Looking for a Middle Eastern grocery store in Mississauga? Food World Plus at 50 Matheson Blvd E has a dedicated African & Middle Eastern section, along with a bakery, dairy, sweets counter, and halal-certified meat counter, so the whole shop can happen in one trip. This guide is for anyone stocking a Middle Eastern kitchen, whether you're cooking family recipes or trying these flavours for the first time. It covers what to buy, what each item is, and where to find it in the store.
Where Can I Find a Middle Eastern Grocery Store in Mississauga?
Food World Plus is a multicultural grocery store at 50 Matheson Blvd E, Mississauga, with free on-site parking. Its Middle Eastern groceries in Mississauga span several departments: the cuisine aisle for dates, tahini, and spice blends; the bakery for pita; the dairy section for labneh; the Sweet Parlor for baklava; and the halal-certified counter for lamb and chicken.
Shopping across those departments in one store saves the usual routine of visiting a separate bakery, butcher, and specialty shop.
What Should I Buy at a Middle Eastern Grocery Store?
A Middle Eastern grocery list usually covers dates, tahini, grains, spice blends, fresh bread, labneh, olives, cheese, sweets, and coffee. The table below lists each item, what it is, and where to find it at Food World Plus.
| Item | What It Is | Where to Find It |
|---|---|---|
| Dates | Medjool, Ajwa, Mabroom, and Deglet Noor, in gift boxes and bulk | African & Middle Eastern aisle |
| Tahini | Smooth sesame paste for dips, dressings, and sweets | African & Middle Eastern aisle |
| Halva | A dense sweet made from sesame paste | African & Middle Eastern aisle |
| Bulgur | Cracked wheat for salads and pilafs | African & Middle Eastern aisle |
| Fava beans and lentils | Dried legumes for stews, soups, and breakfast dishes | African & Middle Eastern aisle |
| Za'atar and baharat | Spice blends for bread, meat, rice, and vegetables | African & Middle Eastern aisle |
| Arabic coffee and mint tea | Everyday hot drinks | African & Middle Eastern aisle |
| Pita and Arabic bread | Soft flatbread for dipping and wrapping | Bakery |
| Labneh | Thick, tangy strained yogurt | Dairy |
| Parsley and mint | Fresh herbs for salads and garnishes | Produce |
| Olives, feta, and halloumi | Olives and cheeses for snacks and meals | Olive and cheese bar |
| Baklava and ma'amoul | Layered pastry and filled cookies | Sweet Parlor |
| Filo and kataifi | Pastry dough for baking sweets at home | Pastry shelf |
| Lamb and chicken | Halal-certified fresh meat | Halal-certified counter |
Which Dates Should I Buy: Medjool, Ajwa, Mabroom, or Deglet Noor?
Medjool, Ajwa, Mabroom, and Deglet Noor dates differ mainly in size, texture, and sweetness. Medjool dates are large and soft, Ajwa dates are small and dark with a milder taste, Mabroom dates are long and chewy, and Deglet Noor dates are firmer, making them convenient for chopping into recipes. Food World Plus advertises all four varieties in gift boxes and bulk.
| Variety | Size and Appearance | Texture | Taste | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medjool | Large, deep brown | Soft and moist | Rich, caramel-like | Snacking, stuffing, gifting |
| Ajwa | Small, nearly black | Soft | Milder, less sugary | Eating on their own |
| Mabroom | Long and slender | Chewy | Caramel notes | Snacking, gifting |
| Deglet Noor | Medium, lighter amber | Firmer and drier | Delicate, honey-like | Baking, salads, and rice |
Many families buy dates by the box ahead of Ramadan, while dates are also a convenient year-round snack.
How Should I Store Dates Bought in Bulk?
Dates bought in bulk can be stored in a sealed, moisture-proof container to help preserve their quality. For longer-term storage, freezing is a useful option. According to the UC Davis Postharvest Technology Center, appropriate storage conditions help preserve date quality.
For daily snacking, keep a smaller container in the fridge or pantry, following the product's storage instructions, and refill it from your larger supply as needed.
Which Pantry Staples Belong on a Middle Eastern Grocery List?
The core Middle Eastern pantry staples include tahini, halva, bulgur, fava beans, and lentils. Tahini goes into dips and dressings, halva is an easy sweet, bulgur is used in tabbouleh and kibbeh, fava beans are the base of ful medames, and lentils feature in soups and mujaddara.
- Tahini: Stir well before using because sesame oil naturally separates and rises to the top.
- Halva: A sweet available in different varieties, sometimes with nuts, that can be eaten on its own or with bread.
- Bulgur: Fine bulgur works well in tabbouleh and some kibbeh recipes, while coarser varieties suit pilafs.
- Fava beans and lentils: Dried legumes that are useful for soups, stews, and filling family meals. Store them in sealed containers in a cool, dry place.
What Are Za'atar and Baharat, and How Do You Use Them?
