Grocery Shopping in Breda: A Little Taste of Home! 

Let’s face it: shopping at Albert Heijn (AH) is just too Dutch sometimes, right? You’re craving something familiar, something that reminds you of home, but AH and Jumbo just don’t quite hit the spot. If you’re an international student at BUas and feeling a bit homesick, Breda has some great grocery stores with flavours that take you right back to your home country. In this article I will give you some options where you can stock up on your favourite ingredients and maybe even find some inspirstion spice up your meals. 

Toko Toko Breda: Your Go-To Asian Grocery Store

If you're missing the taste of home from Asia, Toko Toko Breda is the place to be. Located just a short walk from BUas at Brabantplein 1-2, 4817 LR Breda, this little shop is packed with everything you need for Asian cuisine. Whether you're cooking up a Thai curry with lemongrass or rolling sushi with nori sheets, they’ve got you covered. It’s perfect for those quick grocery runs between classes, making sure you have everything to bring the flavours of your home country right into your kitchen. Even though there are several Asian grocery stores in Breda, Toko Toko is the best option for BUas students, as it's just a 5-minute walk from campus! 

Polski Sklep Polish Deli: A Taste of Eastern Europe 

For those missing the comforting flavours of Eastern Europe, Polski Sklep Polish Deli is your go-to place. This cozy shop is located in Haagweg 27B, 4814 GB Breda and has everything from pierogi  “dumplings with various fillings” (hello, comfort food!) to smoked kabanos sausages. They also stock some classic Eastern European ingredients like sauerkraut (fermented cabbage) and ingredients for borscht (beet-based soup), which is perfect for recreating those traditional dishes that make you feel at home. Whether you're craving a hearty Polish meal or just looking to stock up on some familiar ingredients, this deli will give you all the tastes of home. Bonus: There is also a Polish Deli Plus in Breda, which is a bigger shop with even more options. 

Advantage Supermarket: A Turkish Delight  

Advantage Supermarket in Breda is a Turkish supermarket at Charleroistraat 172, 4826 LP Breda, that offers much more than just Turkish ingredients. While you can find all the classic Turkish items like baklava, simit, and a variety of spices such as sumac and za'atar, the store also caters to different cultures, making it an ideal spot for international students. You'll also find ingredients from the Middle East, Mediterranean, and South Asia. Beyond the cultural variety, Advantage Supermarket has another unique advantage: it stocks everyday products you might recognize from Dutch grocery stores, but often with better quality and at lower prices. Staples like vegetables, meat, and eggs are usually both fresher and cheaper here, depending on the store. For example, items like buckwheat, which are expensive or hard to find in Dutch or even Polish stores, are much more affordable at Advantage. Whether you're exploring new flavors or looking for familiar ones at a better price, Advantage Supermarket is a fantastic way to shop smart and eat well while feeling close to home.

Amazing Oriental: Global supermarket  

Amazing Oriental in Breda located at Belcrumweg 34, 4815 HB Breda is a great option for food lovers. While it specializes in Asian ingredients, the store also carries a great selection of Mexican and American products. Whether you’re looking for tortillas, salsas, or unique spices, you’ll find everything you need to recreate Latin and American dishes. It is perfect for anyone wanting to explore new recipes from around the world. 

Grocery Shopping Made Easy (and Delicious!)

Finding the right ingredients from your home country doesn’t have to be hard, and Breda has plenty of places to help you do just that! Whether you're craving Asian, Eastern European, Turkish, or Latin American flavours, these local spots have you covered. So next time you’re tired of the same old Dutch options, take a break and look at these international grocery stores. You’ll not only find the ingredients you love but also discover new ones that’ll make your meals more exciting. Plus, it's a great way to feel a little closer to home while living in the Netherlands!  

Bonus: We tasted some snacks from the grocery stores mentioned above. Watch the video to see our review.