekday dinners. We’re inclined to grab an armload of paneer, which costs roughly half as much here as it does at corporate spots. 5149 15th St. W., Bradenton, (941) 756-5373

Tienda El Paisa

This Colombian mini-market serves as a lifeline for South American residents and their families back home. Customers can send packages to Colombia at great rates while stocking up on ingredients for their home kitchens. Even better, the store offers grab-and-go options like empanadas. 3857 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota, (941) 926-9222

The Latin Brother’s Market

This store has an excellent selection of unique finds from around Latin America. Need passion fruit? They’ve got you. How about chochos (Ecuadorian beans)? No worries. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, the owners are renowned for tracking it down for you. Just ask. 1100 N. Tuttle Ave., #7, (941) 706-3721

Pierogi Inn

It’s not a surprise that a Polish grocery store called Pierogi Inn would stock pierogies, but it shocked us when we found a dozen different varieties in the freezer. Choose your favorite flavor combination and pair it with any Eastern European condiment you can dream of. There’s also a great selection of kielbasas and Polish cheeses to round out your meal. 6611 Superior Ave., Sarasota, (941) 929-0101, polishdelipierogiinn.com

Scandinavian Gifts, Baked Goods & Grocery

This quaint shop is teeming with traditional décor from Scandinavia. Folk art decorates each little gift, which range from tea towels to kitchenware and beyond. Aside from the gift items, though, we come for the food—like brown cheese, preserves and the only place in town where you can find lefse, a Norwegian flatbread. 2166 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota, (941) 923-4313, scandinavian-south.com