Exploring International Markets in Atlanta, Georgia: Where to Shop for Global Groceries and Goods

Atlanta is one of the South’s most diverse cities, and that shows up clearly in its international markets. Whether you live here, just moved to the city, or you’re visiting and looking for specific ingredients, Atlanta offers a wide range of global grocery stores, specialty shops, and wholesale-style markets.

This guide focuses on international markets in Atlanta, Georgia—where they are, what you can find, and how to choose the right place for your needs.

Why Atlanta Is a Great City for International Markets

Atlanta’s growing communities from Asia, Latin America, Africa, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Europe support a strong network of international markets. For shoppers, that means:

• Access to hard-to-find ingredients for global recipes
• More fresh produce, meats, and seafood options
• Specialty items like spices, sauces, snacks, teas, and frozen foods from specific regions
• Often better prices on bulk rice, beans, lentils, and pantry staples
• Ready-to-eat foods, bakeries, and small restaurants inside or next to the stores

Most international markets in Atlanta are located along major corridors like Buford Highway, Jimmy Carter Boulevard, and areas in Doraville, Chamblee, and Clarkston, but you’ll find options all around the metro area.

Major Types of International Markets in Atlanta

Different neighborhoods and communities support different types of markets. Here are the main categories you’ll see around Atlanta:

1. Pan-Asian Supermarkets

These are large-format stores serving Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Filipino, and broader Southeast and East Asian cuisines. They typically offer:

• Fresh and live seafood
• Wide selections of rice, noodles, tofu, and soy products
• Frozen dumplings, buns, seafood, and desserts
• Large produce sections with items like bok choy, Thai basil, daikon, long beans, and more
• In-house bakeries, food courts, or hot bars

Common shopping corridors for pan-Asian markets in Atlanta include:

• Buford Highway (Atlanta, Doraville, Chamblee)
• Areas near Pleasant Hill Road and Duluth (northeast of the Perimeter)

2. Latin American / Mexican Markets

Latin American grocery stores in Atlanta typically focus on Mexican, Central American, and South American products. Shoppers often go here for:

• Fresh tortillas, masa, and corn products
• Dried chiles, spices, and salsas
• Cuts of meat popular in Latin American cooking (thin steaks, marinated meats, offal)
• Fresh pan dulce and pastries
• Central and South American brands of beans, rice, canned goods, snacks, and soft drinks

These markets are spread widely throughout metro Atlanta, including south Atlanta, Norcross, Marietta, Forest Park, and Gwinnett County.

3. Indian and South Asian Markets

Indian and South Asian grocery stores serve communities from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Common offerings include:

• Massive varieties of lentils, beans, and rice (including basmati and sona masoori)
• Fresh chilies, curry leaves, okra, bottle gourd, bitter gourd, and other regional vegetables
• Spice blends, ghee, pickles, and chutneys
• Frozen Indian breads (naan, paratha, roti) and snacks
• Hindu religious items, incense, and festival supplies

These are concentrated in areas like Decatur, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, and along Jimmy Carter Boulevard and parts of Buford Highway.

4. Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Markets

Middle Eastern and Mediterranean markets in Atlanta often blend foods from:

• Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Iran, Palestine, Israel, Jordan, Greece, and surrounding regions

Expect to find:

• Olives, feta, labneh, and other cheeses
• Fresh and frozen pita, lavash, and flatbreads
• Bulk bins with nuts, dried fruits, and spices
• Halal meats and prepared items like kebabs, shawarma, and falafel
• Pantry items such as tahini, pomegranate molasses, rose water, and specialty oils

Many are located in northeast Atlanta, Decatur, and parts of Tucker and Norcross.

5. African and Caribbean Markets

Atlanta’s African and Caribbean communities support markets that specialize in:

• West and East African staples like fufu flour, yam, plantain, cassava, egusi, palm oil
• Caribbean products such as seasoning blends, jerk sauces, salted fish, sorrel, and Caribbean rice and pea mixes
• Fresh produce like plantains, yams, scotch bonnet peppers, and specialty greens

You’ll find these markets in areas with strong immigrant communities such as Clarkston, Stone Mountain, Southwest Atlanta, and parts of DeKalb and Clayton County.

