Best International Food Stores in Dubai for Hard-to-Find Ingredients
Hard-to-find ingredients like gochujang, plantain, and specific masalas are easy to source in Dubai. These stores keep well-stocked shelves for expats in 2026.
Spinneys and Carrefour for Pantry Staples
Spinneys and Carrefour carry a wide range of international ingredients across most branches in Dubai. Look for dedicated world-food aisles stocked with tamarind paste, rice vinegar, and dried seaweed. Prices stay consistent, with a 500 g pack of arborio rice around 18 AED and gochujang tubs near 22 AED. Check the larger stores in Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Mall for fresher turnover.
Choithrams and Union Co-op for South Asian and African Items
Choithrams holds fresh plantains, cassava flour, and regional spice blends in most outlets. Union Co-op branches near Satwa and Al Quoz add Nigerian and Ghanaian products such as yam and pounded yam flour. A standard 1 kg bag of basmati often costs 12-15 AED. Staff can usually confirm stock by phone before you travel.
Asian and Korean Specialists in Al Quoz and JLT
Shine Korea Mart in Al Quoz 1 keeps miso paste, doenjang, and multiple gochujang brands priced 18-28 AED. Kim's Mart in JLT stocks Japanese curry blocks and Korean instant noodles. Both stores receive weekly shipments, so new batches of kimchi and tofu arrive every Thursday. Bring a reusable bag; many locations charge 1 AED for plastic.
Middle Eastern and Persian Options in Deira and Bur Dubai
Al Maya Supermarket and Persian Grocer in Deira stock pomegranate molasses, sumac, and Iranian saffron in 1 g and 3 g tins. Expect saffron prices from 45 AED upward. These stores also carry labneh in bulk and za'atar blends measured by the gram at the spice counter.
Online Delivery and Specialty Orders
Talabat Mart and Noon Grocery now list many of the same items with next-day delivery across Dubai. For rare requests, message the store directly through their WhatsApp numbers listed on ICP-approved business profiles. Minimum order values sit around 50 AED, and delivery fees range 10-15 AED depending on zone.
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Frequently asked questions
Which Dubai store stocks fresh plantain year-round?▾
Choithrams and Union Co-op keep fresh plantain in most branches; call ahead to confirm weekly arrival.
How much does gochujang cost in Dubai in 2026?▾
A standard 500 g tub of gochujang sells for 18-28 AED at Korean specialists in Al Quoz and JLT.
Can I order rare spices online for Dubai delivery?▾
Talabat Mart and Noon Grocery list saffron, sumac, and tamarind with next-day delivery across Dubai.
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