Odessa Grocery Russian Deli

RUSSIA 🇷🇺
UKRAINE 🇺🇦

COVID-19 UPDATE: The market is operating pretty close to normal, with a mark or two on the floor for social distancing. Masks are required, but those not wanting to be in tight situations around others should probably avoid the grocery for now.

While Los Angeles is not home to any Little Odessas or Moscows, a small section of Valley Village is the place to start for those that want some Russian groceries, baked goods, and prepared foods. Along with Tashkent Produce just to the north on Laurel Canyon Blvd., there is plenty to explore.

While both markets are named for cities in other countries (Odessa is in Ukraine, Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan), a good portion of the goods and customers are of Russian descent. In that country, and throughout the diaspora, the best tastes of all the former Soviet republics have been colonized in a way and the reality of this makes the stereotype of "Russian food" unable to tell the full story.

Refrigerators are full of prepared foods, freezers ready with items to transfer to yours. The store is small but the aisles are packed with goods, you could really rack up a large tab here pretty quickly. For those less familiar with the foods and products that Russians come here for, head to the back of the shop and check out the cases of foods prepared fresh daily (above and below).

Everything is sold by weight, and you can get as much or as little of each as you desire. Some customers grab a quick snack while others seem to be catering grand meals for many friends and family. Don't be surprised if your answer is not more than "chicken" when you ask about what something is, especially when not speaking in Russian.

A recent gathering.

Just grab whatever looks good on the day you stop by, and makes notes for future visits. A rack of freshly baked bread is up front by the register, so do not forget to grab a loaf to accompany your foods.

📍 12129 W. Magnolia Blvd., Valley Village, San Fernando Valley

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