6. European and Eastern European Markets

Smaller but still present, European markets around Atlanta may focus on:

• Eastern European foods (Russian, Ukrainian, Polish, Georgian, Balkan)
• German, French, Italian, and British specialty items

Typical items include:

• Smoked meats, sausages, and cold cuts
• Jams, preserves, mustards, and pickled vegetables
• Specialty chocolates, biscuits, and teas
• Imported flours, grains, and baking supplies

These are often found in north metro Atlanta and some pockets near Sandy Springs and Roswell.

Popular Corridors and Neighborhoods for International Shopping

You don’t need to know the name of every store to shop internationally in Atlanta. Focusing on key shopping corridors can help you quickly find multiple markets in one trip.

Buford Highway (Atlanta, Chamblee, Doraville)

Buford Highway is often considered Atlanta’s international food backbone. Along this corridor you’ll find:

• Pan-Asian supermarkets
• Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, and Mexican grocery stores
• Bakeries, bubble tea shops, and small produce stands

Buford Highway runs roughly northeast from the city, with much of the international concentration between Brookhaven and Doraville.

Jimmy Carter Boulevard and Norcross

This area, north of Atlanta, supports:

• Large Asian supermarkets
• Latin American markets
• International bakeries and specialty shops

It’s convenient for residents of Norcross, Peachtree Corners, Duluth, and Tucker.

Clarkston and Stone Mountain

Clarkston is known for its refugee and immigrant communities from around the world. In and around Clarkston and nearby Stone Mountain, shoppers often find:

• African markets
• Middle Eastern and halal markets
• Smaller international grocers tied to specific communities

Decatur, Tucker, and East Side

On Atlanta’s east side, especially around North Decatur Road, Lawrenceville Highway, and parts of Tucker, you can find:

• Indian and South Asian groceries
• Middle Eastern and Mediterranean markets
• Smaller pan-Asian and African stores

What You Can Expect to Find at International Markets

Not every market carries the same items, but most international markets in Atlanta share some common features.

Typical Departments and Offerings

• Produce:
  Exotic or region-specific fruits and vegetables (like dragon fruit, rambutan, durian, Thai eggplants, longan, taro, chayote, and specialty greens).

• Meat and Seafood:
  Many have in-house butchers or seafood counters with cuts and species not always found in mainstream supermarkets, including whole fish, offal, goat, lamb, and halal options.

• Dry Goods and Pantry Staples:
  Large bags of rice, beans, lentils, flours, and noodles, plus region-specific sauces and condiments.

• Frozen Foods:
  Dumplings, buns, prepared breads, tropical vegetables, and ready-to-cook items for quick meal prep.

• Snacks and Drinks:
  International chips, candies, cookies, teas, coffees, and soft drinks.

• Bakery and Prepared Foods (in larger stores):
  Ready-to-eat breads, pastries, and hot foods. Some Atlanta markets include food courts or small restaurants inside or adjacent to the store.

• Household Items and Specialty Goods:
  Traditional cookware, incense, religious items, specialty cookware, and sometimes beauty products tied to the region.

How to Choose the Right International Market in Atlanta

Since there are many options, it helps to be strategic about where you go, especially if you have limited time.

Step 1: Clarify What Cuisine or Ingredients You Need

Ask yourself:

• Are you cooking Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, or Japanese? → Look for a pan-Asian supermarket.
• Are you making tacos, pupusas, or Brazilian dishes? → Target a Latin American/Mexican market.
• Do you need lentils, spices, paneer, or Indian breads? → Choose an Indian/South Asian store.
• Are you planning mezze, kebabs, or Greek dishes? → Visit a Middle Eastern/Mediterranean market.
• Do you need ingredients like fufu flour, plantains, palm oil, jerk seasoning, or salted fish? → Head to African or Caribbean markets.

Step 2: Decide How Far You’re Willing to Travel

Traffic and distance matter in metro Atlanta. Consider:

• Inside the Perimeter (ITP):
  Buford Highway areas near Brookhaven and Chamblee, parts of Decatur, and pockets of west and south Atlanta.

• Outside the Perimeter (OTP):
  Doraville, Norcross, Duluth, Tucker, Clarkston, Stone Mountain, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, and others.