Za'atar and baharat are two common Middle Eastern spice blends with different uses. Za'atar is a herby, tangy blend that often includes dried thyme-like herbs, sumac, sesame seeds, and salt. It is commonly eaten with olive oil and bread. Baharat is a warm spice blend typically built around ingredients such as black pepper, allspice, cinnamon, and cumin, and is used to season meat, rice, and stews.
Recipes for both blends vary by region and family, so trying different varieties can help you find the flavour you prefer.
Everyday Ways to Use Za'atar
- On bread: Mix with olive oil and spread over pita before warming it.
- On labneh: Sprinkle over labneh with a drizzle of olive oil.
- On eggs and vegetables: Add to fried eggs, roasted potatoes, or tomato salad.
Everyday Ways to Use Baharat
- On meat: Rub into lamb or chicken before grilling or roasting.
- In rice: Stir into rice dishes cooked with meat or vegetables.
- In stews: Use to season lentil soups and slow-cooked dishes.
What Fresh Items Should I Pick Up?
The fresh side of a Middle Eastern grocery shop usually includes pita, labneh, fresh herbs, olives, and cheese. At Food World Plus, these items are organised across different departments, so it helps to know where to look before you go.
Fresh Pita and Arabic Bread
Pita and Arabic bread are soft flatbreads used for scooping dips, wrapping grilled meat, and making za'atar bread. Find them in the Food World Plus bakery section. Pita can be frozen for later use when stored properly according to the package instructions.
Labneh
Labneh is yogurt strained until it becomes thick enough to spread. It is thicker and tangier than many regular yogurts, with a texture that can resemble cream cheese. A classic serving suggestion is to spread labneh on a plate, drizzle it with olive oil, and sprinkle it with za'atar before serving with pita. Look for it in the dairy section.
Fresh Parsley and Mint
Parsley and mint are popular herbs in Middle Eastern salads and dishes. Tabbouleh traditionally uses plenty of parsley, while mint is used in salads, yogurt sauces, and tea. Look for both herbs in the produce department.
Olives, Feta, and Halloumi
The olive and cheese bar offers options for snacks, salads, and family meals. Kalamata and Castelvetrano olives, feta, and halloumi are examples of popular Mediterranean choices; confirm current varieties and availability in-store.
Halloumi is a firm, brined cheese that holds its shape when grilled or fried, allowing its surface to brown without melting away.
Where Can I Find Baklava and Ma'amoul?
Baklava and ma'amoul are featured at the Food World Plus Sweet Parlor. Baklava is layered filo pastry filled with chopped nuts and finished with syrup. Ma'amoul are shortbread-style cookies filled with dates, pistachios, or walnuts and are often shared during holidays and family visits.
For home baking, look for filo sheets and kataifi, a shredded pastry used for knafeh and other nut-filled desserts, on the pastry shelf.
How Is Arabic Coffee Different From Regular Coffee?
Arabic coffee is often prepared with cardamom, which gives it a distinctive spiced aroma. Depending on the regional tradition and blend, the coffee may be lighter in colour than familiar dark-roasted coffee. It is traditionally served in small cups and often accompanied by dates.
Food World Plus advertises Arabic coffee and sweet mint tea in its African & Middle Eastern aisle. Blends vary by region, so check the packaging for ingredients and brewing instructions.
Does Food World Plus Carry Halal Lamb and Chicken?
Food World Plus advertises a halal-certified counter with fresh lamb and chicken, allowing you to shop for meat alongside your pantry staples. Visit the halal meat and foods section to learn more about the advertised range and check current availability.
How Can I Save on a Middle Eastern Grocery Shop?
Useful ways to manage your grocery budget at Food World Plus include checking the weekly flyer, joining the Variety Rewards loyalty program, and comparing family-size packs.
- Check the flyer: Browse this week's flyer and deals or sign up for email updates advertised for Thursdays.
- Join the loyalty program: Explore Variety Rewards at Food World Plus to learn how to earn points on eligible purchases.
- Compare larger sizes: Dates, bulgur, lentils, and fava beans are pantry staples worth comparing by package size and price per unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tahini the Same as Hummus?
No. Tahini is a paste made from ground sesame seeds. Hummus is a dip commonly made from chickpeas blended with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. Tahini is one ingredient in hummus and is also used in dressings, sauces, and sweets.
Can I Find Lebanese Groceries at Food World Plus?
The store's African & Middle Eastern grocery selection is relevant to shoppers looking for many Lebanese kitchen staples, including za'atar, labneh, tahini, bulgur, pita, olives, and ma'amoul. Fresh parsley and mint for tabbouleh can be found in the produce department. Specific products and brands may vary.
Does Food World Plus Sell Dates in Bulk?
Food World Plus advertises Medjool, Ajwa, Mabroom, and Deglet Noor dates in gift boxes and bulk packs. Check the African & Middle Eastern section or contact the store to confirm current varieties and pack sizes.
Explore Middle Eastern Groceries at Food World Plus
From dates, tahini, and spice blends to fresh pita, labneh, sweets, and halal meat, Food World Plus brings a variety of Middle Eastern grocery essentials together in one supermarket.
Explore the African & Middle Eastern grocery section, browse the bakery, or visit the halal meat and foods section to plan your next grocery trip.