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You don’t always need a passport to experience authentic cuisine from around the world.
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Three grocery store chains based in California rank among the best international food markets in the nation, according to USA Today.
“For home cooks and culinary explorers alike, international food markets offer a passport to global flavors,” the publication said. “These specialty grocers are well-stocked with imported ingredients, fresh produce and hard-to-find items that bring global cuisines directly to home kitchens.”
Here’s which California supermarkets made the list:
What is the best international food market in California?
99 Ranch Market placed fourth on USA Today’s 2026 list of the best international food markets in the nation. The supermarket chain moved up one spot from the previous year’s rankings.
Also known as Tawa Supermarket, 99 Ranch Market was founded by Roger Chen in 1984.
According to its website, the Buena Park-based chain currently operates 54 stores across 10 states, offering an extensive array of East and Southeast Asian groceries.
“Shoppers can explore aisles of imported sauces, noodles and snacks, alongside fresh produce, live seafood, butcher-cut meats and housemade dim sum and baked goods,” USA Today said.
The retailer offers online shopping, in-store pickup and same-day delivery services at select locations.
In California, most 99 Ranch Market locations can be found in the southern part of the state.
Asian supermarket serves up ramen, bento boxes
“Stepping into Mitsuwa Marketplace feels like entering a Japanese shopping district,” USA Today said.
The supermarket chain, which has headquarters in Torrance, ranked seventh overall, climbing two spots from USA Today’s list of the best grocery stores for globally minded shoppers.
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Founded in 1998, Mitsuwa Market offers an array of authentic Japanese ingredients, including high-grade rice, miso, seaweed, snacks and condiments.
“Shoppers can also browse fresh produce, seafood and meats, or stop by the in-store food court for ramen, mochi and bento boxes,” USA Today said.
Mitsuwa Market has 13 locations across the United States, including stores in Costa Mesa, Irvine, San Gabriel, San Jose and Santa Monica.
Filipino grocery store chain sells seafood, baked goods
Seafood City Supermarket, which focuses on Filipino cuisine, placed ninth on USA Today’s list.
The supermarket chain got its start in National City in 1989, and is now headquartered in Pomona.
USA Today said Seafood City offers “a wide range of Filipino and other Southeast Asian groceries” including bagoong, banana ketchup, pancit noodles, and lumpia, as well as fresh seafood, produce and marinated meats.
“Many stores also feature in-house eateries and bakeries,” USA Today said.
Seafood City has more than 30 locations in the United States and Canada, including a store in Sacramento.
Where are the top 10 international food markets in the US?
These were the 10 best international food markets in the United States in 2026, according to USA Today:
- KD Market
- Eataly
- Lotte Plaza Market
- 99 Ranch Market
- H Mart
- Fresh International Market
- Mitsuwa Marketplace
- Food Bazaar Supermarket
- Seafood City
- Patel Brothers
How did USA Today rank best grocery stores for global flavors?
To determine USA Today’s Best 10 Readers’ Choice Awards for 2026, a panel of experts nominated contenders across various categories.
Readers then cast their votes for their favorites.
“Whether local or regional in reach, each offers an extensive variety of international foods, high-quality meats and seafood, and knowledgeable staff ready to help customers navigate unfamiliar ingredients with confidence,” USA Today said.
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