Top Ten Specialty Food Markets
At Crompton Collective we work closely with The Canal District Farmers Market and strive to shop local. We believe that nothing is sweeter than eating locally and supporting our fellow small business owners and farmers. Whether you are in search of a specialty food item, local produce, or just a quick bite to eat, Worcester has it all. Here we have collaborated with Marissa Robertson and complied a listed of hidden gems, or should we say, hidden goodies throughout the area. May this whet your appetite for fresh, local and yummy food. As we say at Crompton, ‘#ShopWOO!’
1) Ed Hyder's Mediterranean Marketplace: Ed Hyder's has been around since 1975, and is the pinnacle of specialty food shops in Worcester. From high quality spices, coffees, and teas, to prepared tabouli, hummus, kabobs, and grape leaves, Ed Hyder's provides Worcester with delicious and affordable speciality ingredients and food items, all from a family owned local business.
2) Living Earth: Living Earth is a household name for most foodies of Worcester. The market provides the community with many specialty vegan and vegetarian food items, as well as hard to find health foods. A sample of their selection includes locally made tofu, prepared lunch and dinner items, local kombucha, and dry goods available to be weighed from bulk.
3) The Wine Vine: At first glance, one may think that the Wine Vine only specializes in, well, wines. But one trip to their store proves that they offer much more than just wine. They offer a large selection of specialty cheeses, as well as delicious locally made pastas and sauces.
4) Crust: Even though Crust is fairly new to Worcester, it is owned by the same person that owns Armsby Abby and The Dive Bar, popular foodie destinations in the city. Offering more than the traditional bake shop, Crust offers freshly baked breads, specialty cheeses, delicious pastries (muffin donut, anyone?), and handmade sodas.
5) Bagel Time: Bagels may not be the first item to come to mind when one thinks of specialty foods, but one stop at Bagel Time will change your mind. Bagel Time offers a wide selection, of fresh, homemade gourmet bagels and cream cheeses (including a vegan option), along with soups, wraps, and smoothies. It's hard not to make Bagel Time your daily breakfast stop.
6) Hadwen Park Market: If you're look for a high quality meat selection, Hadwen Park Market on Webster Street is the place to go. Hadwen Park, which has over 110 years of experience, offers a large variety of meats from lamb, to chicken, to teriyaki kabobs, as well as Boar's Head deli meats and specialty cheeses. Their selection includes freshly prepared meats as well as frozen packages.
7) Regal Pickle Factory: One of the largest pickle factories in New England, Regal Pickle is one of Worcester's hidden gems. The location and factory feel may not exactly scream specialty food, but Worcester likes to think otherwise. Along with a variety of pickles, the factory also offers sauerkraut and pickled tomatoes. Many restaurants in the area use their pickles for their dishes.
8) Bahnan's International Marketplace, Bakery, and Cafe: Bahnan's imports traditional foods from all over the Middle East to offer to the city of Worcester. Bahnan's market offers, coffees, teas, olives, cheeses, and various dried goods. Their bakery and cafe menu includes vegetable, cheese and meat pies, sandwiches, salads, and fresh breads and desserts.
9) D'Errico's Market: Located near a popular Worcester foodie destination, Shrewsbury Street, D'Errico's is Worcester's go-to butcher. Along with providing a huge selection of prime meats cut to order, the market also has specialty cheeses and hard to find Italian items, fresh bread and dairy, and produce. Some of their specialty meats include fresh veal and a stuffed pork roast.
10) Canal District Farmer's Market: Last but not least the Canal District Farmer’s Market, you can find locally grown produce, meat, eggs, wine and cider, along with homemade soaps and lotions, yarns, and a variety of other seasonal goodies. Some of their specialty items include homemade jams and pies, water spinach and traditional Asian greens such as bok choy, squash blossoms, and pumpkin squash. The market is located in Kelley Square next to Crompton Collective on Saturday mornings from 9-12p.
List created by:
Marissa Robertson of the Canal District Farmers Market