Travel the world without leaving town

Leave your passport at home; Solano County storefronts offer up a world of flavors

With the wonderful mix of cultures in Solano County it’s no wonder we have dozens of ethnic markets to fill the culinary needs of each. No matter what your background is, don’t be afraid to venture into one of these markets and learn something about a new cuisine. These are our top eight.

Asian Market
Don’t let its location in a quiet strip mall or its size fool you. This tiny, tucked-away store sells plenty of Thai and Laos products and ingredients, as well as produce, and the employees are always friendly.
311 Marina Center, Suisun City (707) 434-8846.

Indian Bazaar
This is not the biggest Indian gourmet store in Solano County, but they do have the most helpful employees who are happy to answer any questions you have. 2074 Columbus Parkway, Benicia
(707) 746-1928.

La Charrita
What makes this store stand out are their outstanding house-made salsas and guacamoles, tortillas and carne preparada—prepared meat, which is great for barbecue. 1470 Texas St., Fairfield (707) 434-8344.

Mediterranean Food Center
Not only is this a favorite lunch spot of downtown Fairfield, but it’s also the place to go for everything Mediterranean. From cheeses to spices and oils––even hookahs––they have it all. 823 Texas St., Fairfield (707) 438-0911.

Mexico Meat Market
With two locations, they not only have an extensive selection of everything needed to make a wonderful Latino feast, but they also carry many products typically found at the everyday grocery store. In addition, they arguably have the world’s largest pork rinds. 1922 N. Texas St., Fairfield (707) 427-8767; 1130 E. Monte Vista Ave. #A, Vacaville (707) 452-0580.

Seafood City
This place is huge; the shelves are full of every imaginable Filipino ingredient as well as many products from other Asian cultures. The produce is always fresh and the seafood department can’t be beat. Not only is this a fully stocked grocer, there are three restaurants and a full-fledged bakery inside the store.
3495 Sonoma Blvd., Vallejo (707) 654-1958; seafoodcity.com.

Thai Market
From spices to frozen goods to kitchen tools and movies, this is by far the best place in Fairfield to find everything Thai. The owners are very friendly and helpful, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. 321 Texas St., Suite 104, Fairfield (707) 425-9711.

The Grand Manila Seafood
In addition to their frozen and dry good selection of Filipino products, they do specialty cakes and full catering services for any occasion. This is also a good place to get a bite for lunch. 1972 N. Texas St., Fairfield (707) 421-8777; thegrandmanilaseafood.com.

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