Many residents plan a monthly or biweekly stock-up trip to one of the larger markets and use local neighborhood shops for smaller purchases.

Step 3: Look at Store Size and Selection

In general:

• Large international supermarkets offer:

  • Better selection
  • More prepared foods and bakery options
  • More parking

• Smaller neighborhood grocers often offer:

  • More specialized items for one specific community
  • A more personal shopping experience
  • Convenience if you live nearby

Quick Reference: Matching Needs to Market Types

Here’s a simple guide to help you match what you want to buy with the type of international market in Atlanta that’s most likely to have it:

Price, Payment, and Practical Tips

International markets in Atlanta can differ from mainstream supermarkets in how they operate. A few practical tips make visits smoother.

Pricing and Value

• Many shoppers find competitive pricing on:

  • Bulk dry goods (rice, beans, lentils)
  • Fresh produce, especially in-season items
  • Spices, large bags of herbs, and specialty flours

• Imported items and specialty goods can range from very affordable to premium-priced, depending on the product and origin.

Payment Methods

Most larger international markets in Atlanta generally accept:

• Credit and debit cards
• Cash

Some smaller shops may:

• Have card minimums
• Prefer cash for small purchases

💡 Tip: If you’re visiting a small neighborhood market for the first time, it’s helpful to bring a backup payment option (such as cash) just in case.

Language and Labels

• Many products will have labels in another language, sometimes with English translations, sometimes without.
• Staff in Atlanta’s international markets are often bilingual or multilingual and used to helping customers unfamiliar with certain products.

If you’re unsure about an item:

• Compare packaging pictures and ingredients
• Start by buying smaller quantities
• Ask staff or, if you’re comfortable, other shoppers—many people are happy to explain how they use certain ingredients.

Food Safety and Storage

As in any grocery store:

• Check expiration dates, especially on imported items.
• Inspect fresh fish, meat, and produce for quality.
• Ask about storage (refrigeration or freezing) for unfamiliar products once you get home.

Getting to International Markets Around Atlanta

Because international markets are spread across the metro area, your transportation options may affect where you shop.

Driving and Parking

• Most large markets outside central Atlanta are in strip malls or shopping centers with parking lots.
• On busy weekends or holidays, lots can get crowded, especially in places like Buford Highway and Jimmy Carter Boulevard.

If you’re new to driving in the area, consider:

• Visiting during weekday mornings or early afternoons for lighter crowds.

Public Transit Considerations

If you rely on MARTA:

• Some Buford Highway markets are reachable by MARTA bus from stations on the Gold or Red line.
• Before you go, check current bus routes and schedules for stops near your chosen market, such as those along Buford Highway or Ponce de Leon Avenue.

When to Shop: Timing Your Visit

Many Atlanta shoppers time their trips to international markets around freshness and crowds.

• Weekends:

  • Busier but often have restocked produce and full selections.
  • Expect more families and longer checkout lines at peak times (late morning to evening).

• Weekdays:

  • Quieter and easier for first-time visitors.
  • Good for exploring aisles and comparing products without feeling rushed.

• Holidays and Cultural Festivals:

  • Before major holidays (Lunar New Year, Diwali, Ramadan, Easter, Christmas, and others), markets serving those communities may be especially busy but also better stocked with specialty items.

Making the Most of International Markets in Atlanta

If you’re just beginning to explore Atlanta’s international markets, a few simple habits can make the experience more rewarding:

• Start with a loose list:
  Have a few must-buy items, but leave room to try new things you find on the shelves.

• Buy one or two new items per trip:
  This keeps it fun without feeling overwhelming.

• Take photos of labels:
  When you like a product but can’t pronounce or spell it easily, take a picture so you can find it again later.

• Plan storage before a big trip:
  If you’re buying bulk rice, frozen foods, or large quantities of meat, make sure you have enough pantry and freezer space at home.

• Respect cultural norms:
  Like any grocery store, be mindful of how items are handled, especially in areas with open bins or religious items.

International markets in Atlanta, Georgia, give residents and visitors access to a world of flavors without leaving the metro area. Whether you’re shopping along Buford Highway, in Clarkston, or in the northern suburbs, you can find ingredients and products that support everyday cooking, cultural traditions, and culinary exploration—all tailored to the city’s rich, diverse communities.