Milwaukee has always been a city of immigrants, from the French fur traders that were the first to arrive from Europe (even the Native peoples here crossed a land bridge from Asia!) to the Germans that swelled the city's population along with the Irish, the Italians, the Poles and later groups like Latinos, Hmong and Eastern Europeans.
So, it should come as no surprise that the city can boast some great ethnic groceries and specialty food stores. Here are some of our favorites. For a more comprehensive list, see our guide.
Asian Mart
1125 N. Old World 3rd St., (414) 765-9211
Forget buying your rice, noodles, oils or spices at Pick ‘n Save; the Asian Mart has the selections, sights and smells of authenticity. If you're looking to roll your own sushi, this Downtown supermarket is a jackpot for all your supplies: nori, rice vinegar, wasabi, soy sauce, dehydrated shitake mushrooms, and even the bamboo rolling pads. Great for just about any variety of Asian cooking, the spacious grocer has all the basic food groups covered, and then some. Get there on a weekend morning and try the freshly-baked pastries in white boxes near the register. Some are sweet, with fruit and cream fillings; others are savory, filled with chicken and beef. --Julie Lawrence
Attari Supermarket
3042 S. 13th St., (414) 645-5880
Attari is difficult to classify in terms of ethnicities. The brightly colored sign just south of Oklahoma on 13th Street is written in both English and Arabic, but that doesn't mean it only sells Middle Eastern goods. Mingling amongst the exotic bulk spices, falafel mix and canned pickled beans you'll also find an array of Hispanic items as well as rows of ordinary American products like Kraft dressings and Hamburger Helper. The highlight of the small store might just be its freshly baked pita breads, which are made daily, and the friendly owners will always find you a still-warm batch to take home. On weekends, the meat counter is bustling with customers requesting whole chickens, beef and lamb legs, chops and shoulders. The prices here are quite fair. --J.L.
G. Groppi Food Market
1441 E. Russell St., (414) 747-9012
ggroppifoodmarket.com
Not only does Groppi's offer some of the best Italian meats, cheeses and breads in the city, but entering the small market is like stepping back in time. The small isles, hardwood floors and counter style service are reminiscent of early 1900's groceries here and abroad. And literally, if you check out the picture above the bakery area, you might guess that your grandmother may have very well stood at the same counter for her weekly shopping.
The staff is some of the friendliest in the city and although the employees have stretched beyond members of the Nehring family, Groppi's truly maintains a local, family feeling. The grocery offers Italian cheese rarities like gorgonzola dolce, Locatelli Romano and Roca parmesan along with fresh produce, breads and meats. The front deli grills a variety of gigantic panini made to order and the back deli prepares one of the best fresh mozzarella salads in the city. For such a small store, they have a large wine and beer selection as well as authentic tiramisu and Cannoli. --Maureen Post
El Rey
916 S. Cesar Chavez Dr., (414) 643-0697
I started going to El Rey about 10 years ago for kitschy religious candles, fresh tamales, Latin candy with interesting packaging and / or a quick nosh in their cafe. Today, I shop there about once a month for some of the items already listed, as well as salsa, plantains, avocados, limes, Mexican cheese, black beans, crackers, spices, poultry and whatever else strikes my fancy. I appreciate the fresh, authentic Latin food and grocery items, but even more so, it's a great opportunity for me and my son -- who was adopted from Guatemala -- to dip into and enjoy Latin culture. --Molly Snyder Edler
Indian Groceries & Spices
10633 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa (414) 771-3535
For me, dining in an Indian restaurant always seems a bit exotic, exciting and a tad experimental. Making Indian food at home is all of the above. If you're going to try it at home, Indian Groceries & Spices is a great first stop. Owned and operated by Dinesh and Bharti Sanghavi for more than 30 years, the mostly vegetarian store offers a variety of spices, pre-packaged meals, produce, frozen foods, take-and-go items and everything you need to replicate your favorite buffet at home.
The staff is cheerful and helpful. If you can't remember what you're looking for, they'll help you find it. If they don't have it, they'll order it for you. The location near Mayfair is convenient, but the Web site iShopIndian.com offers a great selection and home delivery.
The store is open from 10 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday. Grab some curry, chutney and a samosa on your way out. --Drew Olson
Usinger's Sausage
1030 N. Old World 3rd St., (414) 276-9105
usinger.com
Usinger's has been a family-owned German-American institution in the city since 1880. While it's not a grocery store, it is a unique ethnic food outlet that captures the spirit and the flavor of Milwaukee's German heritage. Fresh sausages and cold cuts of all kinds are on sale and the seconds table offers great-tasting treats at rock bottom prices. The service is friendly and the décor is a blast from Brew City's ethnic past. The shop is open from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. every day except Sunday. --Bobby Tanzilo
