St. Louis may not have a reputation as an international city, but it's home to over 100 ethnic populations, according to the International Institute. First-generation diaspora communities from Europe, Africa, and Asia have contributed to the city's cultural diversity and its food scene. Jay International, a grocery store in the South Grand neighborhood, caters to the full spectrum of St. Louisans.
National flags hang above the store aisles, and shelves are packed with items from Japan, China, India, Ethiopia, Ghana, Ireland, England, and a whole bunch of other countries. They sell produce, meat, and dairy, but the real draw is the huge selection of hard-to-find packaged goods from around the world.
Prices are cheap. We found a box of our favorite Walker's Scottish shortbread cookies for about a buck less than we usually pay. In addition to sauces, teas, spices, and candies, they carry inexpensive dishes and cooking tools from Japan and China.
On our visit, the staff seemed a little frazzled, so we recommend going prepared. Bring a shopping list, and know that you might not be able to find someone who can help if you have questions. Jay International doesn't have a website; it's purely a brick and mortar grocery store.
• RELATED: Best International Grocery Stores: From Coast to Coast
Photos: Sarah Coffey, Selection of World Flags: Wikimedia Commons
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Comments (13)
I love this place! The aisles are small and well-packed, so the first time you go you should take your time and look at everything. I buy great rice there, some sauces, and some of my gluten-free flours (sweet rice flour is great in cookie recipes!).
Definitely a great store to visit!
Also: Cheap spices in large quantities. If I'm making chicken paprikash, this is where I get my paprika!
I enjoyed mulling around in there now and then. They have great spices and a lot of interesting vegetables that you can't find anywhere else in that city.
I'm rather jealous
Well, I've heard great things about this ethnic market that is local to me, but seeing it featured on The Kitchn affirms that I really need to go asap! You've convinced me, thanks :)
Sounds like a great place. (And those Walker's shortbread cookies are delicious!)
We live two hours from St. Louis, but every time we go there we stop at Jay's. Across the street and down a block is also the best Vietnamese restaurant -- Pho Grand!
Way to represent the Lou'! The food scene is rockin', farm fresh, and {wonder of wonder, miracle of miracles} affordable. Like Jay's? Hit up Global Foods in Kirkwood! Or La Tropicana near Tower Grove. Or Soulard Market! Or...just spend some time loitering in St. Louis, ok? Trust me, it is all kinds of awesome.
I'm from NYC and live in SanFran now. I still miss STL, the Soulard market and Jays
Between Jay's and Global Foods in Kirkwood, you can easily find any produce/speciality item you need. Stopping in at Jay's after the Tower Grove Farmer's Market with a cup of Kaldi's coffee in hand is an ideal Saturday morning for me.
I live in St. Louis and have heard nothing but amazing things about this store. I think it's time to check it out! New weekend destination for me!
South Grand is my favorite place in the entire St. Louis area! i miss living in that neighborhood. it has a gorgeous park, the best farmer's market in the area, Jay International, a local grocery store, tons of international restaurants, and a handful of specialty shops, all within walking distance.
I've been shopping at Jay's since I moved to the St. Louis area in 2000. I love this store. I live over in Belleville, IL, now, but I drive to St. Louis often to shop there. AND Soulard Market, another great place with great deals. (In fact, I am wondering if I have time to go today!)