When I first moved to Mazatlán 20 years ago, there were only a few options for supermarkets. Gigante was my family’s go-to supermarket because it was located within walking distance of our El Cid neighborhood. Then Sam’s Club opened, which gave us another great option. But today, Mazatlán offers a multitude of modern supermarket choices. Local grocery stores (abarrotes) are located throughout town, too. Where you shop depends on your neighborhood and food preferences, but you’re always in luck because Mazatlán markets offer something for everyone.
For North Americans looking for familiar supermarket options, Walmart and Sam’s Club are your best bet. But I prefer shopping at the delightful local supermarkets and markets because they offer an array of unique local products, which are not only more affordable than imported products but fresher, too. Mazatlán even offers organic food markets now.
Fresh seafood abounds at all markets in Mazatlán, not surprising since Mazatlán is a fishing port and shrimp village. The fruits and vegetables are fresh and locally grown. Even the meats are delicious and first-rate because they are butchered locally in Sinaloa. Food prices are low compared to the States unless you need a fix of imported food from Sam’s Club or Walmart.
Here are a few recommendations for your next supermarket run
- Ley Supermercado
Ley features four locations in Mazatlán. The stores are large and offer a great selection of local and Mexican-produced foods, so don’t expect to find your usual U.S. and Canada supermarket products on the shelves. Some of their stores also offer free local snacks; I urge you to try these tasty and distinctive treats!
Website - Mega Supermercado
Owned by Costco, Mega offers a broad range of U.S. products, including a number of food products that you can’t find anywhere else in Mazatlán. Located throughout Mexico, this is the store to go to if you need a fix of imported cheeses and artisan gourmet foods. Mega also features an extensive liquor and wine department. - Soriana
Like Ley and Mega, Soriana is a fully-stocked supermarket with three locations in Mexico. You’ll find everything you need on your shopping list here. - Specialty Markets
A diverse selection of specialty stores shows how far Mazatlán has come over the years. If it’s meat you crave, then you can’t go wrong at Henderson’s Meats. If chicken (pollo) is your thing, El Pollito de la Nena Delicatessen specializes in selling chemical-free, grain-fed organic chicken plus accompaniments like fresh chutneys, satays, moles and more. Mercado Verde is an organic food market with a plentiful selection of organic fruits and vegetables as well as other organic food options from eggs to artisan cheeses. Naturalia is an organic pastry and whole-grain bakery shop, featuring honey, unsweetened yogurt, organic eggs, gluten-free products and much more. - Mercado Jose Maria Pino Suarez.
For the most memorable grocery shopping experience, head to Centro Historico and take in the colors of a market located there since 1900. Fresh fruits and vegetables abound, as do fresh seafood, chicken, beef and pork. Various sections include cheese vendors, herb and spice shops and the usual array of Mazatlán souvenir carts, selling items like T-shirts and hats. There’s even an upper level featuring several small restaurants, which offer you a perch for observing the street scene below.
