For food and produce enthusiasts, a good independent grocer is probably one of the easiest ways to induce a sense of wide-eyed wonder. Shelves upon shelves of novel ingredients; the arresting perfume and colour of fresh fruit displays; more varieties of salumi, or seaweed, or kimchi, or artisanal crackers than you ever imagined possible.
The most beloved indie grocers inspire passionate devotion in their customers, and for good reason – giant chain supermarkets are seldom able to accommodate individual requests, source or stock specialised ingredients or give customers tailored advice in the way that independent shops can.
In Brisbane, the Standard Market Company’s three locations are well-loved, particularly the quality and variety of their in-house bakeries and delis, while in Greenslopes, besides the fresh produce, Rock ‘N’ Roll Marketplace earns its name with a Wurlitzer jukebox.
The Re Store in Perth has a family history stretching back well over a century; its two locations, in Leederville and Northbridge, offer customers cheese and smallgoods cut to order, antipasto platters and fresh pasta on top of their grocery range.
Tasmania’s Hill Street Grocer has a number of locations across the state; the company makes a point of sourcing as much of their produce as possible from Tasmanian suppliers, including game meats from Bruny Island.
In Adelaide, Hanson Road’s Dai Phat Oriental Grocery comprises butchery, grocery and homewares sections; the butcher offers an impressive assortment of Vietnamese meats and meat products. More centrally, Little Tokyo stands out for its sake and handmade glass sakeware selections.
With a “wall of prosciutto” and whole wheels of Parmigiano Reggiano, Melbourne’s Boccaccio Supa IGA is a culinary institution; it’s also home to Boccaccio Cellars, arguably its main drawcard – though the breadth of the deli’s offerings, including items such as cheese-stuffed figs, is surely up there too.
A few minutes out from Darwin, NT Oriental Emporium is also something of an icon for the region. Its product range reflects the Northern Territory’s varied cultural and culinary landscape, with an expansive spice section, curry and laksa pastes, boba ice-creams and traditional Chinese medicines.
If you’re looking to get lost in a multi-storey Korean wonderland, head to Komart in the Sydney suburb of North Strathfield. Marinated meats, an extensive array of liquor, a huge frozen section and even takeaway Korean fast food make the trip well worth your while.
Ziggy’s Fresh in the Australian Capital Territory boasts fresh-cut flowers and champions seasonal produce, sharing recipes on their website; located in Fyshwick, the greengrocer is Canberra’s oldest.
We want to know about your favourite indie supermarkets. Which one stocks that particular item that you can’t find anywhere else? Have you found a place that will go the extra mile to order things in just for you? Or perhaps it’s your grocer’s ethos and curatorial approach that has made you a returning customer.
Tell us about the specialty shops and grocers that top your list either in the form above or the comments below.
