Your Ultimate Guide to Finding Global Groceries While Studying in the UK

For international students in the UK, food goes beyond nourishment—it's a source of emotional comfort and cultural identity. Whether you're craving spicy Indian curries, Chinese noodles, Nigerian yams, or Polish pastries, international supermarkets scattered across student cities make access to home flavors easier than ever. These stores provide authentic ingredients, multilingual support, and affordable pricing ideal for student budgets. From the bustling markets of London to student-friendly zones in Coventry or Nottingham, these grocers bridge continents through food. This guide identifies the top international supermarkets in cities such as London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield, and others. Each entry was chosen based on accessibility, cultural variety, and popularity among students from diverse backgrounds, ensuring a reliable go-to for your weekly shop and nostalgic cravings.

Why International Supermarkets Matter to Students

International supermarkets help students settle in and manage homesickness. According to the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA), food-related challenges are one of the top five cultural adjustment difficulties faced by international students. These stores offer a familiar environment with culturally specific foods, affordable student-friendly pricing, and multilingual staff in many cases.

London

Wing Yip (East & Southeast Asian) – A large-format supermarket ideal for Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai ingredients.

Hoo Hing (Pan-Asian) – Offers frozen dim sum, ramen kits, and sauces popular among international students.

TFC (Turkish Food Centre) – Features halal meats, baklava, flatbreads, and pantry staples from Turkey and the Middle East.

Tesco (International Aisle) – Offers a decent selection of global staples, including Indian spices, Chinese sauces, and Polish snacks.

Birmingham

Pak Supermarket – A major supplier of Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi groceries in the Alum Rock area.

Iceland Caribbean Food Centre – Carries Caribbean favourites like jerk seasoning, yam, saltfish, and plantain.

Al-Halal Supermarket – Offers Middle Eastern essentials, halal butchery, fresh dates, and spices.

Manchester

Worldwide Foods – Offers a wide selection of South Asian and African groceries, including frozen parathas, oils, and grains.

Hang Won Hong – A trusted name in Chinatown for East Asian sauces, dumplings, and seafood.

Kassim Supermarket – Known for Lebanese za’atar, halal meat, dried fruits, and pickled items.

Liverpool

Matta’s International Foods – Popular for South Asian lentils, global condiments, and vegan options.

A&M International Foods – Offers a diverse range, including African staples and Indian snacks.

Polski Sklep – Carries Eastern European items like sour pickles, rye bread, sausages, and pierogi.

Sheffield

Ozmen International – Turkish-run supermarket with fresh olives, tahini, and imported cheeses.

Saarah International Market – South Asian store with ready-to-eat Indian frozen foods and spice packets.

Nottingham

Desi Express – Offers masalas, curry leaves, frozen chapatis, and seasonal Indian vegetables.

Afro-Caribbean Food Centre – Sells cassava, okra, scotch bonnets, and traditional sauces.

Coventry

Aladdin Food Store – Located near university hubs, ideal for Arabic, Persian, and Kurdish ingredients.

Maya Food Centre – Popular for Tamil and Sri Lankan ingredients like idli rice, sambhar powder, and coconut milk.

Canterbury & Epsom

International Food Centre Canterbury – Small but stocked with Middle Eastern spices and fresh greens.

Epsom Halal Market – Offers Indian dals, Bangladeshi fish, and student-priced groceries.

Tips to Save Money While Shopping Internationally

  • Bulk Buy Staples – Save on rice, lentils, and flour.

  • Check Closing Time Deals – Some stores reduce prices late in the day.

  • Join Store WhatsApp/Telegram Groups – Some offer real-time offers and new stock alerts.

  • Split Bulk Items with Flatmates – Share savings on big packs.

Final Thoughts

International supermarkets offer more than just groceries—they help students maintain cultural habits and bring comfort through familiar meals. Whether you're preparing biryani, stir-fry, jollof rice, or pierogi, these stores provide authentic ingredients to recreate your favourite dishes. Exploring them also encourages culinary discovery and bonding with new flatmates. They serve as cultural bridges in shared housing, making students feel at home abroad. If you're looking for trusted, student-focused accommodation while studying in the UK, choose Student Tenant, the leading student accommodation provider. For more helpful advice on adapting to UK student life, visit the Student Tenant Blog.