Our Story

35+ Years of Flavor

From a family's dream to a University City institution. This is who we are.

Est. 1987
Front photo of International Foods & Spices

A Family Store for a Whole Community

International Foods & Spices has been a cornerstone of the University City neighborhood since 1987. Family-owned and operated, we've spent over three decades bringing the flavors of South Asia, the Middle East, and East Africa to Philadelphia.

What started as a small grocery has grown into a destination — known for our handmade samosas, our fully stocked spice wall, and our selection of halal meats. We serve everyone from the Penn and Drexel students next door to families who've been shopping with us for generations.

We're not just a store. We're a piece of the neighborhood.

Our Journey

A Brief History

1982

International Foods & Spices opens its first location at 120 S 41st St, bringing South Asian groceries to the University City neighborhood.

1987

A new generation comes in. The store moves to its current home at 4203 Walnut Street, a bigger space to better serve the growing community.

1998

The store expands at 4203 Walnut Street, adding more square footage and a bigger, greater variety of products — continuing the tradition and expanding the store's offerings to include East African and Middle Eastern products.

Today

Still family-owned, still on Walnut Street, still making the best samosas in Philly. Featured in Philadelphia Magazine and loved by a community that spans generations.

Press

As Featured In

We're honored to be recognized by Philadelphia's best.

Philadelphia Magazine Philly Street Foods for Eating on the Go Philadelphia Magazine Where to Eat Indian Food in Philadelphia