>> Odessa Grocery Russian Deli | Eat the World Los Angeles

Friday, 30 April 2021

Odessa Grocery Russian Deli

RUSSIA ๐Ÿ‡ท๐Ÿ‡บ
UKRAINE ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ


EDITOR'S NOTE: An updated version of this article (24 September 2024) is available as part of the Historical section of our Substack page. Check that out here:

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.

๐Ÿ“ 12129 W. Magnolia Blvd., Valley Village, San Fernando Valley

๐Ÿ‡ท๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ท๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ท๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ

I COULD USE YOUR HELP
Eat the World Los Angeles is and always has been free. It is a hobby born of passion and never solicits money or free food from restaurants. No advertisements block the content or pop over what you read. If this website has helped you explore your city and its wonderful cultures a little better please tell your friends about us and if you have the means to contribute, please consider doing so. Eat the World Los Angeles is a labor of love, but also takes a lot of money and time everyday to keep running.

You can Venmo me @JAREDCOHEE, Cash App $JaredCohee, or click here to send PayPal donation, where no account is necessary. Thank you!

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.