Southern California—home to sunshine, surfboards, and a grocery store for every craving under the sun. You can’t go a block without stumbling across a new healthy market promising everything from gluten-free quinoa chips to hand-picked seaweed harvested by ancient monks (okay, maybe not that last one… but we can dream). If you’re tired of the same ol’ grocery store routine and want to experience something a little more exotic (read: unique, weird, and wonderfully RFK Jr approved healthy), let me introduce you to some of the best ethnic, healthful and unique grocery stores in SoCal. Whether you’re on a mission for gluten-free snacks or you’re just hunting for a good deal on an obscure international ingredient, there’s a place for you.
Aisle Be Back: Some of the most unique grocery stores in SoCal
I personally live in a small mountain town of southern California. We have zero great grocery choices. Just what is the healthy foodie supposed to do? Well, my choice is to hang up the snowshoes for just one day and pack my biggest ice chest in the back of my Jeep. Then I high-tail it to Los Angeles and Orange County for some healthy food options that won’t make JFK Jr cringe. When it comes to the unique grocery stores in SoCal, there are just so many choices from the suburbs of Rancho Cucamonga to the farmers market at The Grove in the heart of Los Angeles.
1. Whole Foods: The ‘I’m Too Fancy to Shop Here’ Store
Ah, Whole Foods—the land of $10 avocados, kale chips that cost more than your first car, and shelves of organic apples that make you wonder if you’re secretly a health guru. It’s a go-to for those looking for a high-end shopping experience with an emphasis on wellness. But let’s be real, Whole Foods isn’t just about clean eating; it’s an experience. You walk in and instantly feel healthier just by inhaling the scent of overpriced elderberry kombucha. I personally live a two-hour drive from any kind of fancy or ethnic health food store, so I consider Whole Foods like my Disneyland. Yes, the foodie in me thinks this is the happiest place on earth, at least until I look at my AmEx bill!
Best For: The best supermarket sushi ( Try the yellowtail, trust me) and fancy artisan cheeses such as Red Tractor that could make your charcuterie dreams come true. Whole Foods knows its clientele, so if you’re a bougie foodie like I am, this is your haven. Whole Foods knows you will sell your soul to the devil for their ten-dollar-a-pound kale salad. As soon as you walk in the front doors past that seasonal display of organic cotton candy apples, they have you sucked in.
Here you will find shelves stocked with artisanal almond flour, crazy expensive keto-friendly bread, and gluten-free pasta made from Hearts of Palm that tastes like actual pasta (shocking, I know).
Price Range: Expensive. The organic produce is probably more expensive than a gourmet meal in Italy, but hey, at least you can say you’re eating the best.
2. Tokyo Central: Welcome to Japan… But in an Aisle. In Orange County
If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to step into a Tokyo supermarket without leaving Southern California, Tokyo Central is your answer. Yes, you may be a short Uber ride from Disneyland and Mickey Mouse, but you wouldn’t know it when you walk through the aisles of Tokyo Central and past a display of the driest sake, you can find this side of Irvine.
This place is a wonderland for sushi lovers, ramen enthusiasts, and anyone who has ever spent an unreasonable amount of time scrolling through K-dramas. Tokyo Central has everything from mochi to matcha to specialty Asian snacks that you won’t find at your standard grocery store. Pro tip: Try the mochi ice cream. You’ll thank me later.
Best For: Everything Japanese! Sake, sushi, you have to grab lunch at their grab-and-go hot counter. Try the Octopus balls. Oh, wait, maybe they are called Tako
But octopus balls sound way more ethnic. Or at least trashy.
Passport Not Required
And don’t forget the Taiyaki! Those adorable fish cookies. Tokyo Central also carries a good variety of gluten-free soy sauces, rice crackers, and even keto-friendly ramen. Plus, if you’re on a keto diet but still want a taste of Japan, Tokyo Central has keto-friendly snacks that’ll make you feel like you’re living the best of both worlds. If you have friends who love sushi or Japanese culture, this place has amazing gift ideas. And did I mention the sake choices? There is no better place in southern California if you are looking for sake or a huge Asian beer selection.
Price Range: Moderately priced. Tokyo Central is not as wallet-punishing as Whole Foods, but it’s definitely not a “let’s get everything on the shelf” type of place either. Shop wisely, and you’ll leave with a treasure trove of goodies.
3. Ranch Market Redlands: For the Adventurous Latino Shopper
Looking to shake up your grocery game? Ranch Market in Redlands is your ticket to a whole new world of culinary ethnic delights. It’s a Mexican supermarket that has everything from fresh-baked tortillas to salsas just blended that’ll make your tongue do the cha-cha. The aisles are filled with colorful packaging, deliciously pungent cotija cheeses, and enough hot sauce to turn your insides into a volcano. If you haven’t tried Ranch Market yet, you’re missing out on some of the most flavorful, budget-friendly products you’ll ever find. And bonus, now they do house-smoked barbeque! You have to try a platter of the Tri-Tip Fries!
Best For: The Mango Habenero Ribs! Throw them on the barbecue when you get home and you can thank me later.
This is the place in southern California to purchase all your gluten-free snacks that don’t break the bank. Sure, it’s not the mecca of gluten-free everything, but if you’re looking for inexpensive corn-based options (Keto tortillas, anyone?), this is your place.
If you are looking for keto-friendly tortillas or tortilla chips, this is the gluten-free snacky Latino Mecca. I literally have no
t found keto-friendly tortilla or tortilla chips products that were this good. The downside is that I’m not going to say they’re cheap. But one thing about Ranch Market, their keto products might be a little bit pricey but everything else from the honey mangos to the heaps of fresh basil and mint are priced so well, especially when on sale, that the price scale seems to even out. Those tiny Mexican limes you bought at a budget price + all that fresh on-sale meat is so cheap, you may think you are actually in Baja California!
t found keto-friendly tortilla or tortilla chips products that were this good. The downside is that I’m not going to say they’re cheap. But one thing about Ranch Market, their keto products might be a little bit pricey but everything else from the honey mangos to the heaps of fresh basil and mint are priced so well, especially when on sale, that the price scale seems to even out. Those tiny Mexican limes you bought at a budget price + all that fresh on-sale meat is so cheap, you may think you are actually in Baja California!Another great thing about Ranch Market is that they have suddenly, in the last five years, have begun carrying so many ethnic Indian groceries! No need to drive to Little India in Artesia when you can find freshly ground cumin, jars of garlic ginger and your favorite brand of frozen parathas in the aisles of Redlands Ranch Market!
Pro tip: Stock up on guacamole; you’ll thank me when your friends arrive.
Price Range: Budget-friendly. Most of the time. Ranch Market is perfect for those of us living on a ramen noodle budget but still wanting to feel like a foodie. You can load up your cart with a ridiculous amount of food and still leave with change in your pocket.
4. Pioneer Cash and Carry: A Riverside Revelation
If you haven’t heard of Pioneer Cash and Carry, brace yourself for some serious Punjabi excitement.
The second you walk through that glass sliding door off of the new Pioneer Cash and Carry off of Donald in Riverside, you will think, yup, it smells like India in here. This hidden gem in Riverside is like a warehouse of Indian wonder. It’s like Costco, but for the Indian foods you didn’t know you were craving. We’re talking bulk bins of dried chili peppers, giant jars of pre-ground garlic ginger, and enough dhana and jeera spices to make you feel like an amateur Iron Chef Mumbai.
Biryani, Bagels & Beyond: Southern California’s Grocery Melting Pot
Best For: The best selection of Indian international ingredients you can find in Southern California. It’s also the kind of place that makes you say, “Wait, what is that?!” when you spot something intriguing, like Sprouted Methi. You’ll find everything from gluten-free flours to keto-friendly snacks, as well as authentic Middle Eastern and Indian products that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. Pioneer Cash & Carry is a vegetarian establishment so don’t expect to find cheap cuts of goat here. But they have so many different chutneys and Indian pickles. You won’t even miss that leg of lamb!
Price Range: Budget-
friendly. You’re getting a lot for your buck here. Sure, you’ll have to buy in bulk, but it’s worth it when you realize you’ve got enough ground cardamom to last you a decade.
5. 99 Ranch: Everything Asian you could ever want. Seriously.
I love 99 Ranch and wish we had one less than a two-hour drive from my home. Their frozen fish selection is out of this world. Frozen clams for my Clam Chowder? Yup. The best price on scallops? Yes! Not to mention, they carry awesome, unique Asian veggies at great prices. This is also one of the only places I can find duck eggs. Whole Foods also has them, but they are twice the price. If you love quail eggs, you can buy them here. Not to mention every ethnic Asian sauce you could ever want: Black vinegar, dark soy sauce, spicy chili oil
Holy Shiitake, That’s a Lot of Flavors!
“Ranking the smelliest aisles in SoCal ethnic markets.” What on God’s green earth is that smell? Yes, you may be walking by the Durian fruit, a Hong Kong specialty that smells worse than my dog after she chewed on that donkey leg all afternoon.
Bonus: If you shop at the one in Corona, you have to check out
Sushi Asahi afterwards! In order to go and all the rolls are fifty percent of!
Best for: Bring an ice chest! When their fresh live lobsters go on sale, you simply can not beat this price! Not a fan of lobster
Price Range: Are we in mainland China? How are the prices so cheap on everything?
You Had Me at Halal
For the health-conscious gluten-free or keto crowd, Whole Foods and Pioneer Cash and Carry are the champions. Whole Foods has the bougie factor, but Pioneer Cash and Carry is the underrated hero with international Indian keto goodness.
For the adventurous foodie looking for something different, Tokyo Central and Ranch Market are the places to go. Whether you’re into Asian fusion or Mexican comfort food, these spots will ignite your culinary curiosity.
On a budget? Ranch Market and Pioneer Cash and Carry are your go-to stores. You can stock up on international treats without feeling like your wallet has been robbed. I mean, these are just a few ethnic and healthful choices you may want to consider. There is also H-Mart, a newer Asian chain that is constantly opening new stores (Rancho Cucamonga coming in 2026!) And Seafood City Supermarket for all your Filipino Lumpia needs.
Southern California is full of grocery stores that cater to the weird and wonderful, whether you’re gluten-free, keto, or just in the mood to try something new. Get out there, explore, and remember: shopping should be fun, not just a chore.
Happy (and delicious) hunting!
Comments
What a fantastic “Spice Aisle Safari”! Your exploration of SoCal’s diverse markets is inspiring. It’s a culinary adventure many of us in the UK also cherish, seeking out unique international ingredients. Great post!
Author
Thank you! It was a fun one to write!
You certainly do have a fabulous variety of markets available. Thanks for sharing. #MMBC
Author
We are lucky to have so many in southern California. My GF who lives in Texas is jealous!
Very interesting! #MMBC
Wow; I know you said these are a drive for you but what amazing variety! I don’t feel like we have anything like these up here in New England (except for Whole Foods- we do have those).
Author
Yeah, I don’t do a shopping day very often, maybe every three months, but the foodie in me loves having all these options!