When you move to Madrid, finding specific ingredients from your home country can be difficult. This guide lists the best international supermarkets and specialty grocery stores in the city.
You can find most foreign ingredients if you know which neighborhoods to visit.
Asian supermarkets
Madrid has a large Asian community, so finding East Asian and South Asian ingredients is relatively simple.
Most large Asian grocery shops are located near Plaza de España or in the southern neighborhood of Usera.
Dong Fang
This is one of the oldest Asian shops in Madrid.
It is located at Calle de San Bernardino, 2, just off Plaza de España.
You can find a wide range of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Thai ingredients here.
They stock fresh tofu, dumplings, sauces, noodles, and leafy green vegetables.
Tokyo-Ya
For Japanese specialty ingredients, visit Tokyo-Ya.
The store is located at Avenida del Presidente Carmona, 9.
They have operated in Madrid since 1981.
You can buy sushi-grade fish, miso paste, seaweed, Japanese knives, and tableware.
Seoul Alimentos
This shop specializes in Korean food.
It is located at Calle de Segovia, 19.
They sell fresh kimchi, tteokbokki rice cakes, Korean red pepper paste, and frozen snacks.
Their prices are reasonable and the staff speak Spanish and Korean.
Iberochina
This is a large supermarket chain with multiple locations in Madrid.
Their flagship store is in Usera, which is the Chinatown of Madrid.
They stock large bags of rice, soy sauces, spices, and cookware.
You can also order from their online shop for home delivery.
Latin American markets
Madrid has many shops catering to the large Latin American population.
You can find corn flour, black beans, dried chillies, and specialty cheeses easily.
Mercado de Maravillas
This is a large mercado municipal (municipal market) in the Tetuán district.
It is located at Calle de Bravo Murillo, 122.
The market has an entire section dedicated to Latin American vendors.
You can buy fresh tropical fruits, Venezuelan cheeses, and Colombian corn cakes.
Mercado de Mostenses
This market is located near Plaza de España.
It contains several stalls selling Peruvian, Bolivian, and Ecuadorian food.
You can find fresh yellow chilli peppers, coriander, and ingredients for ceviche.
The prices are low and the quality of fresh produce is high.
Middle Eastern and South Asian shops
The neighborhood of Lavapiés is the best place to find Middle Eastern and South Asian foods.
You can find basmati rice, lentils, halal meat, and exotic spices.
Supermercado Al-Salama
This store is located at Calle de Tribulete, 16.
It is a large halal supermarket.
They sell fresh lamb, beef, and chicken prepared according to Islamic rules.
They also stock large bags of couscous, spices, flatbreads, and dates.
Spice shops in Lavapiés
Many small shops on Calle de Lavapiés and Calle de Sombrerete sell spices.
These shops are called tiendas de especias (spice shops).
You can buy cardamom, cumin, turmeric, and coriander in bulk.
The prices are much lower than in Spanish supermarkets.
British and American foods
If you miss snacks and comfort foods from home, you can find them in Madrid.
Several shops specialize in importing goods from the United Kingdom and the United States.
Taste of America
This chain has several shops in Madrid.
The main stores are at Calle de Serrano, 149 and Calle de Cea Bermúdez, 58.
They stock American baking mixes, peanut butter, pop-tarts, root beer, and barbecue sauces.
Prices are high because these items are imported from the United States.
Dealz
Dealz is a discount chain with several locations in Madrid.
They sell British brands like Heinz, Cadbury, and PG Tips tea.
You can find shops on Calle de Alcalá and Calle de Bravo Murillo.
Their stock changes regularly, so you should check often.
Italian and French specialty shops
You can find premium European products in dedicated delicatessens.
These shops import cheeses, wines, and meats directly from neighboring countries.
Mangitalia
This is an Italian grocery store located at Calle de Galileo, 84.
They sell fresh Italian pasta, cured meats, mozzarella di bufala, and cannoli.
They also have a good selection of Italian wines and beers.
French products at Carrefour
While there are small French delis, Carrefour supermarkets carry many French brands.
Carrefour is a French company, so their larger hypermarkets stock French butter, cheese, and biscuits.
Look for the Reflets de France brand on the shelves.
Comparison of store types and pricing
This table outlines what to expect at different international grocery stores.
| Shop Category | Average Price Level | Main Locations | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asian Supermarkets | Low to Medium | Plaza de España, Usera | Noodles, sauces, tofu |
| Latin American Stalls | Low | Tetuán, Mostenses | Corn flour, fresh chillies |
| Halal Supermarkets | Low | Lavapiés | Halal meat, bulk spices |
| American Import Shops | High | Salamanca, Chamberí | Baking mixes, snacks |
| Italian Delis | Medium to High | Chamberí | Fresh pasta, Italian cheese |
Checklist for international grocery shopping
Follow this checklist to save time and money when shopping:
- Check expiration dates : Imported goods can sit on shelves for a long time. Check the label before buying.
- Bring cash : Some small shops in Lavapiés and Usera do not accept cards for purchases under €5.00.
- Look for Spanish translations : The ingredients list must have a Spanish sticker. Read it to verify allergen information.
- Compare prices : Common items like coconut milk are often cheaper in Asian shops than in Spanish supermarkets.
- Check municipal markets : Stalls inside municipal markets often have fresher produce than standalone shops.
Questions and answers
Can I find cilantro easily in Madrid?
Yes. Cilantro is called cilantro in Spanish. You can find it in almost all vegetable shops and supermarkets. It is very common.
Where can I buy fresh corn tortillas for Mexican cooking?
At Mexican specialty shops. Standard Spanish supermarkets only sell wheat tortillas or hard taco shells. For real corn tortillas, visit a Mexican deli or order from specialized brands like Maíz Maya online.
Are international supermarkets open on Sundays?
Yes. Many small Asian and Middle Eastern shops are open on Sundays. This is true even though large Spanish supermarkets remain closed. Check their hours on Google Maps before you visit.
Can I get self-raising flour in Madrid?
No. Self-raising flour is not common in Spain. You should buy standard wheat flour, called harina de trigo, and add baking powder yourself.
Where can I buy cheddar cheese?
At large supermarkets. You can buy basic cheddar cheese at Lidl, Aldi, or Carrefour. For aged or specialty cheddar, visit a British import shop or a specialized cheese shop like Quesería Cultivo.
Is halal food easy to find in Madrid?
Yes. Halal meat and products are easy to find in Lavapiés. Look for the halal certificate sign in shop windows.
Where can I buy paneer cheese for Indian cooking?
At South Asian shops in Lavapiés. Spanish supermarkets do not stock paneer. You can also use fresh Spanish cheese called queso fresco as a substitute in some recipes.
Do online international grocers deliver in Madrid?
Yes. Many larger importers like Iberochina and Taste of America have online shops. They offer home delivery within Madrid for a small fee or for free if you spend a certain amount.
