Hey Chattanooga. 👋 Have you ever seen a recipe online that you really wanted to try, but the list of ingredients was so new + overwhelming that you just thought, “Let’s leave this to the professionals,” and ordered takeout instead?

There are so many incredible local restaurants that serve international foods, but there’s something special about putting a home-cooked meal on the table for family + friends. 🍽

So today, we’re inspiring you + your menu with a list of everywhere we like to go for international ingredients in town.

And don’t worry – cooking with international ingredients doesn’t have to be hard, and it can often inspire you to think outside of the box. Bonus: You can often find inexpensive staples (like tortillas, spices, fruits + vegetables) at these markets, so they can complement your regular grocery haul. 🥬

Asian Cuisine

Make traditional favorites like Mapo Tofu and dumplings, and pick up a few veggies + fruits, like Chinese chives, Asian eggplant + lychees, while you’re at it.

🥘 Asian Food & Gifts of Chattanooga |📍3639 Hixson Pike | 🕒 Mon., Wed., Fri., Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 12-5 p.m., closed Tues. | ☎️ (423) 870-1067 | ⭐️ “This is the only place in Chattanooga that I have been able to find Asian Pears for Bulgogi. They get a new shipment of produce/meat every Thursday.” – Ryan via Google Reviews

🥘 Asian Market |📍6933 Lee Hwy #500 | 🕒 Mon., Thurs., Fri., Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m-7 p.m., closed Tues + Wed. | ☎️ (423) 710-1465 | ⭐️ “Very good selection of Asian food and the people there are super friendly. I got some delicious spicy kimchi, among other things.” – Marion via Google Reviews

🥘 Asian Market |📍3920 Ringgold Rd. | 🕒 Daily 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | ☎️ (423) 624-1809 | ⭐️ “The owner is always nice and always tells me what she just got in!” – Amanda via Google Reviews

Indian Cuisine

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDzrr0VH_mG/

(Above photo: Desi Brothers | @sewjunco)

Try your hand at homemade curry, or take home a few pre-made spice blends.

🥘 Taj International Foods and Spices |📍7334 Lee Hwy | 🕒 Fri. - Wed. 12:30-8 p.m., closed Thurs. | ☎️ (319) 354-1901 | ⭐️ “Lots of spices and hard to find goods. Great selection and friendly owners.” – Candace via Google Reviews

🥘 Indian Grocery Kitchen Spices |📍East Brainerd Rd., 7601 Stratman Cir. | 🕒 Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 1-9:15 p.m. | ☎️ (423) 551-4999 | ⭐️ “They have fresh fruit and vegetables and they offer fish on certain days. plenty of spices, and not overly expensive.” – Angie via Google Reviews

🥘 Desi Brothers |📍6500 Lee Hwy | 🕒 Daily 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. | ☎️ (423) 551-8285 | ⭐️ “This is my go-to place for paneer, naan and Indian mixes. Always check out the selection of freshly made foods at the checkout!” – Tracy via Google Reviews

🥘 India Bazar |📍6940 Lee Hwy # 106 | 🕒 Daily 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | ☎️ (423) 855-5995 | ⭐️ “Very friendly and helpful. Great produce price. Always get my red lentils here for soup and they have mangos by the case as well as bulk rice and spices.” – Rashelle via Google Reviews

Latinx/Hispanic Cuisine

Pick up some masa to make handmade tortillas, grab queso fresco, and try Mexican soda flavors, like tamarind. Don’t forget fresh (+ dried) peppers for salsa.

🥘 Super Carniceria Loa #11 |📍4816 Hixson Pike | 🕒 Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sat. 6 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 6 a.m.-8 p.m. | ☎️ (423) 870-7100 | ⭐️ “Lots of fresh produce, meat market offers choice cuts hard to find and perfect for Hispanic dishes. All the herbs and spices needed to recreate dishes to taste like home.” – Krysta via Google Reviews

🥘 Tortilleria La Reyna 2 |📍3520 Brainerd Rd. | 🕒 Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Thurs. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun.9 a.m.-6 p.m. | ☎️ (423) 486-1633 | ⭐️ “By far the best tortillas in town! Very authentic taste! Also very fresh which I personally enjoy!” – Itzel via Google Reviews

🥘 Tienda y Carnicería "Sontay" |📍5312 Ringgold Rd. | 🕒 Sun.-Wed.. 8 a.m.-9 p.m., Thurs.-Sat. 8 a.m.-10 p.m. | ☎️ (423) 805-4477 | ⭐️ “They treat you very kindly offering their products at a good price. – Bonifacio via Google Reviews

🥘 Carniceria La Bendición |📍2109 E Main St. | 🕒 Daily 7 a.m.-10 p.m. | ☎️ (423) 867-9798 | ⭐️ “Prices and selection are great.” – Barry via Google Reviews

European Cuisine

German pretzels, Polish sausages, teas + more from across the pond.

🥘 European Market #1 |📍4921 Ooltewah Ringgold Rd. | 🕒 Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. 12:30-3 p.m. | ☎️ (423) 899-3099 | ⭐️ “Super friendly service and awesome selection of international treats and foods.” – Jeff via Google Reviews

🥘 Aldi |📍5706 Lee Hwy / 2020 Gunbarrel Rd., Ste 154 / 637 Mundy St. | 🕒 Daily 9 a.m.-8 p.m. | ☎️ (855) 955-2534 | ⭐️ “I stocked up on their German brand (Deutsche Küche) of bratwurst and I chose some of their crazy-good specialty cheeses to have on hand.” – Deede via Google Reviews