Wondering where to buy groceries in Playa del Carmen? Most vacationers tend to head to the following places in order of preference: Walmart, Mega, Chedraui, Soriana, and Aki. Conveniently located in the downtown area, Walmart on 30th Avenue and 8th Street, and Mega on 30th Avenue and Constituyentes Avenue are popular choices within walking distance. Chedraui has two locations—one at the south end of town near Avenida Juarez and the 307 highway, and another in Plaza Las Americas, accessible by car or public transportation.
Soriana can be found in the Centro Maya shopping area at the southern tip of town, reachable by car or public transit. Aki, situated between Walmart and Mega on 30th Avenue, between 12th and 14Bis Street, offers another option for convenient shopping. Each store has its own unique offerings, so you might choose based on location and preferences. While there are smaller markets available, these larger stores are popular among both tourists and locals alike.
You can also visit local markets like DAC Market or El Pueblito, where you’ll find fresh produce, meat, seafood, and other essentials. These markets often offer a more authentic shopping experience and the chance to interact with local vendors. There are numerous convenience stores scattered throughout Playa del Carmen, such as OXXO and 7-Eleven, where you can buy snacks, beverages, and basic groceries.
Playa del Carmen offers a variety of options for grocery shopping, depending on your needs and preferences. Here are some of the best places to consider:
Large Supermarkets:
- Walmart: Offers a wide selection of groceries, household items, and personal care products at competitive prices. It’s located on the outskirts of town, so you might need transportation.
- Mega Soriana: Another large supermarket chain with a good selection of groceries, including fresh produce, meat, dairy, and packaged goods. There are two locations in Playa del Carmen – one downtown and one on the highway.
- Chedraui: Similar to Mega Soriana, this supermarket chain offers a broad selection of groceries, including some imported and organic options. There are two Chedraui locations in Playa del Carmen.
Local Markets:
- Mercado 28: This large market is a great place to find fresh produce, local ingredients, souvenirs, and handicrafts. Be prepared to bargain for the best prices.
- Farmers Markets: Several farmers markets operate throughout the week in different locations around Playa del Carmen. These are perfect for finding high-quality seasonal produce and supporting local farmers.
Specialty Stores:
- Dac Vegetable & Fruit Market: This market specializes in fresh fruits and vegetables and offers a wider variety than you might find in supermarkets.
- Organic and health food stores: Bio-Natural, Bio Organicos, Dac (Playa del Carmen location has organic options), Organik Boutique – These stores cater to those seeking organic produce, healthy snacks, and specialty dietary items.
Additional Tips:
- Consider location: If you’re staying downtown, you might prefer to shop at the smaller supermarkets or local markets within walking distance. If you have a car or prefer larger stores, the supermarkets on the outskirts might be a better option.
- Prices: Generally, expect lower prices at larger supermarkets like Walmart or Mega Soriana compared to local markets or specialty stores.
- Bring your own bags: Many stores in Playa del Carmen are reducing plastic bag use. It’s a good idea to bring your own reusable bags for shopping.
Here’s a quick summary for easy reference:
- For a wide selection and competitive prices: Walmart, Mega Soriana, Chedraui.
- For fresh produce and local ingredients: Mercado 28, Farmers Markets, Dac Vegetable & Fruit Market.
- For organic and health food options: Bio-Natural, Bio Organicos, Dac (Playa del Carmen location only), Organik Boutique.
This is the bread I really like. It’s sold at Walmart and comes in two varieties. It tastes like rye “Riga” bread.
I recommend this delicious cottage cheese/yogurt
The milk tastes good. It’s sold in the refrigerator at Soriana. They also have kefir the same brand there.
These chocolates made locally are very tasty.
Delicious candies are currently being sold by a Mexican man at Centro Maya. He also has another spot on Las Americas.
However, the candies are not cheap. They cost 20 pesos for a round one and 25 pesos for a long one. But their taste is exquisite due to the use of all-natural ingredients. I’ve only tried these so far, and they’re simply addictive. They taste like buttered sweet.
DAC Verduras y Frutas
DAC Quality Foods, Vegetable wholesaler
There’s a small restaurant near DAC Quality Foods that sells fresh juices for 40 pesos to go. They have 20 different options to choose from.
They also sell rye bread at DAC, as well as other types of bread. You can find them near the cash register.
Website:
dacmercado.com
Phone:
+529841194961
Wo’ Market
Fresh food market
Address:
Calle 7 sur diagonal mza 29 lote 4 local 3,
Playacar, 77717 Playa del Carmen,
Q.R., Mexico
Phone:
+52 984 206 1476
Cozumel Market:
The island’s Municipal Market, called Mercado Municipal, isn’t huge or fancy, but it’s worth visiting for the fresh produce and friendly vendors. Open every day, you can find fruits, veggies, tortillas, meats, fish, and more there.
Even better, it’s not a tourist trap, and the prices are more “local,” making it an excellent destination for authentic island shopping and dining, offering great value.
Address:
Calle Dr Adolfo Rosado Salas,
Centro, 77600 Cozumel,
Q.R., Mexico
Phone:
+529871184823
PESCADERIA “EL DORADO”
Seafood market
A small fish market away from the tourist area, but not far away. Fresh catch every day. Most people pick their fish and have it fried to take home. Nice shrimp in the freezer.
Address:
35 Avenida Norte,
MZA 372 LTE 2,
Luis Donaldo Colosio,
77712 Playa del Carmen,
Q.R., Mexico
For those who don’t want to cook, there are plenty of options for buying ready-made food. You can also find European, Russian, Ukrainian, and Georgian food in Playa, if that’s what you’re in the mood for.
Alegro Maestro de Cocina
Fresh cottage cheese
Syrniki (fried quark pancakes)
Crêpes filled with meat, chicken, or cottage cheese
Chicken Kiev cutlets
Zrazy (stuffed meat rolls) with cheese
Meatballs
Vareniki (dumplings) with cottage cheese
Pelmeni (dumplings) with meat or chicken
Sauerkraut
Rye kvass is always available
Website: facebook.com
Phone: +52 984 137 5342
Tatiana
She cooks pelmeni (dumplings), pirozki ( a small Russian pastry filled with savoury or sweet food, and then baked or fried) and much more tasty food.
Phone: + 380 67 484 4070
Deli Carnes
Homemade sausage. The prices are good, and it’s very tasty.
Phone: +52 998 155 0296
Wbsite: facebook.com
La Cocina Georgiana Tradicional en México
Georgian cuisine is a true paradise for lovers of good food. It combines varied flavors, fresh aromas and quality ingredients. But it is not only the taste that makes Georgian cuisine popular, it is also known for its healthy properties. Most Georgian dishes contain many vegetables, herbs, spices and nuts, which makes them rich in vitamins, minerals and proteins. It is a wonderful combination of taste and health benefits!
Website: playarusudan.com
RANCHO “DK”. Mexico
Organic products:
Dairy products, eggs, meat, honey, fish
No additives, preservatives, growth hormones, antibiotics, GMOs.
(All the animals are free on their own ranch, Quintana Roo).
Website: facebook.com
ORDER by WhatsApp: +52 984 807 51 47