Markets Galore

Fresh durian and lychees in Lincoln Nebraska?

We thought one had to be in Thailand to find that. Today Lincoln has so many markets to feed the different ethnic food lovers and health food buffs that anything from exotic Oriental vegetables to organic staples are available to please the most picky eater.

With more diversity in Lincoln, there are many unusual grocery options to choose from. There are multiple Asian, Mexican and Arab food stores, and even European markets. Whether you are looking for special chili paste, Asian eggplant or German bread, it’s available in Lincoln. Lincoln also has a number of health food stores offering healthy choices and organic fare.

Offering personal friendly service, specialty foods and fresh produce from all over the world, Lincoln’s food shoppers love to shop at the many local markets in the city. In the recent years, smaller grocers, gourmet shops, health food stores and ethnic markets offer many choices to Lincoln residents, keeping them popular and successful.

For the freshest taste of local treats, great home grown produce and goodies, you need to visit the local summer farmers markets. The largest one spreads out in the Haymarket, downtown and runs on Saturday mornings from May to October. Here is a list of some of the local markets and smaller grocers in Lincoln. We hope they keep you as happy as they have kept us.

Little Saigon Oriental Market
940 N 26th St. # B • (402) 435-4367
Family-owned and well stocked with fresh fish, meats, vegetables and fruits including durian and lychees and many more wonderful exotic fruits.

Mai Lee Seafood Transport
2416 O St.
Specialties: Asian staples, including fresh fish, oriental vegetables, clothing, knick-knacks for sale, and Vietnamese videotapes for rent.

The Oriental Market
612 N. 27th St. • (402) 475-0556
Specialties: Foods and spices from all Asian countries, including teas, fresh oriental spices, many varieties of soy, fish and oyster sauces, rice, noodles and festival foods.

Vina Market
611 N. 27th St., Suite 4 • (402) 475-0556
Specialties: All your ingredients for Asian food, including exotic fruits and vegetables, fresh fish, meat and condiments in an atmosphere that reminds you of a store in Southeast Asia.

Akin’s Natural Foods Market
6900 O St., Meridian Park • (402) 466-5713
Specialties: Organic foods, herbs, baked goods, fresh produce, vitamins and supplements.

Open Harvest
1618 South St. • (402) 475-9069
Specialties: Large variety of bulk foods, organic foods, tofu, all-natural baked goods, baby food, fresh produce, fresh seafood, organic personal care items, health-oriented deli with meals to eat in or carry out.

Ideal Grocery
905 S. 27th St. • (402) 476-2177
Specialties: Full-service store, top-of-the-line goods and gourmet foods, cut-to-order meats and deli items, friendly workers in ties and green aprons who pack your groceries and carry them to you car. This family-owned store has been a part of the Lincoln fabric for many decades and is known for high quality fresh produce and meats. You can call in your order and they will deliver your groceries.

Leon’s Gourmet Grocer
32nd & South streets • (402) 488-2307
Specialties: Long-time neighborhood store with specialty food items, market deli featuring items made from scratch using original recipes, cut-to-order meats, gift shops, delivery. 

Trader Joe’s
30th & Pine Lake Rd. (SouthPointe) • (402) 328-0120
Organic foods, herbs, baked goods, fresh produce, wine and beer, flowers, vitamins and supplements.

European Market
400 N. 48th St. (next to T.J.Maxx) • (402) 770-2650
Specialties: A great grocery store for Russian and European imported groceries including a wide variety of canned goods, vegetables, meats, cheeses, snacks, candy and beverages.

Harvest European Market
300 N 27th St. # 3 • (402) 435-2522
Specialties: Offers a variety of European goods and a vast array of sausage and deli items.

Jung’s Oriental Food Store
3031 O St. • (402) 435-8915
Specialties: A variety of Oriental and Indian foods, fresh vegetables, tofu, spices and homemade chili paste are available.

King Tut’s
1642 O St. • (402) 475-9337
Specialties: Middle Eastern, Indian and Greek dishes and ingredients, including stuffed grape leaves, vegetable sandwiches, baklava, fresh feta cheese, Greek olives, Middle Eastern and Indian spices. 

La Mexicana Market
17th & P streets • (402) 477-0785
Specialties: Authentic Mexican foods, specialty beef sausage and pork.

India Grocery 
17th & P streets (the same plaza as La Mexicana)
Open in the evening Monday through Friday and during the day on Saturday and Sunday, India Grocery offers a selection of Indian staples, as well as some prepared foods.

Open Air Markets

The Farmer’s Market at the Haymarket (9th & P streets) from mid-May to mid-October on Saturday mornings. It features fresh, locally grown produce, flowers, organic meats, baked goods, and handcrafted items with performances and demonstrations from 9 a.m. to noon. This is very popular with Lincoln residents and has become a place to meet friends on Saturday morning and enjoy some coffee and a muffin—purchasing some home-grown tomatoes, zucchini and other great produce is just a bonus!

Piedmont Farmer’s Market is situated at the Piedmont Shopping Center (Corner of Cotner and A streets) on Saturday mornings during the summer. The small and active market is well patronized by the neighborhood. Specialties: fresh, locally grown produce, organic meat, chicken and eggs, flowers, baked goods, and handcrafted items.  

Sunday Market at 56th and Old Cheney runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday from May to November. It is one of the most diverse and wonderful markets in the city where you can find unusual produce as well as some of the best baklava in the world. With more than 60 vendors, the choices are incredible.

Havelock Farmer’s Market is a very popular mid week market located in the north part of the city every Wednesday from 3:00 to 6:30 p.m. behind 6220 Havelock Avenue.

These are only some of the markets in Lincoln. New specialty shops open every year in many different neighborhoods.