Midvale is a haven for specialty and ethnic markets

By Sarah Morton Taggart | [email protected]

Here in the middle of the valley we are lucky to have many options when it’s time to buy groceries. 

Our unique demographics and central location may explain why Midvale is home to a riches of ethnic and specialty markets. According to the United States Census Bureau, 15% of Midvale residents were born in a foreign country. Twenty-five percent of residents are Hispanic or Latino and almost 4% identify as Asian.

Next time you’re shopping for groceries, try skipping the usual places like Smith’s, Harmons, Walmart and WinCo and try one of these unique markets.

The Corner Grocery

145 Fort Union Blvd. Suite 105

Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

This market opened earlier this year and sells exotic spices and specialty groceries from the Indian subcontinent. One aisle is a gluten-free baker’s dream, with every kind of non-wheat flour you can imagine, from amaranth to chickpea. The grocery also sells imported produce, yogurt and ice creams, spices, snacks, beauty products and more. Online ordering and home delivery is available on their website: thecornergrocery.com. 

Specialty Market

842 E. Fort Union Blvd. 

Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday thru Saturday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays.

A cozy family-owned shop selling Middle Eastern groceries, including Halal meat, fresh produce, olives and bread baked fresh every morning. More information about the items they sell can be found here: specialtymarket.weebly.com. 

Zeitoon Market & Cafe 

751 E. Fort Union Blvd.

Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday thru Saturday.

A quick stop for Middle Eastern groceries, including spices and treats. Known for its cafe with generously-portioned kabab plates.

International Marketplace - Al Forat Market

31 W. 7065 South

Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

A full-service grocery store specializing in prepared food and ingredients to make dishes from the Middle East. In addition to pantry staples, the market offers a wide range of non-bovine dairy products, a deli with fresh olives and a cafe.

Vinh Long Oriental Food Market

119 W. 7200 South

Open 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday thru Saturday.

This Asian market features fresh produce, specialty ingredients, teas, treats, sauces and frozen food. They offer online ordering and home delivery through their website: vinhlongorientalmarket.com.

El Potrero Market

7679 S. Main St.

Open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

This grocery store carries a selection of products and ingredients from Mexico, Central and South America. They specialize in fresh cuts of meat, produce, fresh-baked goods and pantry items. 

Casa Blanca Fine Foods

676 W. Center St.

Open 9 a.m. to10 p.m. daily.

This sunny cafe sells all kinds of Mexican desserts, including fresh-baked goods, helados (ice cream), aguas frescas (fruit drinks), vaso de elote (corn in a cup), bionicos, and paletas de hielo (ice pops), and flan. 

La Palapa Market

654 W. Center St.

Open 8 a.m. to10 p.m. daily.

This full-service grocery store has the ingredients you need to cook any Mexican dish, plus homemade items like cakes, pastries, salsas, guacamole and tamales. Be sure to stop by on a Saturday for their fresh tortillas. The market also sells fresh cuts of meat, seafood and fresh produce, including yuca, cactus, mango and chiles. Chiles can also be found dried along with spices, nuts and corn husks to make your own tamales. You can also find Mexican juices, soda, cookies and Chuchulucos candy.