Neighbourhood Groceries by Nicole Borland Over the past year, we’ve looked at some fantastically simple and tasty recipes from all over the world that you can make right at home using ingredients found right here in Old East Village. Even including some restaurants offering pantry items, we’ve explored dishes from Korea, Italy, India, and more. Now, in light of the recent push to shop Canadian and shop local, we’re not looking at a recipe proper, but a selection of excellent neighbourhood grocery options that allow you to shop small with big impact. As with any listing of OEV establishments, this list is not exhaustive but provides a great starting point to keep your dollars in your own backyard!
Steda Tropical Foods (781 Dundas Street) Steda has been an OEV mainstay for several years now. They offer some of the best in African and Caribbean produce and ingredients as well as skin care, hair care, and more. Whether you’re looking for a wide variety of dry goods such as spices and flours or an array of fruits, vegetables, and dried or frozen seafood, you’ll find exactly what you need on the shelves at Steda! On the Move Organics (521 Burbrook Place) This OEV original has been operating since 2008, supplying local and organic produce and grocery items to Londoners and beyond. In this particular case, you can support local without leaving the comfort of your own home because they will deliver right to your door! Peruse their wide variety of meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, pantry items, home essentials and more to stock up on everything you need on a weekly or monthly basis. Head over to onthemoveorganics.ca to browse the digital shelves and get your order in today!
London Food Co-Op (621 Princess Avenue) This little local gem is a not-for-profit entity that specializes in natural and organic foods. Offering ample education around food and nutrition, the London Food Co-Op has a dual pricing structure in which members have access to specific pricing at a fee and non-members are definitely welcome, they just pay 10% more. Be sure to check out londonfood.coop for all the details, and remember, you don’t have to go far to get fresh, affordable groceries right here at home. Varni Supermarket (667 Dundas Street) Having opened in OEV in 2023, this little grocer offers a big selection of Indian and Sri Lankan items as well as fresh produce, pantry, and frozen foods. Sitting right in the heart of OEV, Varni is conveniently located, very well priced, and stocked with whatever you might need to complete your day to day grocery shopping. As we’ve covered in the past, you’ll find several ingredients to make your favourite comforting dishes and perhaps one, two, or ten brand new things to expand your culinary horizons.
To advertise here, please contact Marty@villagerpublications.com The Market at Western Fair District (900 King Street) Some might call The Market Western Fair District the heart and soul of OEV with its massive selection of local goods including produce, meats, cheeses, floral, snacks, dips, artisanal items and oh so much more. Open both Saturdays and Sundays, this is a one-stop-shop for all your grocery needs. With some fantastic prices and even better vendors, a trip to the Market is always local support well spent.
Page 12 Old East Villager March-April 2025
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs