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Score hard-to-find Latin-American culinary staples like masa and cerveza at corner stores and supermarkets across the Hudson Valley.
On the journey to find authentic, honest-to-goodness Latin and Mexican fare, the Hudson Valley is a treasure trove. All along the Hudson River, the region is stocked to the brim with fan-favorite and under-the-radar eateries serving up addictive enchiladas, tamales, tacos, and more. For those who want to scout the ingredients required to prepare said dishes, however, the search is slightly more strenuous.
Never fear! The next time you’re on the hunt for spicy chilis, fresh masa, or all the hot sauce you can handle, head to these small but mighty Latin grocery stores in the Hudson Valley. When it comes to cooking traditional cuisine, after all, the ingredients make all the difference.
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La Nueva Casa Latina
651 Main St, Poughkeepsie
One of the larger Latin grocery stores in the Hudson Valley, Casa Latina is a gem for pretty much every cooking essential you can imagine. Load your basket with what seems like every sort of Goya bean on the planet or keep it classic with La Costena pinto beans for that authentic refried bean flavor.
Before you leave, don’t forget to grab a bag of Mexican candy. Trust us, it’s worth it.
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El Cuñao Deli
233 Main St, Nyack
44 Rt. 303, Valley Cottage
El Cuñao is a favorite in Nyack, and for good reason. While it’s a community pick for carne asada and chiles rellenos, it’s also a worthwhile destination for authentic tortillas, Abuelita hot chocolate, Café Bustelo, and a commendable selection of candy.
Garcia’s Supermarket
123 North St, Middletown
Open since 1985, Garcia’s has been a must-visit destination for Latin ingredients for more than 30 years. Not only does this Latin grocery store have a solid selection of produce — think tomatoes, zucchini, limes, and peppers galore — but it also carries hard-to-find frozen fruits like mamey, maracuya, and guanabana, along with plantain leaves, nopal, and more spices than you can count.
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Laguna Cocina
962 S Lake Blvd, Mahopac
Laguna Cocina is something of a hidden gem in Mahopac, and locals like to keep it that way. The storefront is a combined restaurant and grocery store, which means it’s a great place to shop for items to recreate chilaquiles and sopa de pollo at home. Head here for Jarritos and Fanta, and don’t leave without picking up a pack of tortillas for the house.
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El Mercadito Deli
344 Broadway, Kingston
Conveniently located on Broadway in Kingston, El Mercadito wows Ulster County with its ample selection of Mexican grocery products. Of course, while pantry essentials are one reason to stop by, locals in the know will tell you that the hot kitchen is where it’s at. Check out the specials of the day, then place your lunch order for anything from chicken flautas to sopes and more.
La Mexicana Deli & Supermarket
249 North St, Middletown
A stocked supermarket in Middletown, La Mexicana is a hub for Latin American produce — hello guayabas — and baked goods like pan de hojaldra. Visit before the holidays to make the most of seasonal specials. Then, swing by this Latin grocery store all year round for dulces mexicanos, fruit juices, and, of course, delicious tacos.
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La Morenita Market
89 Cottage St, Middletown
Bitty though it may be, La Morenita stocks a fair selection of Mexican candies and snacks (Animalitos and Pulparindo, anyone?). The mini-grocery, which also has Mexican beer, juices, and masa, serves top tacos and sweets as well, making it a great stop before an impromptu Friday night dinner with friends.
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Ideal Food Basket
210 Rt 9W, Haverstraw
In Haverstraw, you can find an abundance of bodegas and Latin American eateries on every corner, but the consensus among the community is that Ideal is the place to get fresh produce and other grocery goods. Catering to a wide audience, Ideal Food Basket offers shoppers produce from guayaba to yuca and fresh fish and meat for all of your culinary adventures. Ideal is a supermarket staple around other New York, Pennsylvania, and Florida locales as well. Latin grocery stores are nothing without their international snacks. Find juices, candy, and other treats in their aisles.
Pancho Villa Deli Mexican Restaurant & Grocery
550 Main St, Poughkeepsie
Located in the heart of Poughkeepsie, Pancho Villa is a central location for imported Latino ingredients and beers. Stock up on Modelos and enchilada sauce, then stay for the tacos and tortas. P.S. If you haven’t seen the mural outside the shop, the artwork alone is worth the trip.