A Guide to Latin American Markets in Rhode Island

The author, Alicia Maria Ortiz Alba, enjoys empanadas and a Colombian soda at Caprichos Antioqueños Bakery in Pawtucket. Photography by Angel Tucker

Caprichos Antioqueños Bakery

Craving authentic and delicious Colombian cuisine? Then Caprichos should be at the top of your list. This bakery provides an irresistible array of freshly made fried delights, savory pastries  and rich, flavorful breads. Every bite is a highlight of Colombian culture, from the sweet, buttery arepas de chocolo — golden corn cakes paired with melted butter and fresh Colombian cheese — to the crispy, potato-filled beef empanadas that perfectly complement the tangy aji sauce. Caprichos offers both a cozy sit-down experience and convenient takeout options. 173 Lonsdale Ave., Pawtucket, caprichosantioquenos.com

Armando & Son Meat Market

Whether you’re a chef or just a food enthusiast, there is a noticeable difference when cooking with fresh produce and high-quality meats: Exceptional ingredients elevate any recipe. Armando & Son Meat Market offers a wide selection of fresh produce, Latin dairy products such as cotija cheese and queso fresco (fresh cheese), and high-quality meats, including flank steak for a delicious carne asada (roasted meat) and pork leg for delicious pernil (slow-roasted pork leg). There are also Latin American staples like beans, rice, marinades and spices that bring bold, spicy and citrusy flavors to your pantry. 895 Elmwood Ave., Providence, facebook.com/pages/Armando-Son-Meat-Market

Saboriza

Saboriza is a market dedicated to bringing the vibrant flavors and cherished products of Latin America to your home. With a wide range of authentic ingredients, snacks and spices, this market makes it easy to connect with recipes and traditions of Latin culture. Whether you are looking for pantry staples like Goya products (beans, seasonings, snacks), Abuelita chocolate for a mouthwatering hot chocolate, different types of dried chiles and fresh produce, Saboriza has everything you need. Here you can discover or rediscover the tastes of my homeland and pass them down to your loved ones. 933 Broad St., Providence, saboriza.com 

Johnny’s Chimi Place

Nothing tastes better than late-night street food, and Johnny’s Chimi Place food truck is the go-to spot for Dominican favorites up until midnight on most weekdays, and 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Known for its famous chimi burgers, Johnny’s serves the best in the Broad Street area. A chimi, short for “chimichurri,” is a classic Dominican burger made with griddle-cooked ground beef and a signature chimi sauce made of mayo, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce and orange juice. Variations include pork, chicken, vegetarian options and even doubles. Don’t sleep on must-try dishes like yaroa (Dominican-style loaded fries), stuffed yucca, kipes, pastelitos (deep-fried patties) and more. 986 Broad St., Providence, instagram.com/johnnyschimiplace 

Casa Mexico

More than just a restaurant and bakery, Casa Mexico is also a mini market that sells authentic Mexican products. A variety of Mexican spices, snacks, produce and traditional cookware like molcajetes line the aisles. Make your way to the back of the store for the irresistible aromas of freshly baked churros, conchas and palmeras. Whether you are looking to recreate your favorite Mexican dishes or indulge in sweet treats, you should not skip a visit to Casa Mexico. 802 Atwells Ave., Providence, instagram.com/casamexicori

SHOP: Vicente’s Supermarket

Cuisine: Latin, Cape Verdean

With Latin or Cape Verdean music as your soundtrack, shop for essentials like meats, produce and spices. Add preseasoned pork or chicken party wings to your cart for hassle-free cooking, along with juices and sodas from Latin countries. Visit Vicente’s Kitchen for a quick scratch-made lunch or dinner; pack your to-go container with rice, beans, cachupa (a traditional stew from Cape Verde), Brazilian chicken croquettes and other flavorful treats. Grab a full festive dessert, or treat yourself with a hefty slice of flan, dulce de leche or tres leches cake. Vicente’s also offers catering for items ranging from Portuguese rolls and ham and cheese pastries to duck rice and chicken alfredo. 470 Pawtucket Ave., Pawtucket, 834-1641, vicentessupermarket.com