Shop These Delco Specialty Markets for Global Family Favorites

You loved learning about some of Delco’s family markets — thanks for the rave reviews! So, we set out to find the specialty markets that make our county unique. We’ve got a melting pot of ethnic cuisine in Delco, and a diverse offering of specialty markets for the home cook (and for takeout), too. 

Note that as we all continue to navigate the pandemic, all safety precautions continue to be taken: Masks must be worn at all times and social distancing norms must be observed. You’ll find the same from the friendly staffers at these markets.

Looking for a family favorite? Want to try something new? Dig into some of our favorites!

African

Uncle Mussa’s Grocery

This store prides itself on not only stocking everything African — think traditional groceries — but also hard-to-find Jamaican, Mexican and Spanish novelties. At the least! There are bins and bins of ethnic produce here, including a large variety of yams and cassava that are challenging to find elsewhere. Browse for palm kernel oil, Apetamin, sorrel, jumbo crabs, African snails, red snapper — the list goes on and on. Open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m, and Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

804 Garrett Rd, Upper Darby, (610) 734-2327.

Armenian

Armenian Delight

This quaint shop boasts traditional Armenian fare, yet it also stocks Greek, Lebanese and other Mediterranean items, and has been doing so since 1978. This is especially important around the holidays, when favorites are required, like choreg (sweet bread) at Easter. Do yourself a favor and peruse all the pastries and baked goods! Feast on vospov kofte (a red lentil-based dish), luleh kebab (ground lamb), spinach pie, yalanchi (stuffed grape leaves) and more, from the prepared food offerings, many of which are vegetarian. There are plenty of unique grocery finds, too. Open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., closed Sunday.

2591 West Chester Pike, Broomall, (610) 353-7711.

Asian-American and Indian

Rangoli Bazar

All of our Delco specialty shops stock fresh and house-made products, and this is quite apparent here as you pass rows of fruits, veggies and herbs, plus chicken and other butcher shop needs. This “bazar” also gets a nod for ethnic favorites, such as roti (flatbread), gulab jamun (a milk-solid-based sweet), ghee, jeera masala (a cumin-based drink), Parle G biscuits — you name it. It’s an intimate store, but the grocery shelves are packed — including gift items from “home.” Delivery is available; call for pricing. Open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.

110 W Baltimore Pike, Clifton Heights, (484) 461-7300.

Saffron Indian Market

This market and takeout food court offers premium groceries that are must-haves for Indian cooking, including specialty flours (wheat atta, multigrain atta and maida), a large assortment of dried fruits and ground, blended whole spices; halal meats (goat, lamb, fresh chicken) and fresh fish; rows and rows of seasonal produce; and an in-house bakery filled with both savory and sweet. Make sure to swing by for holiday speciality goodies, too. Open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.

1102 Baltimore pike Suite 127, Glen Mills, (484) 905-3695 or (484) 800-4097.

European

Euro Market

Here’s your one-stop shop for a stunning variety of gourmet European specialty and grocery items, thanks to the Gospodinov family, who missed the Old World foods they loved after they immigrated here in 2000. The market opened in 2005 and has been the source for go-tos (particularly Greek!) ever since. You’ll find spreads, wafers, cereals, snacks, coffee and tea, breads, olives, pickled veggies, soups — the works! Remember to swing by for Old World holiday treats, too. Open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

30 S. Sproul Rd., Broomall, 610-359 9021.

Filipino

Kababayan Fil-Am Store

This store calls itself “a Filipino store near you,” and it’s correct: you need not leave Delco for these ethnic items. How about some cold and creamy halo-halo (we like the purple yam flavor), crispy friend pompano, pork and chicken asado (who doesn’t love stew?!) and more. There’s also an inspiring selection of grocery items, baked goods and desserts, plus holiday eats and treats. Don’t see something? Ask! Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; closed Monday.

1604 MacDade Blvd Folsom, (610)-532-3623. 

Italian

Luigi & Giovanni’s

This neighborhood spot has been an authentic Italian grocery, butcher shop and deli since 1976. You’ll find that hard-to-get Italian item, including pastries, pizza, prepared foods, prime meats, cheeses and gift items — just to name a few! — at your fingertips. We’re obsessed with porchetta Abruzzese (boneless roasted whole pig). In “normal” times, the market does a booming catering business, so keep that in mind as things open up. Call ahead if you’re interested in no-contact curbside pickup and no-contact delivery, too. Open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

3601 Chapel Rd., Newtown Square, (610) 353-4014.

Pagano’s Italian Specialties

Owned and operated by the DiSantis Family in Drexel Hill since 2001, this is a traditional Italian market and deli that sources from fresh, locally grown and select imported products. Here, you’ll find house-made entrees, soups, salads and sauces, plus grocery items like cheese, oils, olives, pastas and more. Make sure to try the meatballs, stromboli, tomato pies and deli sandwiches that are built on Fontana’s Panetteria’s rolls — don’t even get us started on the roll and baked goods selection! This is also your one-stop shop for holiday specialities that Nonna would have made (give us all the ricotta pie). Open Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m; closed Monday.

1216 Township Line Rd., Drexel Hill, (610) 853-6410.

Want to know more about everything Delco? We’re more than just your source for good eats — we’re your source for Delco From Home Experiences and where to get takeout and support local businesses in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. We’re Visit Delco, PA, and we’ve got you covered during the coronavirus crisis (and beyond). Contact us at (610) 565-3679, by email or online.

— Nina Malone

Featured photo: Rangoli Bazar