12 Ethnic Markets Worth Checking Out

On the surface, you wouldn’t think that Nice would have a lot of ethnic markets. But take a walk through almost any neighborhood and you’ll be surprised to find markets from many lands. Some of these I frequent, others are still waiting to be explored. As with any business here, check the hours before you venture out.

1. There are multiple Asian markets, but 2 of the biggest and my favorites are Asiana and Mondial Market. Asiana is a little bigger and is the only place in Nice where I’ve found dried chilis for my Mexican cravings. Mondial is close by the train station and while smaller, still carries a lot of ingredients.
2. Another Asian market with a nod towards Taiwan is a newcomer to Nice. Pin Wei has a small selection of groceries and offers meals to go, which friends have really enjoyed.
3. Italian markets are widespread. One of the best is Spesa Italia just down the street from Pin Wei. The aisles are jam-packed, but if you want to choose from 20 different cans of tomatoes, this is your spot.
4. Also widespread—Russian markets. There’s a big one on Gambetta, Gastronomie Russe where I’ve been getting pelmeni (little dumplings) and smetana, their version of sour cream.
5. Portuguese: when I looked up the place I’ve been to, La Cave Portuguese, (139 blvd Gambetta) 2 others popped up, all just north of the train station. Time to go exploring.
6. In a futile search for jalapeños in Nice I tried the African grocery, aptly named African Market Nice. While I’ve never seen jalapeños there, they do have something I was surprised to find—broken rice. It’s tiny bits of rice that I first had in a Vietnamese place in NYC. They generally have okra and different yams.
7. Lebanese: My weekly stop is Chez Maman on rue de France. There I’m greeted by “bonjour chef” and I get my yogurt fix. In a freezer case upfront there are 2 kinds of homemade kibbe and other goodies.
8. Indian: Just south of the train station on rue de Belgique, I go for basmati rice and some spices. A small store but well stocked.
9. Romanian: I pass this place on blvd Gambetta on my way to the train station and am always amazed at the big dried fish in the window, but haven’t ventured in (yet).
10. Scandinavian: Fjord is another place I’ve passed by over near the Port, they specialize in all sorts of Scandinavian products including lots of smoked salmon and other goodies.

Not in Nice but worth the train ride:

11. British Smith’s: This is a pretty big store in Antibes, about a 5-minute walk from the train. My stop for bacon, cheddar, brown sugar, and barbecue sauce among other British and American products. And while you’re in Antibes, if you need jalapeños, the guy at the back end of the covered market usually has fresh ones.
12. Mexican and other Latin American: Mi Boutique Latina. In Cagnes sur Mer on a tiny street about 5 minutes from the train station is a great source for Mexican ingredients. Good tortillas, jarred salsas, beans, and a helpful staff. Be warned, you’ll be carrying a lot home!