Foreign Food Mart (Halal Store), Itaewon: Indian/Pakistani Grocery Store

When we moved to Korea in 2002, there were only three grocery stores in Itaewon and due to monopoly they were quite expensive too. I will introduce you to a store that you MUST VISIT if you are a vegan, a Muslim or someone into Indian or South Asian cuisine.

In 2003, Foreign Food Mart (specialized in Halal/Vegetarian) opened its door for the expat community in general and Muslim expats in particular in Itaewon area, Seoul/Korea. Visit their website before going there to have a rough idea of what you can find there. This store was bigger than any other store of its kind selling Indian/Pakistani masalas (assorted curry powders & Herbs) with trusted products of National (Pakistan) Haldiram (India) and Shan Foods (Pakistan) alongside other brands. Halal beef, mutton, chicken both boneless & otherwise are readily available here and the prices have been the best one can get in Korea. Imported fish from different Asian countries are also readily available. You can also find frozen parathas, roti, chapaties, nan, pita bread etc.

This store has built up its reputation, service, deals & trust over the years. All the embassies from Muslim countries solely buy their meat from Foreign Food Mart.

Spices, herbs, vegetables, fruits, cheese, yogurt, fresh curry leaves, coconuts, papayas - in short, all that you can think of is sold here.

Life has become much easier due to this store. Foreign Food Mart is located in Itaewon - which is 5 minutes walk from exit 3 of the Itaewon subway station and by turning right from the fire station signals on your way to the mosque - you will see this store.

Foreign Food Mart (FFM) also has a sister restaurant (Foreign Food Restaurant) a few meters from the grocery store. It has a very decently priced buffet (eat as much as you can) for 15USD from Fridays to Sundays. I liked their Pakoray (vegetable tamporas/ Ttuikim in Korea). Out of 5 points, I'll give them 2.5 points, they need to work a little bit on service and quality both.

Back to Foreign Food Mart's staff, especially Lakshmi (from Nepal) is a great help for first timers, though he is super busy but I never saw him frown...he is always smiles, very cordial and is a fantastic person. These guys never haggled in changing the groceries even after weeks - which is not an easy task even in our own countries. Since it has a huge clientele, their products are freshly supplied.

Foreign Food Mart is not only specialized in Indian/Pakistani food products but they have a very good supply of Thai, Malaysian, Indonesian,  Filipino, French, American, Italian and Middle Eastern food products/groceries too. They also have fruits from all over the place so check it out at least once.

Vegans and vegetarians in Seoul MUST visit Foreign Food Mart and I'm sure their trip will be worthwhile. It is a heaven for Vegans.

For halal groceries, meat, spices....all you have to do is to visit this store in Itaewon.

No matter where you are located in South Korea, they have a delivery service and an online shop as well. Buy your groceries online and they will delive them to any location inside Korea. You do NOT have to come to Seoul.

Visit their elaborate website HERE for delivery.

How to buy from Foreign Food Mart, Itaewon, read HERE.

How to get to Foreign Food Mart, see below:

137-8, Itaewon Dong, Jungen Building
Yongsan Gu, Seoul, South Korea
Mobile : 010-5784-4585
Tel: 82 (02) 793-0082
Fax: 82 (02) 793-0086
Email: foreignfood_mart@yahoo.com,
Web: http://www.foreignfoodkr.com

What is the best buy:

Cheapest International Calling card are sold at Foreign Food Mart, Itaewon.

Best Kernal Basmati Rice (long grain/aged rice).

Lentals and achars/chutneys.

Sharbat concentrates.

Tamarind, Dried/powdered mango, Sarsoon ka tail (oil) as well.

Kafir/Yogurt & Cheese.

Cottage cheese, fresh Basil, corroander, ocra (Bhindi or lady fingers), Karaylay (bitter cucumber) can be found here. ;D.